General Baptist Chapel, East Leake, Nottinghamshire: Archaeological Recording Of Groundworks Within The Chapel

The groundwork was carried out under archaeological observation. All deposits were inspected in order to identify any archaeological remains of interest in particular those dating to 1756, (including church foundations). Where possible these were cleaned by hand, examined and recorded. Recording of all groundworks included the position and depths of the excavations and the deposits exposed, by drawing (both in section and plan where applicable) and photograph. Prior to backfilling spoil heaps were inspected for any datable or significant archaeological artefacts. All identifiable deposits were given unique individual four-digit context numbers e.g. 0001, 0002 etc. starting at 0001. All saved artefacts were to be given individual three letter finds codes e.g. AAA, AAB. Disarticulated human remains found in the confines of the work were to be recorded appropriately and left on site for reburial. Advice from Ursilla Spence, Nottinghamshire County Archaeologist at Nottinghamshire County Council would be sought if articulated remains were present. Limited fabric was re-used from the original 1756 chapel during the re-modelling of the building in 1839 though of note the roof timbers were re-purposed as floor beams for the choir dais. The presence of large quantities of Swithland slate roof tiles within the demolition deposits indicate that this was what covered the roof of 1756. The complete absence of in-situ burials to the west of the 1756 stone plinth was due to the limited scope of the work carried out which ensured that there was no destructive impact on any potential burials.