Sunday,15th September was the start of the second phase of excavations at White Lee and we have high hopes of finding evidence of medieval activity there.

Two intrepid diggers braved the steady drizzle and cut a trench, 5m x 0.5m, in the field to the SW of  the farmhouse, connecting test pits dug previously this spring. Below a shallow layer of dark subsoil a level of orange/brown soil was seen, revealing what appears to be an ash pit at the NW end of the trench and some cobble stones at the opposite end. Amongst the subsoil a few 18/19c pot sherds were found along with one clay pipe stem fragment; a good start!

But, by now (early afternoon) the steady drizzle had turned into VERY steady drizzle and was penetrating waterproofs. Also, the cattle appeared, looking for food  – time to leave!

Back tomorrow at 10.00am, in the sunshine. Who knows what treasures we may unearth?

Georgina Bentley

This photo (not taken on 15th September!) shows Higher White Lee. The latest dig site is behind the barn in front of the farmhouse.

Monday, 16th September

Further excavation of subsoil was carried out in Trench J on a lovely sunny morning, revealing a layer of pinkish-grey clay underneath some large cobbles at the SE end of the trench. The ash pit feature at the NW end of the trench was further outlined. Tomorrow this feature will be further explored and the trench possibly extended at the SE end to follow the “cobble” feature. 

Fingers crossed for another fine day and interesting finds !

Tuesday, 17th September

Today the trench was extended to assess the extent of the “cobbles” feature and finds included three early clay pipe stem fragments which were of particular interest, as one of the fragments was of a “cutty”, as explained by Alex to the meeting last Saturday at the Heritage Centre.

Join us for an interesting day in the sunshine; you may find a real treasure. We are looking for evidence of medieval activity in the area so who knows what may turn up tomorrow!

Photos by Ian Rowley

Wednesday, 18th September

As part of our search for evidence of medieval occupation here Trench J was extended a further metre at the NW end. Amongst the topsoil, a few sherds of 19/20c pottery were found. Deeper excavation may reveal earlier occupation levels. 

Today was a lovely sunny day so it has been a pleasure to spend a day in such a pretty corner of the local area. Also, we had a very attentive audience of several gorgeous Limousin calves!

Tomorrow the plan is to further excavate the trench and to possibly find answers to some of our questions. Hopefully, evidence of an early yard or outbuildings may be seen. 

We are only here at this site until weekend so time is short! If you can, come and spend some time with us to see local history being revealed! Email Georgina for details of the location, where to park, etc.

Thursday, 19th September

Another fine day for digging.

A test pit, 1m x 0.5m (Trench K) was opened to the west of the northern edge of Trench J. A few pottery and glass sherds were found in the topsoil level which overlayed an orange/brown clay type soil, in which a few pot sherds were found. Underneath this layer appeared a gritty sandy layer. The orange/brown level was similar to the type found in the NW end of Trench J which contained small angular stones measuring 0.04 – 0.08m.

 This context continued for at least 4m, NW – SW. The depth of this level was 0.24m. This layer was aceramic overlaying a patchy pink/grey clay level.

To the south of the site a large flat gritstone, close to the trackway at the side of the barn, was partly exposed. This will be further explored tomorrow.

David, the farmer is happy for us to measure stonework inside the barn if we do it in the near future before the barn is full of animals. 

If you can, we could do it tomorrow? If so, bring wellies!

Friday, 20th September

Today was the last day of our September dig at White Lee so excavation was against the clock! 

The surprise find of a large flat sandstone was further explored. A one metre square trench and an area around it was excavated to reveal the outline of the stone which was almost one metre in diameter. The stone has what look like plough marks across the top surface which is interesting. Has this been an arable farm at some time in the past??

Features were recorded and measured before the site is backfilled. No access to the site on Saturday 21st, so Sunday 22nd, 1pm to 4pm is the last chance to see the excavation and an opportunity to take part in the backfilling which is always fun, and satisfying. Backfilling will also take place from 11am Monday. Any time anyone can spare will be much appreciated.

We say farewell to the dig site and Bob the dog. Hopefully we will be back!

Sunday, 22nd September

Georgina Bentley