Monument record MDO19408 - Christchurch Priory Garderobe, Christchurch (site X3); garderobe pit

Excavations in the south-east corner of Chrsitchurch Priory precinct, during 1969-70, revealed a stone lined garderobe pit in the south-east corner of the precinct wall, adjacent to the mill stream. The fill of this pit consisted of three layers. The uppermost (layer 1), dated to the 18th/19th century and was probably related to the adjacent 18th century Priory House. Beneath layer (1) was a 16th/17th century layer (2) which sealed a waterlogged layer (3). This layer contained a rich group of 13th-16th century finds including pottery, jettons, seeds, shell, leather and small finds.

Excavations in the south-east corner of Chrsitchurch Priory precinct, during 1969-70, revealed a stone lined garderobe pit in the south-east corner of the precinct wall, adjacent to the mill stream. The fill of this pit consisted of three layers. The uppermost (layer 1), dated to the 18th/19th century and was probably related to the adjacent 18th century Priory House. Beneath layer (1) was a 16th/17th century layer (2) which sealed a waterlogged layer (3). This layer contained a rich group of 13th-16th century finds including local and imported pottery, jettons, seeds, some egg shell fragments, leather and small finds. Some pottery from layer (3) was residual. The 16th century terminal date is consistent with the dissolution of the priory.

If the garderobe was similar to the surviving garderobe of the Norman hall of Christchurch Castle, it would have originally extended into the mill stream. It is now on the edge of the modern mill stream which is likely to be a local diversion of some 3m from the original course.

After the excavation the director temporarily left the area and during this time the finds became mixed due to a burglary before they had been marked. Some leather and wood were also lost at this time. The provenance of many of the finds is therefore suspect and some of the pottery groups are contaminated.

<1> Jarvis, K S, 1983, Excavations in Christchurch 1969-80, 27-31 (Monograph). SWX4028.

Record last edited

May 23 2007 9:51AM