Monument MPM1606 - Post-medieval settlement, Oyster Street

Evidence of post-medieval settlement in Oyster Street dating from the 16th-19th century, revealed during excavations in 1968-71. Four phases of occupation were identified, which saw earlier structures replaced by more permanent brick buildings. Activity on the site was largely domestic, although evidence of industry can be seen in the construction of 16th-17th century forges, 17th-18th century clay tobacco pipe kilns and at least one industrial building.

Evidence of post-medieval settlement in Oyster Street dating from the 16th-19th century was revealed during excavations in 1968-71. Three earlier phases of medieval settlement were also identified on the site (see MPM1551). The whole of the Oyster Street site covered two areas: the main site now occupied by Oyster Mews, and an area of land to the southwest (on the west side of French Street). A large quantity of finds were recovered, many of which are illustrated in the excavation report. The site archive is held by Portsmouth Museum Service under the accession number 1971/150.

During the mid to late-16th century the use of the site changed from commercial to predominantly domestic. Medieval stores which formerly occupied the site are recorded in documentary sources as having been in ruins by 1565, and during the late-16th to late-17th century most of the 15th and 16th century buildings were replaced. The street pattern which remained in existence until the site was redeveloped during the 1970s was also established. [1, p55, p61]

There was also evidence of industrial activity with the construction of two forges during the 16th/17th century, a complex of clay tobacco pipe kilns, and at least one industrial building. By the end of the 19th century most areas of the site had been occupied by substantial brick buildings and it was dominated by Anglesea Court, which comprised five houses and the Anglesea Tavern/King and Queen, and the John Pound's Ragged School for Boys and Girls. [1, p77]

Two buildings are still in existence on the site, Nos. 8 and 6 French Street. 8 French Street (see MPM507) was placed within a late-16th to late-17th century phase of occupation, but may originally date to the late medieval period. 6 French Street is marked on Ordnance Survey maps from 1867 onwards and may have been a cobbled yard during the late-17th to late-18th century.

The excavation report, Fox, R & Barton, K, 1986, Excavations at Oyster Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, 1968-71, should be consulted for the full details relating to the excavation.

Separate records for the main structures/features mentioned below are recorded on the HER. A total of four phases of post-medieval occupation were identified.

Phase IV (2nd half of 16th Century)

The main developments on the site during this phase were the construction of a substantial house (MPM1558), 16th century oven (MPM1561) and forge (MPM1562).
A 2.5m deep well (W4) was constructed in the backfill of a medieval fresh water cistern (see MPM1557). A wooden barrel liner, 87cm high, was found at the bottom of the shaft. Sherds of local coarseware pottery and a piece of Iberian oil jar were recovered from the primary fill of the well shaft. The well was sealed during the late-16th to early-17th century.

[1, p55-60]

Phase V (Late 16th - late 17th Century)

During this phase new houses (MPM1566) constructed in red brick replaced earlier buildings and an existing house from phase IV was modified. A second forge (MPM1567) was constructed in place of an earlier one (MPM1562). A warehouse was in existence by this date, although its construction suggested that it may have originally dated from the late medieval period (MPM507). Other features from this phase of occupation included a well constructed from chalk blocks (W10), a drain, pits and gullies.

Land reclamation was carried out in the southwestern part of the site, in the area formerly occupied by a 14th century dock and quay, where limestone revetments were used to form the walls of temporary 17th century buildings (MPM1568). These structures were later replaced by more permanent buildings during the later 18th century.

[1, p61-64]


Phase VI (Late 17th - late 18th Century)

The streets on the west of the main site were lined with substantial buildings by the end of the 17th century. Evidence of industry was shown by the construction of clay tobacco pipe kilns and at least one industrial building.

Four clay tobacco pipe kilns (MPM1571-4) were constructed, three of which were situated in the southwest of the site within the area of a former 14th century dock and quay (west side of French Street). The kilns in the southwest of the site became redundant during this phase of occupation and were levelled. Brick built domestic buildings were then constructed in this area during the mid-18th century (MPM1607).

New building also took place on the main site with the construction of two large buildings, one of them industrial (MPM1576) which contained several hearths. Other features on the site included wells, pits, depressions and gullies.

A row of substantial post-holes at right-angles to the north wall of MPM1576 were thought to represent a former fence.

Phase VII (Late 18th - late 19th Century)

By the end of the 19th century most areas of the site were occupied by purpose built brick buildings. The main site became dominated by Anglesea Court (comprising five houses and the Anglesea Tavern/King and Queen) and the John Pound's Ragged School for Boys and Girls (1860s), later used as a warehouse and chemical store.
[1, p77-78]

<1> Fox, R & Barton, K, 1986, Excavations at Oyster Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, 1968-71 (Bibliographic reference). SPM34.