Monument record 10312 - Medieval pits at Lower Bridge Street (Phase VI)

Evidence of several phases of medieval activity was recorded during archaeological investigations at 24-42 Lower Bridge Street in 1974-76. The evidence consisted of a series of rubbish pits and layers of silt dating to the early medieval period recorded overlying the earlier Saxon tanning activity (CHER 10312). By the fourteenth century a series of domestic structures were built over the site lasting until the 17th century (CHER 10313) when the site was redeveloped (CHER 10239). In the modern period, two phases of cottages were constructed on the site remaining until the 20th century (CHER 10240).

The excavations uncovered a substantial amount of Saxon evidence including domestic and industrial tanning activity that was covered in the 11th-13th century by a number of rubbish pits and layers of silt. (3)

Although the Roman and Saxon evidence from this site has been published, however, only short discussions of the medieval and later features are available. Trench plans of the medieval and later features are also not available.

<1> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1974, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6233.

<2> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1974, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6234.

<3> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1986, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6271.

<4> Mason, D. J. P., 1985, Excavations at Chester, 26-42 Lower Bridge Street 1974-6: The Dark Age and Saxon Periods (Excavation & survey reports) (Monograph). SCH1188.

<5> multiple authors, 1975, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed (Article in Journal). SCH5795.

<6> Anon, 1974, September 1974: North West Newsletter. Excavations (Article in Journal). SCH5742.