archaeology fieldwork
No previous archaeological work has been recorded on the site. The redevelopment involved refurbishment which required limited intrusive work, below the existing slab level. Two drain runs, with depths ranging from 0.50-1.06 metres, a lift shaft c. 2.25 metres deep and a goods hoist shaft, the depth of which was only sufficient to disturb the current slab were proposed. These works were carried out under watching brief/evaluation conditions, with provision for controlled excavation in the area of the lift shaft should archaeological deposits survive
The western drain run was monitored and section drawings made of two faces of the trench on 14th July 1997 by a member of the Museum of London Archaeology Service (MoLAS). The deposits found in the east-west leg of the trench were of 20th century date relating to the construction phase of the building. The north-south leg indicated an in-situ dump deposit cut though by a post-medieval wall. Another visit to the site on 17th September 1997 saw the start of the excavation of the lift pit, measuring 4.00 metres north-south by 4.00 metres east-west on the central southern side of the site.
Immediately below the make-up for the slab, two chalk walls were visible, both aligned slightly to the west of grid north-south. These cut through an earlier dump deposit. It was evident that a considerable depth of in-situ material was present which required detailed investigation. A trial pit measuring 0.60 square metres was dug to a depth of 1.20 metres in the south-west corner of the trench. Medieval pottery, including one fragment of Roman was found within the test pit. The watching brief ceased at this point and the developers informed of the decision. After consultation with the London Borough of Southwark Archaeology Senior Officer, a proposal for an excavation was put in place.
On completion of the controlled excavation, the eastern drain run was recorded in section on 8th October 1997. The section along the length of this trench showed an in-situ dump deposit of a similar nature found in the western drain run and in the lift pit.
The archaeological deposits in the excavation were recorded using the single context recording system in conjunction with the Archaeological Site Manual (3rd edition), (MoLAS, 1994).
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