The star of today’s blog is Mike, who takes care of the
majority of hi-tech equipment we use on site. Having finished his Masters last
year, Mike has worked in commercial archaeology during the last 12 months and
is planning to start a PhD in the future. He is always on hand to aid and
assist with the plethora of devices we use on site to investigate, record and
analyse the features and finds we uncover. These include: |
| Resistivity Survey |
Resistivity Meter
This year we will complete a geophysical survey of the
entire monastic precinct, the first time this has been achieved. In addition to
being extremely good exercise, walking up and down a field all day with a
moderately heavy machine helps inform our interpretation of the site and is
also essential in making sure our trenches are located in the best possible
locations.
iPads (other tablets
are available)
The excavation aims to be as paperless as possible, and as a
result most of our recording, including writing context sheets, is completed on
iPads. Although they may take some getting used to, the use of iPads enable
records to be backed up easily, changes to be made quickly and the onset of
rain does not result in context sheets being transformed into papier mâché.
Total Station and
GPS
Every find uncovered during the course of the excavation is
plotted in three dimensions using a Total Station or GPS. This will enable
future researchers to investigate particular scatters of material and
interrogate depositional practices in a particular area. They are also
essential tools when drawing features, as they mean are plans and sections can
be located precisely on the ground rather than floating around in unlocated
space.
 |
| Recording finds using Total Station (right) and GPS (left) |
Quadcopter
This is our newest piece of kit, and definitely the coolest.
By attaching a camera to our radio-controlled drone we are able to get aerial
photographs of our trench which would otherwise be impossible. We are currently
also working on ways of manipulating the resultant material to analyse the
interpret the remains and, judging by the youthful smile of our directors when
they operate it, it is also quite fun to fly!
 |
| View of Trenches N and P, courtesy of the quadcopter |
Work has progressed well today, with a number of interesting
finds including a lead mount in the form of a flower. However, for further
details you will have to read tomorrow’s blog!
