Monument record 10242 - post medieval pits at 10 Commonhall Street

Evidence of several phases of post medieval activity was recorded during archaeological investigations to the rear of 10 Commonhall Street. The investigations comprised an initial phase of evaluation consisting of a single trench in 2006 followed by later investigations in 2010 consisting of archaeological excavation and a subsequent watching brief. The evidence indicates pitting activity in the medieval period (CHER 10241) and early post medieval period (CHER 10242) followed by structural activity from the 17th century onwards (CHER 10260; 10261).

The evidence consisted of a series of pits cut throughout the post medieval period. Following the medieval activity (CHER 10241), two rubbish pits dating to the 16th century were encountered in the eastern end of the excavated area containing pottery fragments and animal bone. The pits contained a quantity of drug and ointment jars that are suggestive of an apothecary nearby. (2)

This was subsequently overlain by a cultivation soil into which three later pits were cut. The material recovered from these pits included pottery, clay pipe and glass fragments dated to the late 16th to early 17th century. These pits were then sealed by a thick deposit of a similar date. (1)

<1> L - P Archaeology, 2010, Archaeological Excavation of land at 10 Commonhall Street, Chester, R2946 (Client Report). SCH5239.

<2> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2006, Proposed Extension at 'Got Wine' 10 Commonhall Street, Chester, R3007 (Client Report). SCH5354.