We have frequently worked with developers in the specialist basement extension sector. This type of extension can, in certain parts of our oldest towns, draw an archaeological condition. In parts of London archaeological deposits can extend 5m from street level. This means that extending an existing basement can actually mean coming straight down onto significant archaeological remains of, for example, the Roman period.

 

These types of excavations can, on occasion, mean that archaeological remains need to come out first. This means archaeologists need to work with the lead contractor to ensure that the remains are removed safely. Therefore, the lead contractor will insert shoring to secure an excavation and will often work very closely with the archaeologists in removing spoil and checking safety each day. Our role is to design such works and manage the process to ensure that the archaeological works begin and end only where they are needed. This is a highly skilled area where attention to depth and understanding of the relative significance of different deposit types is all important. We know exactly where a geo-archaeologist working with a geotechnical team will suffice and we know where hand excavation is needed and what level of recording must happen.

 

While at Archaeology Collective Joe managed multiple schemes of this type, including Basement excavations at:

The site of the former Marshalsea prison in Southwark

The Smithfield Tavern which sites very close to and just outside the Roman City Walls in an area of settlement on the edges of the City.

Metro Bank, Canterbury which is located within the Archaeological Area (a controlled area of this historic town)

2-3 Robert Street off The Strand in London, which encountered parts of the Anglo Saxon river embankment in Lundenwic (the Saxon Town of London).

Lift Pit at Dyers Hall, City of London which went through a high status room of Roman date. The photograph on this page shows Roman Painted wall plaster found 5m below street level close to Cannon Street Station. Despite the great depth (and huge weight on this plaster, the Roman brush marks are still visible)

 

These projects all took place several metres below street level and involved close co-ordination with the demolition and construction contractors for these projects.