Monument record 10927 - 18th century tanning evidence at City Road

Archaeological investigations at 20 City Road in 2001 and again in 2007/8 recorded evidence of 17th-18th century tanning activity in the area.

The evidence consisted of a possible tanning pit [9] identified during the excavation of test pit 4 in 2001 constructed using timber beams. The pit contained quantities of animal bone and horn cores. The test pit was unfortunately abandoned due to possible contamination before the features could be investigated in sufficient detail. Further excavations at test pit 6 in 2001 identified a series of four intercutting pits containing quantities of cattle bone, particularly horn cores and substantial quantities of pottery from a 2nd to 17th century date. (1)

Further evidence of tanning activity was subsequently recorded during the excavation stage in 2007. The evidence consisted of six pits containing animal bone and horn cores as well as pottery of a broadly 18th century date. The pits identified in this phase of work consisted of small circular or sub circular pits with some traces of wooden fragments and beams suggestive of a timber lining. (2)

<1> Oxford Archaeology North, 2002, Land at City Road, Chester, Cheshire: Archaeological Evaluation, R2710b (Client Report). SCH6246.

<2> L - P Archaeology, 2009, Archaeological Excavation Report for Land at 20 City Road, Chester, R2897 (Client Report). SCH5184.