Monument record 10248 - post medieval hearth at Albion House

Archaeological investigations to the rear of Albion House in 2010 identified deeply stratified evidence of post medieval activity. As dating evidence was limited, the evidence is separated by location with evidence of a post medieval wall, pit and possible oven located to the south of the present house (CHER 10244) and evidence of a wall and possible earlier hearth to the east of the house (CHER 10248).

The excavations were carried out in two areas, the first area to the south of the present building identified a brick wall footing [context 14] and associated mortar fill approximately 0.89m below the present ground surface of a probable recent date. A post medieval pit [context 11] was subsequently excavated beneath the later features containing flecks of charcoal and pottery of a mid to late 17th century date.

This sealed an earlier feature consisting of a deposit of crushed fired clay material [context 5] interpreted as a possible waste or demolition spread from a clay oven or kiln. (1)

<1> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2010, Refurbishment and Improvement Works at Albion House, Albion Street, Chester: an Archaeological Watching Brief, R3029 (Client Report). SCH5391.