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Trench 1X is a 3.5 x 3.5 m extension of the southern end
of trench 1D to the west. It was begun in the later part of
the 1997 season. The nature of 1D?s baulk required the
removal of a thick layer of topsoil by a bulldozer. This
method enabled us to excavate faster and under safer
conditions, as the ground in this area had become unstable.
The aim was to expose more of the boundary wall of the
orchestra and associated features that had appeared in 1D in
the previous season.
A substantial Medieval wall runs through the trench, just
below the present surface, in a roughly EW direction. It was
decided early on to concentrate on the area to its north and
to leave the southern side for 1998. Excavation became quite
difficult because of the loose nature of the soil, and the
discovery of a quarried theatre seat running into the north
baulk also hindered access. A total of three seats was found
in the trench, at various levels; one was exposed just in
the north west corner at floor level, cut but possibly
remaining in its original position.
The facing of the medieval wall on the south side is
smoother with dressed stone being used, whereas on the north
side it is of quite poor quality, with many small rocks
being used. The finds from these levels included some iron
slag, as well as glass and pottery; there was also a great
deal of burnt earth.
The orchestra wall was found; it curved under the medieval
wall, no doubt continuing on the other side of the trench.
It was covered with plaster in some areas. Immediately next
to the wall we found the cement and pebble floor evident
also in 1D. Another seat was found upturned on to the pebble
floor.
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