EDO4936 - Kings Arms Hotel, Christchurch; observations and recording during underpinning 1985

In March/April 1985 contractors excavated a trench c. 1.8m wide, 1.6m deep and 19m long for underpinning the foundations of the front wall of the King's Arms. This was observed by K. Jarvis and Mr. P. Aitken. The trench was located along the front (south) wall of the King's Arms, beginning on the west side at the boundary with no.16 Castle Street and continuing for at least 18m with an offset of 0.5m to the south of the porch. The trench revealed (a) traces of the burh defences with earlier features, (b) medieval and later floor levels and (c) medieval and later road levels of Castle Street.