Trent & Peak Archaeology / The University of Nottingham

Court Houses   HC5 Description - HC5 Court Houses / St Mary’s Chambers Cellar cave, probably contemporary with construction of building. C. 1750? 001 Rock-cut cellar cave at base of steps 002. Horseshoe(?)-shaped cave c. 5m x 3m x 2.1m high. Slightly domed ceiling but sharp transition between walls and ceiling. Long, fairly irregular toolmarks across all walls and ceiling. Shallow bencch thrall 0.45m high x 0.6m deep curving around all walls. Fairly level rock floor. Ventilation tube 001a heading upwards, visible for c. 4m? Exit to steps 002 through archway (ceiling partly cut away) 1.05m wide. 002 Steps from cellar level. Rock-cut passage 1.05m wide with 23 brick-lined steps. Rock visible to 0.8m below cellar floor level but stepped down toward cave. Brick lined and vaulted above rock level, 2¼” x 2 3/8” bricks. Cellar stone flagged and entirely brick lined and vaulted. Mostly 2¼” x 2 3/8” brick but some 3” brick to N by High pavement.