Since the last update, the excavators continue to make progress although the finds have not been numerous.
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The first fragmentary cobble walls have appeared in trench one associated with the gatehouse structures on the east side. The emphasis there is on going down through the trackway to get to the lower levels / early period. The top layers are producing 15th/16th century pottery and underlying levels coarser sandy wares going back to the 14th / 15th century. Plenty of depth still to go. Widespread faunal remains in trench one.
Trench two is now extended to 6x2m shows below demolition levels two sizeable ditches and perhaps a pit cutting same. One holds demolition period material, the pot and other ditch are larger features and in terms of alignment appear to have no relation to the structures suggested by the geophysics. These appear deeply cut and hold almost exclusively faunal remains in a dark humic fill. The lower levels of these features may offer environmental and carbon-dating opportunities. The same area suggests some evidence for smithing slag.
The emphasis in both trenches now is going deeper into identified contexts to our 1.2m maximum.