Open Area Excavation, Evaluation, Watching Brief at Former Premier Inn, Haymarket, Bristol

Civic Heritage undertook an archaeological evaluation in July 2025. A total of seven proposed trenches were laid out. Of these, five evaluation trenches were completed. " Trench 3: Measuring 10m long x 1.8m wide - (tithe barn and monastic burial ground) " Trench 4: Measuring 30m long x 1.8m wide - (tithe barn and monastic burial ground) " Trench 5: Measuring 10m long x1.8m wide - (monastic burial ground) " Trench 6: Measuring 10m long x1.8m wide - (monastic burial ground) " Trench 7: Measuring 10m long x 1.8m wide - (monastic burial ground) The majority of the trenches were devoid of archaeological remains, uncovering the natural bedrock (Redcliffe Sandstone Member) at a shallow depth (approx. 0.25m). An exception to this was Trench 5, which contained the remains of a stone-lined well. A fuller description of the well is presented below, alongside the excavation results. During the initial excavation of Trenches 1 and 2, it was apparent that significant post-medieval remains survived at a relatively shallow depth across the upper terrace of the site (formerly occupied by the building known as 'God's House'). It was therefore decided in consultation with the Historic Environment Advisor that this area would be subject to a strip, map and record evaluation would enable a better understanding of the archaeology present. The evaluation concluded that there while significant Post Medieval and possibly Medieval archaeological remains survived in a discrete area in the north-western corner of the site, elsewhere, any other such remains had been removed through previous construction activity, namely the creation of deep basements in the southern and eastern portions of the site. Following consultation with the City Archaeologist, it was decided that the area encompassing the proposed evaluation Trenches 1 and 2 would be subject to mitigation, comprising full excavation and recording of all archaeological remains. A further stage of archaeological monitoring was carried out during the reduced dig in the north-western corner of the development site (Figure 13). 1.5.2. Archaeological Methodology The archaeological evaluation was undertaken according to the Project Design produced by Civic Heritage (Civic Heritage 2025), and in agreement with the Principal Historic Environment Advisor to Bristol City Council. Following consultation with the Principal Historic Environment Advisor, it was agreed that Trench 1 would be extended into a single open area trench in order to expose, excavate and record in situ remains of possible medieval and post-medieval features and human remains associated with the monastic burial ground. In summary, the archaeological excavation has successfully addressed the aims set out in the Project Design. The investigation has provided a detailed record of archaeological remains present on the site. The earliest identifiable remains relate to the eastern extent of a cemetery associated with St. James priory, along with pits and post holes presumably reflecting activity within the priory precinct. A ditch possibly dating to the later phases of the burials ground is seen to define its northern limit. These features were sealed beneath a late Medieval- post-Medieval buried soil, which likely represents the reworking of existing soil deposits through horticulture or small-scale agriculture in the postdissolution period. A shallow linear gully was ascribed to this period. As the wider area developed in the post-medieval period, the site was further divided with additional boundary features and walls, creating garden plots associated with new housing along the adjacent roads. A potential rubble pathway, stone wall and robber trench seem to fall within this phase. Within these gardens were rubbish pits, cess pits and post holes of spanning the 17th to early 19th centuries. Parts of the site remained within small, enclosed courtyards in the late 19th century but were subsequently developed.