La Maison Calvert was the first archaeological investigation of an urban habitat in Saint-Denis and revealed how a Creole house changed over 250 years.

Evaluating archaeological potential

In 2017, an evaluation was made at 119 rue Jean Chatel, prior to the construction of shops and offices. The multiple archaeological finds dating from the 18th and 19th centuries shed light on the early urbanisation of this area, and the changes made to the built block and a Creole house until its destruction in 2011. The excavation taught us a lot about its past.

An excavation that reveals the history of a residential area of Saint-Denis

The excavation in 2018 revealed the scale and complexity of the changes made to the Maison Calvert over a period of some two and a half centuries. Archaeologists identified at least five development stages. The house, built at the centre of a plot, had several outbuildings. The buildings had a throughway lined with two pavements and a private sewage system.

An analysis of the remains of the Maison Calvert revealed how it evolved over the centuries. In particular, the study of the portable finds tells us more about the lives of its successive occupants. An analysis of the construction materials helped determine the techniques used by local craftsman. Finally, the study of the lime mortar revealed the diversity of building methods over time.

Associated media

Open Media Library