Introduction
We were invited to evaluate the geoarchaeology of a site at 14 Trim St, Bath, to help the excavating archaeologists, both in understanding the origins of the deposits and in assessing the archaeological potential of the site.
Background
The bedrock of the area was known to be Jurassic Lower Lias clay, and the soil would have been similar to that found at nearby locations where it is a Gleyed Brown Earth. The site lies under an existing building on a hillside that slopes gently southwards, where drainage through the underlying clay is poor and the natural soils are likely to be wet for part of the year.
A single sample was provided for analysis by the excavating archaeologists.
Findings
The sample was found to be typical of the post-medieval urban soils typical of Bath, except that it was rather richer in organic matter with a high proportion of charcoal.
Conclusions
From our investigations, we were able to tell the excavating archaeologists that none of the evidence found was useful in understanding more about the origins of the deposit, especially without other samples from which to make comparisons. The high proportion of charcoal and slag found may be significant, but without comparisons it is difficult to say.