Source/Archive record SCH5321 - Structural Remedial Works to the Sandstone Retaining Wall at St Olave's Church, Lower Bridge Street, Chester: Rapid Archaeological Excavation

In March 2010 a rapid archaeological excavation was undertaken within the small chuiachyard of St. Olave 's Church, Lower Bridge Street, Chester (centring on NGR SJ 40626595). This project, consisting of the excavation of four trenches, represents the final phase of intermittent archaeological interventions associated with a programme of engineering investigations intended to find apermanent structural solution to an unstable churchyard wall. Many post-medieval inhumation burials were exposed and the report contains an expert assessment of their condition and archaeological importance. Quite apart from the density ofpostmediaeval graves and the potential for earlier burials, it is clear that mason ry associated with a substantial medieval structure survives. Additionally, important deposits containing pottery of Saxon date were recognised and Roman deposits and possible features were also identz3ed. This final stage of work has confirmed that the site contains important and complex multi-period archaeological stratigraphy of great signzjicance and potential. A