Monument record 10249 - medieval structural evidence at St John Street

Evidence of medieval structural activity was recorded during archaeological investigations at St John Street in 2006. The excavations were carried out on the site of the former BT Exchange in an area that had previously been investigated by Newstead producing mixed results of medieval and post medieval activity.

The evidence consisted of a large pit or ditch from trench 4 containing fragments of Ewloe ware. In trench 2 the evidence consisted of a substantial wall [context 39] interpreted as the wall of large cesspit or cellar with a layer of crushed grey slate [context 43] that may have served as a crude floor. Following the infilling of the feature represented by wall [39] a sandstone slab surface [context 38] was used to seal it. The surface included a fragment of reused inscribed stone believed to be a medieval gravestone. Although dating evidence from this feature was limited, that this surface was cut by a later rubbish pit containing 17th century material indicating the wall and sandstone surface were earlier. (1)

<1> Earthworks Archaeology, 2006, Proposed Redevelopment at The Former BT Exchange Building St John Street Chester, R2606 (Client Report). SCH4656.