Part of a series of bulletins from the BAS excavations at Wickham House

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Attendees: Tim L, James and Keith

Got straight to work with the GPS to layout the 20m x 20m site grid to an accuracy of 1cm as shown in Figure 1. This took 1 hour and each node was marked with a wooden post (aka broom handle) and labelled with the NGR easting/northings to serve as a reference framework for the rest of the excavation as shown in the photograph in Figure 2. The GPS proved very straightforward to use and the increase accuracy of the grid (compared to using tape measures and trigonometry) was immediately visible to the eye. 

The gradiometer survey then began in the N-S alignment with a total of eight squares (C/H/M/R/D/I/N/S) being completed as shown in Figure 3. The result of this survey compare well with those taken in June 2023 as shown in Figures 4 and 5, but with combined with the site grid the georeferencing of the gradiometer image will allow trenches to be accurately located over features of interest.

The rectilinear features within the new survey were then plotted onto the site grid and marked with temporary spray paint so that their scale could be assessed on the ground. From this it was possible to assess the relative size of these features  and determine their likely function as part of building #2 as internal and/or external spaces. On completion of the gradiometer survey and the high-resolution earth resistance survey a final decision will be made on the location of the initial trenches to be opened for excavation.