Monument record 10209 - 16th century structure at 29 Foregate Street

Archaeological investigations to the rear of 29 Foregate Street identified a number of features of post medieval date. The investigations remain in an unpublished stage and no trench plan is attached to the available archive notes, in addition the finds archive has not been extensively analysed. In the 16th century the plot was occupied by a substantial property with a fine garden to the rear.

Trench 2 identified two features, Feature 16 consisted of a wall of red/orange bonded brick of a 16th or 17th century date probably relating to the 16th century garden. A deposit immediately overlying the wall consisted of a layer of black charcoal believed to represent a burnt deposit.

During the Civil War it was recorded that the properties the city were razed to provide a clear space and it is possible this burnt layer reflects this period.
An additional feature was recorded in the same trench and probably represents the walls of a cellar associated with the garden. (1)

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1998, Excavations at 29 Foregate Street, Chester (Marks and Spencers) (Unpublished Report). SCH6628.