Market Square Reclamation: April 22 CARF Update
A Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation (CARF) team is providing regular updates on its progress as it explores Kingston's Market Square prior construction of a new public space. The report below was prepared by S. Bazely.
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SITE PREPARATION
- Work commenced Monday April 18/05 with the installation of fencing and removal of asphalt in the Phase 1 area - identified as 2A.
- A north-south oriented trench was dug along the current western perimeter of the study area, which is 9 metres east of the eastern edge of the sidewalk along King Street - identified as 2B.
- The trench 2B is 4 metres wide and intersects with the eastern half of previously excavated 1B - width of trench takes into consideration safety requirements.
FINDINGS
- In 2A several types of market surfaces have been identified: 1) a pavé consisting of small limestone pebbles compacted in a clay matrix; 2) rectangular limestone cobble sets approximately 10cm x 20cm - this is in a linear strip approximately 1 metre wide and 3 metres long.
- In 2A is a limestone foundation with brick chimney from one of the 1800 - 1840 tenement houses in the former Lot I along Brock Street - measures 4x5 metres.
- South of the building foundation in 2A is a soft limestone rubble fill which is likely fill in the builders' for the Market Wing construction; it may also be remnants of the French (1756) earthworks re-deposited - a clay smoking pipe, possibly French and a large chin scale were found in this material.
- In 2B there are 2 stone piers which likely represent the outer wall arcades of the Market Wing - interior to these are two solid stone walls oriented east-west and 50cm in width.
- More of the stone steps extending east from where they were located in 1B have also been uncovered.
- There is evidence of the 1865 fire below the rubble fill within the Market Wing.
MEDIA COVERAGE & PUBLIC EDUCATION
- Several newspaper articles, local TV news and radio have already reported our work and progress.
- Interpretive signage for the fences is being prepared by the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation & City of Kingston.
- The City has sent out letters to local schools inviting them to visit the site during six mornings in May.
- The crew has been briefed on the general history and findings to date in order to respond to fence queries.
