Trench 1
The excavation of the inter-cutting medieval pits has continued this week, and the final backfills seem now to have been removed. Progress has slowed as smaller cut features, some only partially visible having been truncated by the larger pits. The pits’ exact functions are not known, but the larger features seem very similar in size and depth to medieval cess pits. However, little in the way of organic material has been observed, possibly as a result of drainage. Having now removed and recorded all these pit features, work will focus next week on excavating the earlier deposits through which they have been cut. Finds are mostly from the medieval period still, but with an increasing volume of earlier Viking and Roman material.

Trench 3
Trench 3’s exposed location without a cover, and the thick layer of clay within the trench, meant that work was difficult in the inclement weather. Good progress has however been made with a linear cut in the western side of the trench. This is potentially associated with robbing activity, and excavation has revealed in situ brickwork, probably a culvert. Work has also begun on processing the wealth of finds which have built up during the previously rapid excavation of modern deposits.

Trench 4
The careful pace of excavation has continued in the delicate, interleaving deposits in Trench 4, further restricted by the cramped conditions in such a small working area. It now appears that the tile hearth and associated floor layers have now been completely removed and that it is earlier material that is now exposed. These earlier deposits focus of next week’s excavation.

Trench 5
Work at the end of last week identified a number of deposits, which have been recorded and removed this week. These have been unpicked carefully, which combined with the weather has made progress steady this week. As before, large amounts of residual Roman material has been found in these medieval deposits.

Trench 6
Following the completion of work in Trench 6 last week, this area is now being backfilled with the spoil from the newly opened Trenches 10 and 11.

Trench 7
The second cobble surface, recorded last week, was excavated at the start of this week. Underneath was revealed yet another cobble surface, similar to but obviously predating the two surfaces already removed. These cobbled layers are also containing little to nothing in the way of medieval finds. The question of the difference in the level of these cobbles in relation to the standing architecture is still puzzling, and it is hoped that further excavation may offer some answers.

Trench 9
The main feature excavated in Trench 9 this week has been a shallow cut, which excavation revealed to have a layer of tile and burnt material. This backfill has been truncated by the previously excavated linear feature and may be a different layer of dumping. Nothing more definite can be said as yet, as the deposits overlaying this layer will have to be removed before we can fully investigate this material.

Trench 10
Trench 10 was opened at the start of the week, and was followed by the rapid excavation of modern deposits and those related to the Exhibition Centre. Unlike the other trenches in this area of the site, no path layers were apparent, though a few postholes may relate to the construction of buildings. Excavation will continue to investigate next week.

Trench 11
Trench 11 is in the process of being opened at the time of writing. What can be seen thus far seems to resemble the first deposits excavated in the nearby Trench 4. These will be the first to be recorded and removed next week.