I'm really surprised at how much goes into a dig
Posted on 8 July 2013 by Claire - University of Leicester Intern
Intern Claire with her first find, a Medieval tile.
Tools of the trade. Sometimes archaeology isn’t delicate.
So my thoughts on the first week... I'm really surprised at how much goes into a dig, and how many considerations have to be taken, health and safety for example and the logistics of spoil.
It has been great to see it from the beginning, watching the diggers and their skill, combined with Matt's knowledge of when to stop and check things out by hand. I'm also beginning to understand what hard graft is involved at times!!
After a couple of days mattocking, shovelling and barrowing I thought I may end up with my broken body being thrown on top of the spoil heap, ready to be thrown in a hole when backfilling!
The dig is beginning to get really interesting now though, I've found some bits of medieval tile and my first shards of Samian ware and Roman Pottery.
All of the team have been really great and are very friendly. Matt and Leon are proving to be great mentors and are always happy to show me what they've found and explain things. Bring on next week!!
Choir stall foundations from the first dig and uncovered once again.
About the blog
Keep up to date with the progress of the Grey Friars Dig Part II throughout July 2013 via regular updates on this site. The body of King Richard III was discovered here in 2012 – who and what else lies beneath this now-famous car park?
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