Evaluation: The trench locations were set out using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), in the approximate positions proposed in the WSI, although trenches 2, 3, 5-7 had to be divided in two because of located services. Nine trial trenches of various sizes were excavated in level spits using a 360� excavator equipped with a toothless bucket, under the constant supervision and instruction of the monitoring archaeologist. Mitigation: The topsoil/overburden was removed in level spits across three SMR areas (totalling 0.12 ha) using a 360� excavator equipped with a toothless bucket, under the constant supervision and instruction of the monitoring archaeologist. A UAV survey was conducted to map out the exposed structures. A sub-250 drone fitted with a 48 megapixel camera was then manually flown at 20 m above ground level, taking photographs every 2 seconds, or 4 m. The photograph images were geolocated using ground targets recorded set out using a Leica Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) connected to Leica's SmartNet service. Evaluation: Eight of the nine excavated trial trenches contained archaeological features, indicating archaeological remains are present across the evaluation area. The uncovered features comprised the remains of 19th-century brick terraced housing constructed largely from red, handmade, mid-19th-century bricks and lime mortar. Mitigation: The results of the excavations show that the foundations and cellars of the 19th-century brick houses on Bailey's Square and Broadleys survive to a moderate level of preservation. Wall foundations, steps and floor surfaces have been recorded across the mitigation areas. Documentary research showed that the occupants of the terraces were working class, employed mainly by the coal mines. The households were formed mainly from large families with traditional social structures, although there were cases of independent, mainly widowed, women, or single men. There seems to have been a high turnover of occupants, possibly a reflection of migrant workers coming to Clay Cross to work in the pits.
Clare Jackson-Slater (Mon,) studied this question.