AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL investigation has uncovered a medieval well beneath a former car park and future surgery site.
Winchester Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd (PCA) unearthed more than 1.5m of a timber-lined medieval well below Upper Brook Street car park.
PCA believes the bottom of the well was more than 2m below ground level, where the ground is waterlogged which preserved the wooden planks.
The contents of the well at its base could contain well-preserved organic remains like wood, leather and plant matter.
READ MORE: Construction work underway for new St Clements' surgery
The company posted on Facebook: “Site supervisor Tom worked alongside Elliott, Colin and Holly, to recover the brilliantly preserved timbers from the deep urban stratigraphy. An unusual method of excavation has been employed in order to expose the timbers for preservation.
“We look forward to what the post-excavation processing can reveal of the timbers and associated sediments.”
The findings were reviewed by the Winchester City Council’s archaeologist and no further investigation was required.
PCA investigated three trenches as part of a pre-commencement condition ahead of building works for the new St Clements’ Practice. The trial trenches have been backfilled in preparation for construction.
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Paul McCulloch, of Winchester PCA, said: “We know what great archaeological potential there is in Winchester but it’s always exciting to reveal and investigate it. The well-preserved wood and organic remains that have been found have a story to tell about the people of medieval Winchester. We have been working for Assura on the site, who will be building the new St Clements surgery and we’re grateful for the assistance they have provided toward the archaeological investigation.”
The archaeological investigation began on Monday, March 6 and was completed on Friday, March 24.
The surgery on the corner of Friarsgate and Upper Brook Street is being delivered by Assura, replacing the current St Clements' practice on Tanner Street.
The development will include accommodation for staff and patients, 15 consulting rooms, three treatment rooms, admin facilities, larger reception and waiting areas.
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