EDO5599 - Car Park Extension, Waitrose Supermarket, Chantry Fields; excavation

AC archaeology was commissioned by the John Lewis Partnership to carry out an archaeological excavation on the site of the extension to the existing car park at the Waitrose supermarket. Work started with the removal of topsoil from the site, incorporating an area of approximately 40m by 10m. An additional 7m by 4m area was extended at the northern edge of the site. The entire area was then cleaned by hand. The southern half of the site was made up of stone spreads or surface, and this was divided into 2m squares, separated by 0.5m thick baulks. These squares were extended where structural remains were present. Non linear features were excavated by 50%, and linear features were excavated by 20% or greater sample. Three probable buildings were identified on the site. Structure 631 was the largest of the three. Walls were present below the topsoil at maximum depth of 150mm below ground level. It was made up of two joining wall foundations made of limestone blocks and pieces. They measured 11m and 2.2m long, and survived 1m in height. The second structure (632) was located directly east of this. Construction was similar to structure 631. Walls were again present below the topsoil. Only one wall was exposed as the others continued beyond the trench’s edge. Structure 633 was found below 631 and 632 and was made up of three wall foundations covering an area of 4m by 5m. The foundations were made up of five courses of limestone slabs, with no apparent bonding. (UNFINISHED. Mapping?)