Prior to archaeological monitoring the tarmac layer was broken and scrub vegetation removed from the southern section of the site. Excavation of foundation trenches was undertaken using two mechanical excavators fitted with toothless buckets and under archaeological supervision. An archaeological presence was maintained throughout the excavation of all foundations. No archaeologically significant artefacts or features were recorded. It is thought that, although evidence for backplot activity such as waste refuse pits or the remains of structures may survive within the site, this might be closer to the buildings fronting Mill Street. The depth of topsoil, however, is testament to the long period of time in which the plot has been in use.
Tom Rogers (Wed,) studied this question.