Market Square Reclamation: May 20 CARF Update
A Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation (CARF) team is providing regular updates on its progress as it explores Kingston's Market Square prior construction of a new public space. The report below was prepared by S. Bazely.
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CONTINUED SITE PREPARATION
- No further mechanical excavation has taken place on the site, however, preparations were made to commence geotechnical investigations next week including: elevations being taken by a land surveyor of the various structural features encountered to assist in planning for the revitalization construction; selection of locations within the archaeological excavation to test for compaction of the underlying materials in preparation for the revitalization construction.
- Excavation and recording continues across the site in all areas that have been opened up to date; particular focus has been on recording cross-section profiles in locations where additional areas will soon be opened up, specifically in the area between the back end of City Hall and trench 2B for the purpose of uncovering the tops of the Market Wing walls and piers.
FINDINGS
- At the south end of 2A, near its junction with 2C excavation around the larger section of Market Wing pier and wall has continued down towards its foundation - the interior of the wall is parged or plastered and there are lots of broken ceramics within the structure.
- At the south end of 2B excavation is continuing into the pavé - there are large amounts of demolition material, particularly brick as well as early 19th century cultural material - the current interpretation is that this may relate to one of the earlier market shambles that collapsed.
- Excavation along Brock Street within the cellar portion of the tenement or tavern structure in 2D has had two quadrants completed - investigations revealed two wooden floor layers with burned timbers on top.
- Also within 2D and adjacent to 2C excavation has begun into the latrine layers - within this area is also a burn layer that contains large amounts of ceramics.
- In the area of 2E, at the north east of the site, excavation has progressed into a wood layer - from this location pieces of animal hide, leather off-cuts and pieces of bark have been recovered, a strong indication of a small tanning operation possibly relating to a cobbler.
MEDIA COVERAGE & PUBLIC EDUCATION
- Tour provided to Queen's Enrichment program students May 19.
- School tours provided May 17 to 115 students from local public schools, May 19 to 90 students from local public schools, and 11 students from an adult program.
- The crew continues to provide information on the general history and findings to date to visitors who stop at the fence
