Monument MPM1702 - Post-medieval deposits, Governor's Green

An excavation on Governor's Green in 1953 revealed a series of deposits dating from the post-medieval period to the 19th century. These included material relating to a 19th century parade ground and the demolition of the 16th century Governor's residence. Finds included 18th century bottle glass, 16th-18th century pottery, clay pipe stems, a Neuremberg Counter and animal bone.

An excavation on Governor's Green in 1953 revealed a series of layers and deposits which contained material relating to a 19th century parade ground, demolition debris from the post-medieval Governor's residence, and earlier activity on the site. Finds included 18th century bottle glass, 16th-18th century pottery, clap pipe stems, a Neuremberg Counter and animal bone. The excavation consisted of one trench 32ft south of the Garrison Church.

The surface of the 19th century parade ground was observed 5 inches below ground level, and consisted of 4 inches of gravel laid on a 2 inch base of chalk. The trench cut across the edge of the parade ground, which was 38ft from the corner of the church. The parade ground was laid on the site following the demolition of the Governor's House in 1826.

Below the chalk base of the parade ground was a 24 inch layer of fill consisting of bricks, mortar and tiles etc. This layer was interpreted as debris from the buildings of the 16th century Governor's House, which were demolished in 1826. Beneath this was a half inch chalk floor. A quantity of 18th century bottle glass and pottery fragments were recovered from these layers.

Below the chalk floor was a 4 inch layer of gravel, thought to have been used as a foundation for the chalk. Fragments of 18th century bottle glass and a number of clay pipe stems were recovered from the gravel layer. Beneath the gravel was a deposit of 2 inches of trodden earth containing fragments of brick, slate, lead, iron and animal bones, the latter of which appeared to be kitchen waste. This layer was thought to be an outside deposit.

Below the earth deposit was a made surface of flints in a cement-like substance, embedded in which was a Neuremberg Counter dating to c1700. Two fragments of Bellarmine pottery of c 17th century date were found immediately below this surface.

The final layer appeared to represent a garden or waste ground. It consisted of a fill of largely clay and earth ranging from 12 inches deep in the northeast end of the trench to approximately 16 inches deep at the southeast end. This contained Oyster shells, burnt and unburnt bones of domestic animals and fowl, and large flints. About 4 inches deep in this deposit were several fragments of red pottery, c 16th century in date. Local burnt patches and small patches of gravel were found at various levels, and a fill of pure sand covering an area about 6 inches square and 1ft deep was found at the extreme South-West end. The whole area was riddled with rat holes. The last 2 inches of this deposit consisted of overlapping and very thin layers of sea sand which sloped downwards towards the sea. This may have represented seasonal flooding, possibly dating to before the Tudor fortifications shown on a map of c 1540.

1953, Report on Excavation on Governor's Green, Portsmouth, July 1953 (Excavation archive). SPM350.