This weeks detector survey

[Dean]

As requested...a few photos of this weeks detecting survey, for your viewing.

It was on a field with immense cropmark evidence (can't say too much!) which so far begins at Bronze Age and continues right through to late Roman, of which (so far) looks like a typical farmstead, with some nice positive signals in features.

Early on, two objects were detected, recorded and collected - a nice Polden Hill brooch and 4th century coin, which were just visible on the surface. Didn't get pics of them unfortunately as they were quickly whisked back to the office!

The topsoil survey in 2004 produced nothing metal, which was surprising considering the substantial cropmarks. Having said that, it was market garden and intensively farmed, which in my own experience destroys any metal work loose in the top in a short space of time. Thats why we were pleasantly surprised to get plenty of signal after the top was stripped.

Comments on picture five are expected :D


























So whats the burned stone 'thing'? then?
And would you like to know what the big positive signal was in there? ..So would I :)
Well two signals actually (yellow flags).
Don't miss next weeks update.

[BAJR Host]

Superb.... what a site... and love the laid back archaeologists...

First... thanks for being first.. you have shown people what to do on this section... and second... can'rt wait to find out what happens.. next!!! I have foolishly placed my money on the signals being heat affected rock... :face-huh: B) uuh oh

"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers

[BAJR Host]

Superb.... what a site... and love the laid back archaeologists...

First... thanks for being first.. you have shown people what to do on this section... and second... can'rt wait to find out what happens.. next!!! I have foolishly placed my money on the signals being heat affected rock... :face-huh: B) uuh oh

"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers

[Dirty Dave Lincoln]

Excellent pictures-though i'm curious about two things:
1-Is the laid back person in the barrow about to administer some form of justice as implied by holding a shovel?
2-The use of colour coded flags on this particular site.

[Steven]

Hi
Thanks for these piccies, nice post.

One small question, what do you mean by:

" It was on a field with immense cropmark evidence (can't say too much!)"



Steven

[Dean]

Hi guys.

The chap in the barrow and the others were actually 'helpers', who were part of a group on day release. I was told they were 'assisting' as it was good for their road to recovery :)

I believe the white flags were put in to highlight features, as well as the spray paint, which itself was getting washed away. Blue flags...not sure. White flags with yellow spots are metal locations.



quote:Originally posted by Steven


One small question, what do you mean by:

" It was on a field with immense cropmark evidence (can't say too much!)"


Nothing more interesting than wanting to keep the site safe from 'visitors'. Having posted pictures of the site on the internet, and flags marking unexcavated metal finds, might have any undesirables drooling at the thought of a quick smash and grab visit. Giving the location would be stupidity really. It's a shame, but better to be safe than sorry.

I'll try another visit myself this week if I get time...

[Unitof1]

Its a pity that when the archaeologists have finished scientifically sampling the site with their teams of experts that they could not have an open day, weekend, week, month and let any member of the public bring their spade along and grab what they want. I often go on sites (not mine and mostly quarry sites) when they have finished and just have a hack. Whats funny is that often when I have been there people who were on the dig and locals have turned up as well to do the same. I quite like the randomness and freedom of it. Particulay smallish pits that have been half sectioned and cleaned. reinterpretation of the section bish bash.