EWX2182 - The Custom House, The Quay, Poole; observations and recording 1995-96

Archaeological observations were undertaken by Poole Museums Service during alterations to the Custom House wine bar in late 1995-early 1996. Ground levels were reduced by about 500 mm inside the building, which revealed layers of rubble containing modern building materials. Some traces of earlier structural elements were also noted, including part of a stone flag floor and a wall footing of limestone blocks. These structural remains were undated but thought to relate to the late 18th century rebuilding of the 'Red Lion Coffee House'. In the yard area to the rear of the building, a layer of oyster shell was encountered at a depth of 1.1 m. This is thought to be the same midden as found beneath the Town Cellars and under Paradise Street. (1)