Post-medieval structure at the site of the Bell Inn (EHER 82240)

A 1983 watching brief discovered evidence of a post-medieval structure.

1983. Watching brief. During redevelopment of this site in 1983 a watching brief was undertaken, consisting of examining three trenches around man-hole covers on the south side of the yard, about 3m from the rear of the new building. Only one trench produced archaeological deposits, limited to a series of thin, possibly laid, surfaces and a post-hole. No finds were recovered but the upper surface contained fragments of brick and tile. The site was formerly occupied by a fine half-timbered and brick mansion, probably of late 16th century date, later used as the Bell Inn, and demolished in 1855. In 1860 a cattle market was opened on the site. These features are presumably within a yard shown on maps of 1758 and 1828 and are possibly to be associated with a late or post-medieval structure there. <1>