Market Square Reclamation: May 13 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.
 |
||
|
|
|
|
||
CONTINUED SITE PREPARATION
- Mechanical excavation was focussed primarily on removing already excavated backdirt from the Phase 1 area, but also removal of demolition rubble from around the north piers.
- The fence has now been extended to King Street to provide more space and prepare for additional areas to be opened up Findings.
FINDINGS
- Excavation and recording is continuing across the site in all areas that have been opened up to date.
- In 2B excavation is continuing into the 1865 burn deposit located between the two interior stone walls of the Market Wing - there are more burned timbers, melted lead and possible counter weights - flat limestone bedrock has been reached at 2.5 metres below the existing surface.
- In 2C and along the edges of 2A and 2D the stone revetment already uncovered is being cleaned off - it would appear that the lower portions are the former 1756 French earthworks, while the upper sections have been altered and incorporate other later structures - these include the pre-1840s tenement buildings and tavern, and an 1820s to 1830s privy - no French period or late 18th century British (Loyalist) period material has been recovered from this area, however the privy contained creamware, pearlware and whiteware ceramics, clay smoking pipe fragments, pieces of 1820s to 1840s wine bottles and large amounts of fish bone.
- The 3 stone piers forming the north arcaded wall of the Market Wing that were previously exposed in 2C have been recorded and covered for preservation - the larger section of pier and wall containing what was initially thought to be a brick doorway has had more rubble cleaned away from it and the brick is identified as more likely to be from a chimney, the purpose of which is as yet unidentified.
- The demolition rubble contained within the pre-1840 structures along Brock Street in 2D is now partially removed - below the rubble there were remains of burned floorboards, which in some cases sat directly on bedrock.
- In the area of 2E, at the north east side the stratigraphy indicates the 1840 fire, 1812 period debris including wood interpreted as being possibly from shanties (temporary wooden structures), a buried sod layer dating to the French and Loyalist periods, and bedrock.
MEDIA COVERAGE & PUBLIC EDUCATION
- Photographic updates were run in the Whig-Standard and The Heritage local newspapers.
- CBC Radio Morning show on Thursday May 12 highlighted the Market Square Project.
- Tour provided to Queen's Enrichment program students May 12.
- The crew continues to provide information on the general history and findings to date to visitors who stop at the fence.
