Archaeological Update No.1 - June 2008

On 25 April 2008 permission was granted to locate a limited programme of evaluation excavations across the Park in order to examine the results of the geophysical surveys carried out in 2007-08. The surveys revealed a number of sub-surface anomalies. Some no doubt, are geological but many appear to be man-made - linear features might represent walls or ditches; at least two circular features might also be ditches. However, only excavation can clarify their interpretation.

The aim of evaluation excavation is to examine the surface of any archaeological layer beneath the ground and to assess the quality and complexity of the surviving remains. To do this, small and narrow trenches can be used. We opted for a narrow 1m trench and our "Trench 1" was 3m in length. Unfortunately, Trench 1 failed to reveal any in situ archaeological remains, only a thick gravel layer which appears to be a natural layer, in other words the top of the Taplow gravels at this point. However, this interpretation is not certain and we may return at some later date to examine this gravel material. Trench 1 is located close to where Frank Clark carried out his work. He too noted the difficulties in identifying a clean natural layer on the site.

Our focus of attention will now turn towards the western side of the Plain and examine some of the linear features seen there by geophysics. This will help to clarify the significance of the many linear features recorded in that part of the Park.

At a later date we will turn our attention to the circular features on the eastern side of our study area. However, our approach to them will be dependent upon our discoveries in the next few weeks on the western side of the plain.

WEAG continues to be committed to revealing more about the history of the Park. Already over 20 members have helped with the geophysics programme. Ten volunteered for the excavation of evaluation trench 1 and already names are being put down for the next day on 6th June.