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

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Attendees: Tim L, James, Debbie, Andrew R, Geoff, Tony, Martin and Keith

The gradiometer survey of the area to be excavated was completed as shown in Figure 1 giving a more rectilinear image of the features observed in the initial 2023 survey due to the accuracy of the grid set up using GPS on day #1. Training was provided for attendees who had not previously used the gradiometer. These features were then marked onto the ground with spray paint using tape measures relative to the site grid, which gave a much clearer impression of the scale of these enclosures.

Features of interest were then surveyed using high resolution earth resistance for 10m x 10m squares as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. This method gave significantly more detail than revealed by the 2023 20m x 20m resolution survey. Although considerably more effort to survey using this method, this will be continued until the areas of interest across the site have been completed. 

Work also continued to identify datum points across the wider site area and record location/AOD with the GPS total station so that these datums can be used by the total station theodolite and dumpy level during the excavation to record locations of small finds, test pits etc etc.

The high definition earth resistance image revealed an area of high earth resistance transected by a ditch on the southeast side of the lane in Figure 4. A 2m x 2m trench was opened across there features as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 so that the depth of these features and their morphology could be assessed in more detail prior to opening up the full area of the trench. 

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

Follow the project on our YouTube channel

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.