Date: 31-Jul-97
Weather: Hot, cloudless
Number of Workers: 3
Lots Open: 1228, 1229, 1230, 1301, 1302
Page Reference: 93

STRATEGY: 1. Extend the trench 1m east by removing the remains of the "notional" baulk overlying f87. 2. Investigate nature & extent of f87. 3. Remove last of 1228.

SUMMARY: 1. Remains of wall f 68 were removed - loose soil in the c. 15cm under it was given lot no. 1229. 1229 generally overlies f 87 - flot sample taken - 50% of soil. 2. Removed last of 1228 to expose surface f 89 over most of the trench, except in a c. 2x2m area in the centre which has been irrevocably damaged by animal action. 3. Excavation of f87 revealed:- (a) Outer stones form one circle of the feature. (b) An inner circle of plaster & fist-sized stones forms a second concentric circle. (c) As "channel" exists between these 2 concentric circles, filled with a well-sorted silt whcih was given lot no.1301. A c.50% flot sample of 1301 was taken. (d) On the south side of f87 we exposed a very hard white plaster surface. Its edge follow the line of the inner circle. The material directly overlying the plaster surface was called 1302. This basically more 1230. We decided to take a 100% flot sample. (e) The eastern edge of inner circle = c. 50x50cm concentration of hard clay/ burnt pise/ mud-brick ?- possible collapsed superstructure. 4. Removal of f68 established that wall f85 is part of f66.