Dig Diary Week 6 (12 Nov - 16 Nov 2007)

The team is now at full strength with 19 site staff, and continues to focus on the excavation of the Lower English Buildings.

Excavation of Lower English Buildings View larger version of above image

Excavation of Lower English Buildings View larger version of above image

This week the exposing, excavating and recording the archaeology began in earnest. Through this process the layout of the Lower English Buildings has been fully established. Some of the layout corresponds with that shown on historic Ordnance Survey maps, however, the excavation team is also uncovering details about the buildings that are not covered on the maps, such as changes of building use, repairs and short-lived alterations to the buildings.

The curious doughnut-shaped buildings between the rows of houses appear to be common washhouses, used by the residents of the buildings. In the coming weeks the archaeologists will be using machines to continue excavating the Foundry area until the Foundry structures are uncovered. Archaeologists can then begin hand excavation of this area.

Common washhouses View larger version of above image