Introduction: Lots 8, 9, and 15 are modern designations for adjacent parcels of land fronting Pearl Street that were owned together and used as a single property until the early 1830's. Excavations produced important discoveries like that of the Colonial-era Lovelace Tavern, proving that significant archaeological resources could still exist in urban spaces. Project archaeologists were able to lobby for increased time and funds to continue their work on the strength of these finds, leading to additional discoveries. In all, the project provided considerable information about the history of New York City and its inhabitants from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
The Lovelace Tavern was constructed by the second English Governor of New York, Francis Lovelace, around 1670. Taverns were important spaces for colonial communities, serving as centralized meeting places that fulfilled important social, recreational, political, and economic functions. The Lovelace Tavern also served as New York's temporary City Hall starting in the late-17th century after the Stadt Huys fell into disrepair. The tavern was demolished in 1706.
Rationale: Remains of the Lovelace Tavern were first encountered during the excavation of Test Cut AQ. Test Cut BP was placed to the east of Test Cut BG and against the eastern wall of Lovelace Tavern. A builder's trench for the tavern wall was discovered in this test cut and in adjacent Test Cut BL. Unique to Test Cut BP, archaeologists found the remnants of a straw floor for the tavern that predates the main wooden floor. Overall, archaeologists excavated 27 test cuts inside, adjacent to, or within the walls of the tavern, representing around fifty-percent of the total area.
Results: This level is part of a Late-17th-century builder's trench for the eastern stone wall of the Lovelace Tavern. The trench was found in pockets across the eastern portion of the test cut, though it was most present in the southeast corner, which is where this context comes from. In total, the trench was excavated from 4- to 9-inches below excavation surface. A few 17th- and early-18th century artifacts and a fair amount of building materials were recovered during excavations. The trench is an important archaeological resource as it indicates how and when the tavern was constructed.
Lot 9, Test Cut BP, Stratum XVI, Level A
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/2-inch mesh). Natural Level.
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Soil description
Dark Brown and Gray Sandy Silt
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Munsell
2.5Y 4/2 - 10YR 4/2
