Monument record 10301 - Medieval structural activity to the rear of Newgate Street

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, much of plot 6 was occupied with pits containing domestic refuse including a high quantity of fish bone. Also recorded was an oven, a hearth and a possible structure consisting of a surface and the remains of a sandstone wall.

The later medieval evidence from plot 6 suggests a change in function with structural remains cleared away and a succession of cultivation and garden soils and pits recorded across the area excavated. The pits contained pottery of a consistently 14th-15th century date. In addition, a probable well feature was identified on the eastern edge of the excavations. (1)

<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.