Monument record 10260 - 17th century brick building 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).

17th century activity is characterised by the cutting of a substantial oval pit, previously identified in the 2006 evaluation, containing large quantities of pottery, clay pipe and environmental evidence. (2). An analysis of the ceramic evidence from the pit indicates a period of use between 1600 and 1650 while the environmental evidence indicates domestic as well as table waste with some low level butchery also being carried out. Taken as a whole this suggests a high status household.

Additional evidence of a 17th century date consisted of wall foundations for several structures. One wall foundation appears to be a standing wall dividing the building fronting onto Commonhall Street from the yard area behind while a number of additional footings recorded at the east end of the site indicate outbuildings.

This was followed in the 18th and 19th century by more extensive structural activity replacing the earlier cultivation soils recorded to the rear of the street frontage.

<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.