Monument record 10300 - Medieval activity at 25 Bridge street east

Archaeological investigations to the rear of 15-31 Bridge Street in 2001 (part of Debenhams) identified multi-phased activity from the Roman through to the modern period. Although the medieval activity largely comprised pits, ditches and cultivation soils typical of what would be found in the rear medieval plots, the sheer quantity of finds recovered was remarkable.

In the early medieval period, a cultivation soil contemporary was identified in Plot 3 into which was cut a succession of features included a sub-rectangular construction pit for a sandstone walled oval oven containing quantities of ash and burnt material. A second oven was also recorded adjacent to the first oven structure, although it was apparently smaller than the first.

Two hearths were also identified in plot 3, the first contained burnt animal bone and pottery of a 13th-14th century date while the second was not investigated. Additional features included a series of small post holes, pits and layers were also identified. An east west aligned ditch was also recorded but not investigated along with a short section of sandstone wall on a similar alignment.

Plot 3 in the later medieval period saw a shift in activity with the demolition of the ovens and the digging of a number of pits, one of which contained evidence of leatherworking.

Structural evidence was indicated by the construction of a north-south aligned boundary wall along the rear of the plot as well as evidence of at least one additional structure comprising a set of steps rising towards the rear boundary wall and an east west aligned wall of uncertain function. The remaining evidence from the plot consisted of a series of intercutting pits and cultivation soils.

<1> Garner D, 2008, Excavations at Chester: 25 Bridge Street 2001. Two thousand years of urban life in microcosm (Monograph). SCH6160.

<2> Gifford and Partners, 2002, Debenhams, Chester: Post-excavation Assessment Report, R3162 (Client Report). SCH6253.

<3> Beaumont James T, 2001, Medieval Britain and Ireland in 2000 (Article in Journal). SCH5644.

<4> Chester Archaeological Society, 2002: Part 1, The Chester Antiquary (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH6488.

<5> Ponsford, Michael, 2001, Post-Medieval Britain and Ireland in 2000 (Article in Journal). SCH6069.

<6> Bruce, Rachel, 2002, Chester Chronicle (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH6171.

<7> Chester Archaeology, 2001, Dig News (Newsletter). SCH6406.

<8> Chester Archaeology, 2002, Dig News (Newsletter). SCH6386.

<9> Chester Archaeology, 2002, Dig News (Newsletter). SCH6387.

<10> Chester Archaeology, 2003, Dig News (Newsletter). SCH6391.

<11> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 2002, The Past Uncovered (Newsletter). SCH6031.

<12> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 2009, The Past Uncovered (Newsletter). SCH6048.

<13> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 2002, Annual Review 2001-2002 (Newsletter). SCH6058.