Week 8 Uncovered

At the end of week 8 we are getting close to the point of maximum demolition. An unexpected discovery came when removing the Victorian concrete in the area in front of the stone screen, on the pulpit side. Although the Victorians removed most of the ledger stones from the floor, they left this one and covered it with concrete and then tiles on top! Best guess at the moment, as to why, is that it was fairly recent, with the last interment in the grave being in 1827, so only forty years before the reordering. Still a bit strange though.

To the Memory of
Lieut Reynell Michell R.N.
Of Bigadon in the Parish of Buckfastleigh
Esquire and many years Alderman and
resident of this Borough, who died the
3rd Feb 1802 Aged 69 years
Also of Jane his Wife
Daughter of John Taylor Esquire
who died the 21 March 1827
Aged 88 Years

In other news, closer analysis means we don’t have quite as much soil to relocate as we thought. The tiled walkways have a bout 80-100mm of rubble under the screed before you hit soil proper. The aim is to not excvate down further than 20mm into that soil.

Our archaeologist Keith has finished cleaning up the outer aisle pillar bases and remains of walls and is now working up the north aisle pillars.

Massive thanks to Craig and his team from Ellis & Co. for all the hard work they’ve been putting in.