Bamburgh Castle | Weeks 1 & 2 | Weeks 3 to 5 |
On the 18th June the 11th season for the Bamburgh Research Project at Bamburgh Castle got under way. In addition to an extension to trench 3, a new trench has been opened in the west ward. Designated trench 9 it is at the foot of the windmill slope beside trench 1 and Oswalds Gate. This is to investigate another trench excavated by Dr Brian Hope-Taylor.
As the winter covers came off trench 3 and it was cleaned back, some small finds that were missed from the previous season came to light. Further work in the second week has produced a few more finds from this trench. The Bowl Hole has not started as yet, the turf will start to come off about the middle of week 3.
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| General view of Trench 3 after removal of winter protection | Trench 9 just getting underway | Recording in Trench 3 |
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| Flint scraper from the shut down trench 8 | One of quite a few bone dice found in trench 3 | A piece of worked bone, possibly used as a toggle (button)on clothing |
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| The end of a bone pin again from trench 8 | The extension to trench 3 getting underway | Looking down on trench 9 with trench 1 up against the wall and stairs to Oswalds gate just to left of orange tapes. |
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| This ball is described as a clay or stone projectile | This copper object is possibly a harness fitting and came from trench 3 | Also from trench 3 this iron object is thought to be a latch lifter |
The trench at the bowl hole was opened later than normal and work didn't really get underway until the start of week 5. This is the last year, for the Bowl Hole dig, now anyway. At the time of writing there have been about 100 skeletons found including the one shown below, the first of this season. No doubt more will be found before the end of the season.
Trench 9 is the newcomer this season and has some very interesting features in it. See the pictures below.
Most of the work in trench 3 is concentrated on the small extension this continues to produce small finds.
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A "wet stone" a type of sharpening stone from Trench 3 |
Also from Trench 3 this "long cross" penny |
Copper strap end possibly a chape( the tip of a dagger sheath) |
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Part of a bone comb. Trench 3 |
A shell button. Trench 3 |
Part of an iron spur. Trench 3 |
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An iron spear head. Trench 3 |
Working on the first skeleton of the season at the Bowl Hole |
Another of the skeletons from the Bowl Hole |
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Trench 9 section showing the bone, that are thought to be those a pony or small horse |
Trench 9 showing the mortared wall line, diagonal whitish strip in middle of picture |
A general view of the extension that will join trench 1 to trench 9 eventually. The steps lead to Oswalds gate |
