Blog: Shrewsbury Castle dig diary: Day 3 – 20 July 2022

The objective for the dig today was to continue through the layers of trench 4 in order to find the features shown on Rocque’s map, from around 1750, as well as any additional evidence that would shed more light on the history of the wall.

To establish how the layers are related, we worked using sections, starting with the left side (as shown below), and eventually then moving on to finish the right.

Figure 1: Curtain wall trench

We came across many interesting finds, including what we think could be a tea set, as well as some pieces from plant pots, identified as Victorian. Additionally, we also identified what could be a foundation stone for the wall – however further investigation is necessary to determine exactly what period this is from. We will not be excavating anything of the wall itself.

Figure 2: Possible wall foundation stones and a modern pipe! Photo by Lara Foulkes

Figure 3: Some finds from the upper layer of trench 4. Photo by Lara Foulkes

Meanwhile, the team on the motte continued their drilling and made some finds of their own. They also opened a new section of the motte trench (Trench 3) which gives us now three areas to investigate.

Figure 4: New area dug today on the motte

We have also spent time talking to the public about the dig, what progress has been made, and the finds we were discovering from the trenches –it has been great to show a few of our new finds to those interested.

Tomorrow, we hope to continue our digging, getting further down through more layers, and we will hopefully discover some new evidence.

By Lara Foulkes, University of Chester student volunteer, on behalf of all volunteers at the Shrewsbury Castle Dig.