An initial site visit was undertaken on the 19th December 2018 to monitor excavations for a foundation trench for the new WC. The foundation trench measured 1.41m by 0.36m with a maximum depth of 1.11m. No further groundworks or building works were undertaken on site, and was primarily excavated to satisfy the existing planning permission at that time. The next, and most recent site visit, occurred on the 30th August 2023. This visit comprised of the excavation of a drainage trench associated with the construction of the new WC. The excavations measured 4.78m in length, 1.16m at the maximum width (Northern extent) 0.27m minimum width and a depth of 0.54m. These excavations directly connected to the foundation trench excavated in 2018. Similarly, these works were undertaken to satisfy the existing planning permission conditions. Further works are expected to take place, however, the designs of the new WC are expected to change, and the conditions of the planning permission will be subsequently updated. Where archaeological horizons were encountered they were cleaned by hand and excavated appropriately. Standard John Moore Heritage Services techniques were employed throughout, involving the completion of a written record for each deposit encountered, with scale plans and section drawings compiled where appropriate. A photographic record was also produced. The resultant spoil from the works was visually scanned, especially for finds relating to the medieval and post-medieval periods. The archaeological watching brief aimed to identify significant archaeological remains, with a particular focus on the medieval and post-medieval periods, as well as any skeletal remains. During the course of the watching brief excavations, disarticulated human remains were observed within the topsoil and consolidated graveyard soil deposits. These remains were re-buried in the deposits they were found in and were not retained. Part of the church stone-built foundations were also uncovered. No further archaeological remains or features were observed.
C Whitehead (Wed,) studied this question.