Monument record 10160/2 - Medieval strip property on Princess Street: Yard Area

Archaeological investigations between 1978 and 1982 as part of the Hunter Street/Princess Street excavations uncovered substantial evidence of medieval and post medieval activity. The excavations covered a substantial area west of Northgate Street between Princess Street and Hunter Street, however, although the Roman and Saxon evidence has been published, the medieval and later work remains largely unpublished.

<1> multiple authors, 1980/81, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed (Article in Journal). SCH5806.

<2> Chester Archaeology, 1980, Princess Street Excavations: Medieval and post medieval features (Unpublished Report). SCH6806.

The remaining area excavated to the rear of the building comprised a yard surface approximately 15m in length. The southern part was largely occupied by a substantial pit [F15] with evidence of a structure surrounding it and beginning just over 1m north of the building (CHER 10160/1). The northern part of the site comprised a series of smaller pits typically used as cess or rubbish pits.

The substantial rock cut pit [F15} was surrounded by Sandstone post pads placed in each corner and the pit had originally been lined with clay and timber. Limited dating evidence was recovered from the fill of the pit although a series of deposits indicated a long period of use. The earliest fills consisted of manure and stable sweepings. Later organic material was preserved in the waterlogged environment of the pit with quantities of beams, planks and boards, wooden pegs as well as parts of tools and two wooden bowls, cloth and leather including a pouch or purse and a complete ankle boot and parts of other shoes.

<3> Greig, J.R.A., 1986, The medieval (13th/14th century) plant remains from Chester, Hunters Walk. Draft report (Unpublished Report). SCH6943.

A preliminary report of the plant remains from P15 indicated the lower levels comprised waterlogged organic material of a 13th-14th century date with an upper fill of 15th century material.

<4> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1980, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6265.

<5> Ward, S. W., 1994, Saxon Occupation within the Roman Fortress: Sites Excavated, 1971-81 (Archaeological Service Excavation & Survey Reports) (Monograph). SCH5486.

<6> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1981, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6267.

<7> Ward, S. W., 1985, The Rows: the Evidence from Archaeology (Article in Journal). SCH5821.

<8> Youngs S & Clark J, 1981, Medieval Britain and Ireland in 1980 (Article in Journal). SCH5624.