Introduction: Lots 8, 9, and 15 are modern designations for adjacent parcels of land 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 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. Lovelace Tavern became New York's temporary City Hall starting in the late-17th century after the Stadt Huys fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1706.
Rationale: Remains of the Lovelace Tavern were first encountered during the excavation of Test Cut AQ. Overall, archaeologists excavated 27 test cuts inside, adjacent to, or within the walls of the tavern, representing around fifty-percent of the total area. Three test cuts (BY, BR, and BT) were placed along the Lovelace Tavern's eastern stone wall as it abutted Pearl Street. Test Cut BR was placed east of Test Cut BY and north of Test Cut BT. Tavern deposits were found in both halves of the test cut, while remnants of the wall were only found in the western portion.
Results: The remains of the tavern's eastern wall was found in the western half of Test Cut BR to a depth of at least 13.5-inches below excavation surface. A large amount of building materials, including pantile roofing tiles, were found above and amongst the stones. The few diagnostic pipe stems recovered indicate that this layer dates to the 17th-century. This level was excavated in the northwest corner of the unit underneath a tavern stone.
Lot 9, Test Cut BR, Strata VIII, Level A
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/2-inch mesh).
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Soil description
Red Sand
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Munsell
2.5Y 7/4
