{"id":13941,"date":"2026-04-28T08:39:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T08:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/?p=13941"},"modified":"2026-04-28T08:53:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T08:53:33","slug":"at-the-dig-day-7-25th-april-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/2026\/04\/28\/at-the-dig-day-7-25th-april-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"At the Dig : Day 7 &#8211; 25th April 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>A Step in the Right Direction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR.jpeg&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;1148&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;2040&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR-576x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13922\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR-576x1024.jpeg 576w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR-169x300.jpeg 169w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR-768x1365.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR-864x1536.jpeg 864w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR-14x24.jpeg 14w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR-20x36.jpeg 20w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR-27x48.jpeg 27w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-2-AR.jpeg 1148w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">First sight of the steps. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13922\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">First sight of the steps. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13922\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">First sight of the steps. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It didn&#8217;t take us long to decide where to start with our proper excavations now we have the whole area stripped of most of the overburden. In one corner of the building, two curious stones had been exposed poking through the soil and rubble of the building. Slowly digging down the side of one of the stones, it soon became apparent that it has been carefully cut, and after some time we started to think it might be the top of some steps. You can find a few more photos of the day&#8217;s work in our <a href=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/2026\/04\/28\/at-the-dig-day-7-gallery\/\">photo blog galleries<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR.jpeg&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;1148&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;2040&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR-576x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13929\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR-576x1024.jpeg 576w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR-169x300.jpeg 169w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR-768x1365.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR-864x1536.jpeg 864w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR-14x24.jpeg 14w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR-20x36.jpeg 20w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR-27x48.jpeg 27w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-4-AR.jpeg 1148w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Carefully moving the infill from the steps. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13929\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Carefully moving the infill from the steps. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13929\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Carefully moving the infill from the steps. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Elsewhere in the pumphouse, a start was made uncovering features previously discovered in 2015, providing a point of interest to visitors and plainly showing the building&#8217;s association with the local water supply. A significant length of 3-inch diameter cast iron water main leads from the middle of the building to a point outside the south-east wall. This pipework also includes a large one-way valve which prevented water flowing back into the well when the pump wasn&#8217;t working. All of this was uncovered by the end of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642.jpg&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;1440&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;2560&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13930\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-14x24.jpg 14w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-20x36.jpg 20w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642-27x48.jpg 27w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-valve-PB-scaled-e1777234591642.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pumphouse pipework and valve. Photo: Peter Burgess<\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13930\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pumphouse pipework and valve. Photo: Peter Burgess<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13930\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pumphouse pipework and valve. Photo: Peter Burgess<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Work continued at the step. The first step down was 30cm deep comprising a stone slab repaired with a brick, and the next step below that was also reached although this one was in a poor state, comprising rubble held together with mortar. The right-hand wall of the stairwell going down was a very roughly made concrete mix using local stone and cement.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-PB-1-e1777234616571.jpg&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;576&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;1024&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-PB-1-e1777234616571.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13935\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-PB-1-e1777234616571.jpg 576w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-PB-1-e1777234616571-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-PB-1-e1777234616571-14x24.jpg 14w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-PB-1-e1777234616571-20x36.jpg 20w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-stone-step-PB-1-e1777234616571-27x48.jpg 27w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Top two steps fully exposed. Concrete wall to right. Photo: Peter Burgess<\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13935\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Top two steps fully exposed. Concrete wall to right. Photo: Peter Burgess<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13935\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Top two steps fully exposed. Concrete wall to right. Photo: Peter Burgess<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>There were very few significant finds today. The area of the top of the step yielded a few lumps of coke which we initially assumed were simply fuel for the steam engine&#8217;s boiler, but on cleaning were found to be attached to mortar and other aggregate. It seems likely that the coke found its way into a very rough concrete mix as part of the internal structure of the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A large square iron nut was found, which was possibly part of the structure of the building. The butchered end of a very large bone came out of the demolition layer. A small piece of cement render indicated another possible characteristic of the old building.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR.jpeg&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;1148&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;2040&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR-576x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13923\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR-576x1024.jpeg 576w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR-169x300.jpeg 169w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR-768x1365.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR-864x1536.jpeg 864w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR-14x24.jpeg 14w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR-20x36.jpeg 20w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR-27x48.jpeg 27w, https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CH-25-Apr-augering-2-AR.jpeg 1148w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Augering at the site of a spring. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13923\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Augering at the site of a spring. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13923\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Augering at the site of a spring. Photo: Andrea Roberts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Quite a few local memories include a spring of fresh water running from the corner of the wood down to the well. This spring and stream are marked on the 1895 Ordnance Survey map, so we made an attempt to see what might still exist at the site of the spring. Using an auger we bored down about a metre, but the ground was dry and compact and it was very hard work. We may well return to this job at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While at the dig today, we were visited by a group of school students and teacher doing a practice Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze level expedition from Oakwood School. They were very interested in what we were doing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Step in the Right Direction It didn&#8217;t take us long to decide where to start with our proper excavations now we have the whole area stripped of most of the overburden. In one corner of the building, two curious stones had been exposed poking through the soil and rubble of the building. Slowly digging&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13922,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13941"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13941"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13941\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13959,"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13941\/revisions\/13959"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13922"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13941"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13941"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wealdencaving.org.uk\/website2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}