The archaeologists are back on site for the second week of ‘I Dig Godolphin’, and we’ve had another successful day.
Cathy couldn’t stay away, and has decided to spend more time digging at Godolphin, rather than returning to Canada. We’re happy she decided to come back, as she uncovered another interesting find on site today!
Cathy’s iron object causes a lot of interest on site.
Cathy’s find.
Our archaeologists think that this may be an iron masonry tie.
Dave, a kiln expert, visited the site today to help us identify the type of kiln we have uncovered in trench D. Dave has been dismantling a kiln in Lelant, and told us that Mike Dodd and Peter Schofield’s kiln was built in the style of a Japanese climbing kiln. This enabled the heat to be directed up and down on to the pots, and each individual chamber could benefit from controlled heat, ensuring the best firing for each style of pot.
Volunteers uncover more of the kiln in trench D.
Sandra has been washing pottery from the 1970’s kiln.
Trench A is getting deeper, and we have now uncovered a layer of medieval pottery. This will enable us to date the movement of the soil above, and hopefully point us towards a conclusion on the ridge in the middle of the orchard.
Digging deep in trench A.
In other news, as well as the 19th century rum bottle, Trench E has produced what appears to be part of a 17th or 18th century decanter, and some 15th/16th century pottery. Today we also saw the opening of trench F. This picks up the ramp leading up to the Cider House, and we hope to uncover more finds when we reach the base.
It’s been a very long day on the dig, in the drizzly rain- fingers crossed for a little more sun tomorrow!
Archaeology National Trust SW 
After I die, I plan to come BACK AS AN ARCHEOLOGIST! wish I was there to help..