Locus 40 is a soil and plaster layer that extends for 2.9m from the edge of the OC2/Workshop in the easternmost extent of the trench to the northernmost extent of the trench. In the west of the trench the layer extends 2.30m from the edge of the OC2/Workshop to the northern extent of the debackfilled area in the west. It abuts the northern edge of the OC2/Workshops floor in the eastern extent of the trench (Locus 39). The soil contains significant amounts of plaster, which at times has degraded into the soil, giving it a pinkish brown color. The locus was covered by Locus 38 throughout its entire extent. Upon removal of Locus 40, a tile fall (Locus 41) of well-preserved roof tiles was revealed. The soil is very compacted, especially in areas with compacted plaster inclusions. Locus 40 contained many small and medium-sized roots due to the tree located along the northern baulk wall. The layer contained a significant amount of plaster, totaling 158.852 kg. Plaster within the layer included plaster that was non-diagnostic, reed impressed, and vitrified. One fragment of plaster with an adhered finer surface layer was found (PC20240031) in addition to plaster with a preserved impression from a beam (PC20240032). 6 carbonized seeds (PC20240051) were found within Locus 40. Other notable finds from the layer include a spindle whorl with stamped decoration (PC20240009) and a fragment of a cut out akroterion (PC20240029) which was found to join a fragment from Locus 38. Locus 40 was excavated using pickaxes, small handpicks, trowels, and buckets. It was fully removed and covered Locus 41 throughout its entire extent.

NB: It was decided on 18 July to continue the sequence of loci from T26 in the 2023 season. What was designated Locus 3 at that point was converted to Locus 40. Any remaining mentions of Locus 3 in this notebook or the associated documentation and artifacts of T26 in the 2024 season should be considered Locus 40.