Monument record 10137 - Medieval structural evidence at 46-50 Foregate Street

Archaeological investigations at 46-50 Foregate Street identified activity from the 13th century onwards. The excavations were carried out by F.H. Thompson prior to redevelopment of the site and involved the excavation of six trenches.

The evidence consisted of a medieval pit in trench 1 containing substantial quantities of medieval pottery of a 13th century date and animal bone in a black organic fill and a probable hearth feature in trench 2 close to the street frontage comprising a layer of burnt clay, sandstone and charcoal fragments, pottery recovered from this feature indicated a 13th century date. A later extension to trench 4 towards the centre of the plot encountered a large medieval pit and a rough masonry wall of probable medieval date, however neither feature was investigated in any details. Medieval pottery from the site includes sherds from jars, cooking pots, strap handles and a large storage jar decorated with applied vertical thumb impressed strips. Also, medieval iron shears and a Nuremberg jetton (1).

<1> Whitwell J.B & McName S.M, 1964, Excavations at 46-50 Foregate Street, 1961 (Article in Journal). SCH5874.