Monument record 438/11 - Friar's Green/Bridge Street

Excavations directed by D A Higgins for the Liverpool University Rescue Archaeology Unit of c.34 sq m in the Friar's Green/Bridge Street area in advance of road widening.Stone steps revealed belonging to the cellar of a tannery, which had occupied the site since at least late 17th century. Cellar was brick built with a stone floor, although incorporating reused masonry blocks, perhaps from the nearby Friary (RN: 438/2).Against one side was a coke filled bunker and drains were laid under the floor - one contained part of a barrel.Building was demolished in 1885/6.Finds of clay pipes and a two-handled vessel, with a bung hole at the base and a spout. A ditch c.1.5m wide and 0.5m deep was found cutting the natural sands.It contained deposits from 15th century, which included two mosaic floor tiles made locally for the Friary and some medieval Roman sherds (1).

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 8/66-67 Williams S R 1982 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.