Base camp, no Sherpas
The day before the excitement was due to begin, Hugh, Pete and Sandy spent the day getting things ready for the off . First task was dropping off all the equipment, tools, bags, drawing boards etc on site (well as much as you can pack in a Golf and a Corsa), and making sure we've got everything we need to hit the ground running tomorrow.
Hugh and Sandy find out that dark medieval(ish) buildings have some disadvantages - enlarge to see spiders
HQ was established in the 'administration building' a structure most people think is part of the medieval priory, but one that Hugh claims is rather modern. Such assertions will probably continue to flow, but whatever its origins at least it has a roof, a luxury on this site.
Now you see the turf...
With the first trench, to the north of the church, marked out and just waiting for the first spade tomorrow, the team decided to pay a quick visit to our 'sister site' at Manor Lodge, Sheffield. http://manorlodgedig.blogspot.com/
At least it commands a great view
Here we saw another property owned by the Talbot family and it gave us an idea of the type of archaeology we might expect to find. Inspired we left waiting for the fun to commence tomorrow.
