The Excavation of a Trench East of the Wakefield Tower, Tower of London, 1992

One trench, c. 15m length x 2m width x 3.4m depth, was excavated and several spits were also excavated within it; single context recording and multi-context planning were undertaken; a site grid was established. Investigation revealed multi-phase activity, with the earliest phase evidencing the pre-13th century foreshore, including a timber revetment and securing post. A masonry foundation was sunk into the foreshore. The construction cut for Wakefield Tower was recorded and the exposed ashlar of the tower was observed in good condition. Outer Ward activity included dumps forming the ground surfaces, which were cut by a pit, and two drains that discharged into the river. The post-medieval use of the area included two E-W wall foundations and associated drains.