Post-medieval activity at 181 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford (EHER 80754)

Post-medieval activity was restricted to a pit and a soakaway with some domestic finds.

May 2018. Excavation In 1591, the frontage of the adjacent site was occupied by a house with a single-storied hall flanked by a jettied cross-wing on the north-east, with an apparently identical building adjacent to the south-west. These could well have originated early in the 16th century. The date of these buildings is broadly consistent with that of F2035 and this suggests that this small feature might have been related to these buildings. The excavation of service trenches in the footpath outside 179-80 Moulsham Street revealed a well built of large red bricks, probably of 1784-1850.This date is broadly consistent with the Phase 3 features recorded during excavation at 181 Moulsham Street. The features of this date do not appear to represent the remains of buildings although the regular form of some of them, particularly F2002 and F2020, suggests that these features may have functions other than simple refuse disposal. Historical maps indicate that the area was residential in character by the 19th century and it appears most likely that the features representing both Phases 3 and 4 are associated with the development of housing in this area or activity during its occupation. <2> See also: <1> <3>