Market Square Reclamation: May 27 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
- Geotechnical investigations, to test for compaction of the underlying materials, in preparation for the revitalization construction were carried out by mechanically excavating into areas that had already been archaeologically investigated - either units previously investigated in 2003 or in the previous few weeks.
- The site trailer was moved to the King Street side to enable the mechanical excavation of a duct bank trench along the back end of City Hall.
- Asphalt and gravel were mechanically stripped from the area of the former Market Wing between trench 2B and the current rear of City Hall for the purpose of uncovering the tops of the Market Wing walls and piers.
- Excavation and recording continues across the site in all areas that have been opened up to date.
FINDINGS
- Excavation at the south end of 2A, near its junction with 2C has been completed around the larger section of Market Wing pier and wall - the wall sits on bedrock and was surrounded by large quantities of stacked, burnt ironstone dishes, all broken in situ.
- At the south end of 2B excavation was completed to bedrock - hand excavation was continued through the cultural layers, while the underlying undisturbed clay was mechanically removed.
- Within 2D excavation in the latrine is close to completion - large amounts of broken ceramics continue to be recovered, along with smoking pipe fragments and several glass beads - while there is a possibility of French origin for these latter, there is no other supporting evidence.
- In the area of 2E excavation continues in a wood chip layer - tools relating to woodworking and more shoe fragments and shoe leather are being found, which still supports the interpretation of a small tanning operation and cobbler.
- The area between trench 2B and the current rear of City Hall has been designated as 2F - this section has been mechanically stripped to reveal the tops of the two interior walls, the cross wall between these, and some of the exterior wall piers.
- The newly mechanically stripped area for the duct bank, along the back end of City Hall, is being cleaned down by hand - a limestone foundation at the south end is being uncovered - this may be one of the earlier market shambles buildings that collapsed, located along today's Market Street, it would have stood in the centre of the original market or town square.
MEDIA COVERAGE & PUBLIC EDUCATION
- Interpretive signage was put up on fences surrounding the site on Friday, May 27.
- School tours provided May 24 to 50 students from a local public school, and May 26 to 46 students from a local public school.
- The crew continues to provide information on the general history and findings to date to visitors who stop at the fence.
