The evaluation comprised the excavation of a single trench, measuring 7m x 2.30m, under direct archaeological supervision. The subsequent watching brief involved the archaeological monitoring of ground reduction undertaken to accommodate the new car park (Figure 3). Excavation was undertaken in accordance with stratigraphic principles. Standard On-Site Archaeology techniques were followed throughout the excavation. These involved the completion of trench record and context sheets along with plans and/or sections drawn to scale. Heights above Ordnance Datum (AOD) were calculated by taking levels from a Temporary Benchmark (TBM), which was then tied in with an existing Ordnance Survey benchmark. A photographic record of the deposits and features was also maintained. No significant archaeology was found during the evaluation or watching brief. The archaeological investigation clearly indicated that the site had previously been subject to ground reduction, probably relating to the development associated with the adjacent former public house in the later 19th or early 20th century. There was no evidence that elements of St Thomas' Churchyard extended this far to the east, within either the evaluation trench or the watching brief. No truncated graves were present, and no disarticulated bone was observed. It was noted that the ground level within the graveyard was significantly higher than on the site, so it is possible that the previous episodes of ground reduction had removed any traces of graveyard soils and burials, if they had ever extended this far east.
McCluskey et al. (Mon,) studied this question.