Monument MPM2156 - Timber and cob structure, Portsmouth Cathedral, Old Portsmouth

Remains of a medieval or early post-medieval timber and chalk cob structure thought to represent a rare survival of an early timber-framed building in Old Portsmouth. The structure was recorded during an evaluation on the north side of Portsmouth Cathedral in 2004.

The well preserved remains of what was thought to be the back wall of a medieval or early post-medieval timber and chalk cob structure were recorded during an archaeological evaluation within an area on the north side of Portsmouth Cathedral in 2004. The structure was located within an area formerely occupied by a series of structures known as Red Lion Yard. This area had formerly been the yard to the rear of the 17th century Red Lion Inn. The inn was originally located in a building on the High Street and moved to premises within the yard between 1804 and 1842. The foundations to the Red Lion Inn, out-houses, stables, cottages and the cobbled courtyard were observed during excavations on Cathedral green in 1988 ahead of works to complete the west end of the cathedral [see MPM1111].

The structure was made up of preserved timbers and a section of chalk cob wall with an outer planking overlay. The whole structure sat on a large slate foundation or cill at least 1.5m long and 25mm thick. The slate was a West Country type rarely seen in Portsmouth after the medieval period, suggesting a possible medieval date for the structure. The area outside the building may have been used as a yard as the soils were relatively undisturbed.

The structure was exposed in the trench with little disturbance, recorded in section and reburied in situ. It was thought to represent a rare survival of a medieval or early post-medieval timber-framed building in the original town of Portsmouth (now Old Portsmouth). It was suggested this was likely to be a 14th or 15th century urban dwelling that may have largely survived later rebuilding.

[1]

<1> Currie, Christopher, K, 2004, An archaeological evaluation of a proposal for new visitor facilities at Portsmouth Cathedral, Portsmouth, Hants (Unpublished document). SPM676.