MoLAS carried out its
evaluation for Southend Borough Council in nine weeks between the 22nd October and 23rd December 2003. Three trenches were opened up, the largest of which was some c. 20m x 7m. Geophysical investigation (comprising both magnetometer and resistivity surveys by
Stratascan) was conducted on the remainder of the site - or at least those parts that didn't have trees and shrubs!
The team led by MoLAS Senior Archaeologist Ian Blair (veteran of many exciting digs for MoLAS), comprised archaeologists, surveyors, photographers and conservators. Work was carried out in the open for the most part, though once the grave chamber was discovered a polyspan cover was erected.
Many of the more sensitive items, such as the lyre, were so delicate or ephemeral they had to be lifted by Museum of London Specialist Services conservators in a block with the surrounding soil, and are still being 'excavated' off-site in the conservation laboratories of the Museum of London.
Over the next few months there are probably more exciting discoveries to be made as previously unintelligible stains and marks are excavated and interpreted.
