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An Investigation into the Archaeological History of Tidgrove Warren Farm |
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Excavation Progress in the 2007 season
Airview of the site showing the position of the new 2007
trenches (red)
The
first week of the dig was spent uncovering the 2006 excavations,
it being necessary to cover them over the winter month to preserve
them from the weather.
At
the same time the two new trenches were begun. The smaller one at the top of
the site was to confirm whether the double ditch discovered on the north boundary
(near trench 2) last year actually surrounds the whole site.
The larger new trench,
overlapping last year's trench 1, uncovered what could
be the remains of a large 18metre x ?? building, probably wooden.
All that remains is an ephemeral outline of the walls (see photos)
together with large numbers of nails and some medieval pottery. The
chalk outline is only about 1cm thick, it could be the base of a stone
foundation or where the base-plate of a wooden wall was positioned.
Also inside this area there were signs of prehistoric occupation.
During the second week of the dig good progress was made in removing the fill from the previous year's excavations.
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As left in 2006 |
Recording in 2007 before more work was carried out. |
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The part of the cellar with the steps leading down, discovered in 2006, has been excavated deeper and is being mapped before continuing further
Working in 2006 |
Still working in 2007 to reach 2006 levels |
The main part of the cellar feature was cleared back to the 2006 status
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| 2006 | This feature has been further excavated in 2007 which will continue. | |
The south-east corner of the cellar wall was cleared to a deeper level than reached in 2006
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| Large building showing the line of post holes |
Excavating the foundation layer under the chalk outline |
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The large building that was found during the first
week as just a chalk outline on the ground was further investigated.
Substantial stone foundations were found under the chalk feature.
It is thought that the stone foundation had a layer of chalk added
to produce a level surface for the base beams of a wooden building.
Inside
the building is a line of three post holes that would have held the
columns supporting the roof (or upper floor?) as in an aisled hall.
It was decided to investigate the area outside the present trench to
find the corresponding second line of post holes line.
The excavation of the trench at the top of the site was completed and it confirmed that the double ditch did surround the entire complex.
The "Find of the 2007 excavation" was the key to the cellar still lying on the cellar floor where it was abandoned in the 13th century
 "Very, very nice. With the right conservation it has the potential to be an iconic object for the site. Wealth, security, importance, status, protection" David Hopkins, County Archaeologist, Hampshire County Council |
The Site Overall
Panorama of site showing Cellar, Aisled Hall, Well? (W) and position of the Gatehouse found last year (G) |
The Cellar
The steps leading down into the cellar. |
The floor of the cellar showing the holes that could have held roof supports or racking for wine barrels and where the key was found |
Another view showing the steps bottom right. The white arrow shows the position of the plastered corner as discovered last year. |
The Aisled Hall
Showing the outline of the aisled hall. The two arrows highlight the positions of the two rows of post halls for roof supports. The size of the Hall is approx 30m x 20m |
Closer view of the post holes. The nearer hole is the deepest to allow for the slope of the site. (Away from the camera) |
Section
across wall foundation. |
