![[ sketch ]](../images/db01.gif)
Continued machining-off topsoil at south end of site whilst diggers, who started today, cleaned up north end. Weather overcast but fine. Machining continued to reveal depth of deposits at south end all apparently dumped, and including Victorian bricks, clay etc. Large square area of rubble is apparent corresponding to pit in trial trench T2. In east wall of western barrack, at north end, an entranceway is now apparent at the south end of the contubernium. Also rubble/walling? to west of west barrack over what ought to be via sagularis. To west of east barrack some cobbling is apparent which appears to incorporate the wall tops of the barrack. Overall, given the three courses seen in T2, wall of west barrack could stand up to five courses high. Another days' machining will be necessary.
Topsoil removal continued at the south and cleaning-up moved onto the central area where on the western building a corner appears to have been found on what ought to be a barrack block. The slightly irregular nature of this building, particularly the height to which some parts survive might suggest that we are dealing with a barrack modified into chalets. The east building, represented by a heavily mortared wall, appears to be founded directly onto a cobbled surface.
Machining may have revealed the earlier machine trench reported (as No.5) in Rainbird's paper, represented by a north-south feature containing large lumps of clean yellow clay. It is not evident in the section of T2.
A skeleton (of a dog?) was located within the westerly building.
A skip was delivered and the county archaeologist visited the site, as did Rev Walker.
Cleaning continued in central area confirming the presence of Rainbird's trench which stopped short of T2 and then resumed on the other side, thus it did not show in the section. Areas of burning now apparent beyond the cobbling under the eastern wall on this site - patches of charcoal and a hearth. Cleaning of these cobbles continuing to produce a range of material, including clay pipes.
Collected theodolite, which could not be levelled satisfactorily, so was taken back to Surveying Dept where it was explained that it had to be set up to have an equal error in all directions. First skip collected and replaced. It was decided to build an earth ramp for dumping into the skip, using planks on top of the ramp.
Cleaning continued in eastern central area, exposing industrial (?) material and defining the Rainbird trench, removal of which began. The junction between the schoolyard wall (the line of which is still preserved on the south wall of the Salvation Army land) and the cottages was revealed - this is evident on the architect's plans for the original school building, on display in the parish centre foyer. Site grid was put in, apparently satisfactorily, despite our doubts about the theodolite. The fencing contractor arrived first thing in the morning. Planning at 1:50 of visible walls etc was begun prior to their removal.
Planning completed of late features and removal of eastern wall was begun. Removal of Rainbird trench was continued. Tags had been pulled off grid & context pegs overnight so these had to be replaced. Barrow run up to skip extended and revetted. Some large irregular cobbles are evident to the south of the school yard wall.
This page last updated May 1st 1997
