Monument record 10239 - Post medieval buildings at Lower Bridge Street (Phase VIII)

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).

In the 17th century the two medieval structures were rebuilt and extended west, possibly as a single structure with the intervening space enclosed by a rough sandstone wall. A cobbled road was also added to provide access to the structures as well as for other houses and shops on the street frontage. This arrangement continued until the early 19th century. (1)

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> Cherry, John, 1975, Post-Medieval Britain in 1974 (Article in Journal). SCH6074.

<7> Anon, 1975, March 1975: North West Newsletter. Excavations (Article in Journal). SCH5746.