Monument record 10455 - 17th century hearth at Lower Bridge Street

Archaeological investigations carried out in two phases to the rear of 49-51 Lower Bridge Street in 1990 identified a complex series of phases from the Roman through to the post medieval period. Unfortunately the excavations remain unpublished and information is limited, the phased activity at the site was produced by subsequent examination of the primary archive.

The results of an initial evaluation provided only limited evidence of post medieval activity however subsequent excavation identified the remains of a 17th century hearth consisting of an area of burnt clay surrounded by a number of sandstone blocks. (3)

The excavations also encountered a half barrel in a clay lined pit. This had been subsequently filled in with lime and was perhaps a cess or tan pit. (4)

<1> Chester City Council, 1990, 49-51 Lower Bridge Street, Chester (Maison Romano Hotel): an Archaeological Evaluation, r2085 (Client Report). SCH6203.

<2> Cambrian Archaeological Projects Ltd, 2000, St Olave Street, Chester: Archaeological desk top study and evaluation excavations, r3118 (Client Report). SCH6186.

<3> Chester Archaeology, Various, Chester Archaeology Site Notes: Various, ECH5367 (Written Communication). SCH6781.

<4> Ponsford, Michael, 1992, Post-Medieval Britain and Ireland in 1991 (Article in Journal). SCH6067.