Copper Alloy Pin found in Area G

Today we have continued to clean the site and have completed the straightening of trench edges. The first year students experienced some trowelling this afternoon, cleaning back the soil to reveal the white chalk surface and exposing the archaeological features. The clean chalk clearly shows the ploughing damage that the site has undergone, which unfortunately can damage some archaeology. This work is currently being overseen by some of the second year students whilst the remainder of the 2nd years continue to tidy the site perimeter. Second year students have also been clearing weeds from previously excavated features in Area G and H in order to make the site look tidier and cleaner.

First year students Sara Gwynne and Pooja Swali, who are studying BSc Archaeological, Anthropological and Forensic Sciences, have both expressed how surprised they are at the hands on approach. Neither was expecting to be actually digging straight away but thought that they would be watching and learning for the first few days. They have found some oyster shells and some burnt flint in Area F which they were extremely excited about. Further east of the site in Area G, a copper alloy pin has been found. Damian Evans, the project’s finds and post-excavation director, explained that although pins are often associated with brooches, this one is likely to be separate as it has a pinched end so it might be full length. Unfortunately, it has bronze disease on it so further analysis will be limited until the pin has been cleaned. Overall, today has been a successful day with good conditions for archaeology.

Cleaning the site back by trowelling

Clean chalk natural geology showing the plough scaring

Site overview day 2 showing the three excavation areas F, G and H (H mainly out of shot to the north of the site)