Monument record 10303 - post medieval activity at 27 Bridge Street (Phase 6 to 8)

Archaeological investigations to the rear of 15-31 Bridge Street (part of Debenhams) in 1996 and in 2001 identified multi-phased activity from the Roman through to the modern period. It was possible to identify the rear boundaries of 5 plots on an east-west alignment fronting onto Bridge Street and the rear of a sixth plot that probably extended onto Newgate Street.

Post medieval activity consisted largely of pits, ovens & hearths, cultivation layers and an increase in structural activity and could be divided into 3 phases continuing on from the medieval activity. Phase 6 was dated to the 15th-17th century and constituted the transition period from the medieval to post medieval. Phase 7 dated to the 17th-18th century and phase 8 from the 18th to 19th centuries.

Phase 6 evidence recorded to the rear of 27 Bridge Street (plot 2 of the 2001 investigations) consisted of two cess pits [context 487, 1653], an oven that may have been used for brewing [context 778]. In the 17th century there was an increase in pitting activity with several cess pits and rubbish pits cut into cultivation soils.

The 18th century was marked by an increase in structural activity, first with the addition of several sandstone walls in the central part of the excavated area followed by a evidence of a hearth and a building that probably corresponds to the houses recorded on the late 19th century Town Plans. (1)

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

<2> Chester Archaeology, 1996, 25-29 Bridge Street, Chester; trial excavation., R2689 (Client Report). SCH4797.

<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.

<14> Gifford and Partners, 2002, Debenhams, Chester: Post-excavation Assessment Report, R3162 (Client Report). SCH6253.