Excavations at Friar Street, Reading

The Oxford Archaeological Unit (OAU) carried out an
excavation in August 1997 at Friar Street, Reading, on
behalf of Marks and Spencer plc, in advance of the
proposed extension of the existing Marks and Spencer
store onto the site of the former Woolwich Building
Society premises.
A preliminary archaeological evaluation uncovered
early post-medieval structures and a hearth that was
possibly medieval. The results suggested that, although
the site had been heavily disturbed, it was likely
that medieval or earlier deposits could survive in
undisturbed areas. The subsequent excavation revealed
a succession of hearths, with associated structures,
dating from the 13th century through to the post-
medieval period.