St Leonard's Excavation — the second season

Week 2 19-23 June 2002

The site at the beginning of Week 2
with Trench 1 in the foreground, Trench 3 beyond, and spoil heaps!

Site was busy this week with the first trainees on one- and two-day taster courses and others on the 5- and 10-day modules. Amongst them was Judith Young, who won a day on site as a York Evening Press competition prize. Judith, who has worked in heritage management, said that she had thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get involved with the excavation. She added: 'I would strongly urge anyone to have a go!' There are still places available, so why not sign up?

Trench 1

This week more evidence began to emerge about the site before the Norman Conquest in 1066, prior to the construction of the undercroft. A series of floors, surfaces or levelling deposits in the covered area of the undercroft, and a structure with floors which seems to be emerging from beneath one of the standing columns, probably relate to this time. This part of the undercroft appears to have been built c.1250, with the Roman interval tower being demolished at the same time. The undercroft in Trench 3, which presumably stood beneath the original infirmary, was constructed in the early 11th century. Thus during the first phase of the hospital (11th century to mid 12th century) the Roman interval tower and undercroft structure may have stood side by side - quite a sight! More work has been carried out on the cut for the medieval drain, and finds here included medieval bone and pottery, and re-deposited Roman pottery.

Excavating probable pre-Norman Conquest layers in Trench 1

Trench 3

In Trench 3 some mid 16th century Cistercian ware pottery associated with the demolition of the hospital, was found, and also some large post holes which could have been dug to hold timbers used in the demolition work (to support the structure whilst it was gradually dismantled).

Trench 3 with last phase of hospital occupancy in the foreground and post-holes to the right of the grid (see arrow)

The excavation has now reached the final phase of hospital occupancy, revealing a possible hearth or brazier site, and stones which may have been associated with partitioning of the building. Build-up of material is relatively limited on a site such as this - excessive build-up within a closed structure would, of course, result in an increasingly low ceiling! Thus the floors that have accumulated from the mid 11th century to the mid 16th century may occupy a layer of only 20cm or so. Clearly this will be very difficult to interpret!

Trench 3 excavating post-holes relating to a possible timber demolition structure

This week's finds

	Bone toggle or 'buzz bone', probably used as a musical instrument. Almost certainly pig bone, with a hole in the centre for a thread with which to twirl it around.
	Lead spillage from metal-working.

Medieval painted glass.