Monument record 10122 - Post medieval evidence at Trinity Street

A post medieval pit was recorded during archaeological investigations to the east of Trinity Street in 1950. The excavations consisted of a east-west aligned trench cutting a number of Roman features including a road surface (CHER 8367) into which a late 17th century pit had been cut, removing much of its eastern side. Although the pottery was crude with only two fragments of finer white Delft ware of a probable 17th century date, glazes on several fragments were reminiscent of Cistercian ware and may therefore by earlier. (1)

Another pit, of an early 18th century date was also encountered; the material recovered from this pit consisted of large quantities clay pipe and pottery. The clay pipe was particularly important in informing on the production of decorated clay pipe in Chester in the 18th century. All of the decoration so far identified related to inns present in the first three decades of the 18th century, however, only one makers mark was noted; that of Elias Massey who practised in Chester between 1688 and 1715. In addition to the clay pipe, quantities of post medieval pottery and glass were also recovered. (2)

<1> Webster, Graham, 1956, Excavation of the Roman Remains East of Trinity Street (Article in Journal). SCH5741.

<2> Webster, Graham and K Barton, 1957, An 18th Century Rubbish Pit, Trinity Street, 1953 (Article in Journal). SCH5744.