Trench 1
Adding to the collection of walls related to the Exhibition Centre already
found in Trench 1, this week began by identifying a further two foundations
that were visible in the section. Being in the edge of the trench means
that further investigation into their full extent and purpose will not
be possible, however. The rest of the week has concentrated on the removal
of a large layer of heavy mixed material that may relate either to the
Exhibition Centre, or to earlier land use.
Trench 4
A large post-hole was the first feature to be excavated this week in Trench
4. In its section, it shows distinct bands of different deposits, revealing
more than simple garden activity. This post-hole in turn cut into another
linear feature, running parallel to the standing wall. On excavation,
a series of large stones have been unearthed, running underneath the wall,
and appearing to be of a different kind.
Trench 5
Opened after the weather had improved at the end of last week, Trench
5 is proving similar to Trench 9, with a series of large post-holes in
one half of the trench. Closer to the standing walls, a deposit of rubble
and mortar extends into the trench, though is as yet unexcavated.
Trench 6
Working around the overlapping series of pipes in Trench 6 has not made
for easy digging, and this has perhaps been the most complex trench to
investigate and pick apart. A good selection of Roman finds has continued
to emerge from the deposits, including Roman glass, coins and an unknown
lead object, possibly a pendant.
Trench 7
After removing the wall last week, we revealed the wall’s substantial
concrete foundations. Underneath this was found an unknown feature, but
further investigation will have to wait until the rest of the trench in
excavated down to the same level. On either side of the wall cut, work
has begun recording and removing deposits of rubble and possible garden
soil, turning up the usual selection of miscellaneous finds.
Trench 9
Trench 9 continued to contain the remains of post-holes throughout the
trench, and it is not immediately clear as to the function of each, nor
how the relate to each other. Planning, recording and levelling these
features has taken as much time and care as the excavation itself.
