Area E / F was extended to area L. Before excavation proceeded, a Phytoarchaeology survey was undertaken. We were interested to know if the different species of plants growing in the area would show where the edge of the clay floor was located.   There is not a lot of soil build up in this area due to the wind tunnel effect at the bottom of this valley making it susceptible to the westerly and easterly winds. The main problem when excavating was the roots of the water rushes which grow quite deep although stopping at the clay layer thus not damaging the archaeology. The roots are difficult to trowel through so we had to cut into the section approx 2 inches down with sharp knives and removed it rather like turf. These blocks were then sifted through by hand so as not to miss any finds.

The clay platform continued from E / F and revealed a total of 16 more pit cuts.

Also extending from E / F the sunken area filled with river gravels continued along the northern edge of the trench. The significance of this feature is still not apparent as most of this feature is continuing under the baulk. This area will be extended in the coming season.

    In the corner of  the northern edge a large area of burning, possibly a bonfire, was discovered. This was in the layer just above the clay floor.

   Along the river edge, the extent of the clay floor was revealed. A band of stones marked the edge, measuring approx 60cm wide. This curved around in an oval shape to disappear under the baulk.

Unfortunately the trench seemed to stop short of the edge in the other direction, but will be extended this year.

There were relatively little finds in this area and none from the floor itself except for the contents of  the feather pits.