The day started with the obligatory health and safety briefing. Then Penny, Brignall's project manager, gave a brief introduction to the historic background of the site and we discussed the research objectives and aims of the excavation. This was all in the comfort of the newly delivered tool cabin. Just how many archaeologists can you fit in a tool cabin? Still, it kept us out of the rain.
How many archaeologists in a tool store?
The talk was followed by a walk around the village to get a feel for the local topography, and to place the site in its wider landscape context. This included a visit to the ruined church down by the river which was partially demolished in the early 19th century to build the present Brignall Church. The earlier church features as a romantic ruin in a painting by Turner dated c.1822.
There is no indication that the medieval settlement was focused around the church but, instead, it appears to have always been located further north, on the higher ground on each side of the current road.
After visiting the church we navigated back to the site via the projected route of the old hollow way leading to the village. What was surprising was that the church was remarkably close when approached from this route, in contrast to the modern footpath which runs by the gill.
After lunch Trench 1, at the eastern end of the site, was ready for excavation. This was opened to explore the sub-circular feature identified during the geophysical survey; thought to potentially be prehistoric in origin. Following machining, there is obviously a curved ditch of some sort in the area but it is too early to tell yet what date this is. Keep watching this space for further progress updates.
Opening Trench 1
While the volunteers got to work trowelling back Trench 1 and cleaning back the sections, machining continued over at Trench 2 and 3. These two trenches have been located to pick up the remains of the hollow way leading from the church and the remains of one of the village tofts and crofts, clearly visible on the Lidar. There is also a strong magnet anomaly which might be a hearth or kiln, perhaps the village smithy! Both these trenches were open by the end of the day but have not yet been cleaned. Nevertheless there are the remains of what appears to be a silted hollow way and a stone buildings of some form.
Remains of building foundations in Trench 2
All in all a good first day, despite the weather. The only down side (except for the rain) was getting the vehicles stuck at the end of the day :( Luckily we have secured alternative parking for tomorrow, thanks to Mr Watson, the farmer, who has kindly let us use his yard.
I thin everyone is looking forward to the next couple of days when things should really start to shape up. Thanks to all the volunteers for their help so far.
Work underway in Trench 1
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