Event/Activity EPM97 - Archaeological Watching Brief at 10 West Street, Portsmouth

Southampton Archaeology Unit were commissioned to undertake a watching brief during groundworks at 10 West Street in April 2007. The foundation trenches had been excavated and filled with concrete before an archaeologist arrived, and therefore it was only possible to make observations on a small section of one trench. Subsequent groundworks took place, but were not observed as the archaeology unit were not informed. The site falls within an area of archaeological potential which covers the old town of Portsmouth. The area is principally of importance for medieval and post-medieval archaeology. The only archaeology recorded were three squared fragments of lime stone found in the spoil. These may have belonged to earlier buildings which had previously stood the site, or may have been rubble associated with the destruction of the surrounding area during the Second World War. It was noted that similar-sized limestone blocks were found to be forming an early footing on the corner of Bathing Lane and Broad Street 40m northeast of the site. Accession number 2007/92