Event/Activity EPM29 - 26 Bishop Street, Portsea

An archaeological watching brief was carried out by Southampton Archaeology Unit during redevelopment work for the construction of a new apartment block at 26 Bishop Street in 2003. The work involved the demolition of an existing public house and the construction of eight one bedroom flats. The mechanical excavation of groundworks in preparation for the construction of the new building, together with the excavation of footing trenches, were observed. This work included clearing out an existing basement at the east end of the site to a depth of about 3m. The trenches were about 1.5m deep and were nominally 0.8m wide, although many were wider due to collapses of material. The trenches in the basement were approximately 0.3m below the basement floor. Trenches excavated to connect services in the street were not observed due to the level of modern disturbance that was likely to be encountered. A late medieval soil horizon was found. This was presumably part of Portsmouth Common. The site was developed during the 18th century. Two pits, and possibly a cellar of this date were found. A 19th century brick-lined cess pit was also uncovered. The building was used as The Butchers Arms public house, 1865, and was rebuilt in the late 19th century.