Moseley Dovecote Excavation

In April 2005 we began our excavation in the Gardens of Moseley Dovecote. When the Moseley Society started landscaping the gardens they found a brick structure just below the surface and asked Birmingham Archaeology to investigate. Members of the Moseley Society told us about the history of the Dovecote and then Birmingham Archaeology taught us various surveying techniques and helped us start our dig.

We were taught how archaelogists survey and record a site. First we found a nearby Ordnance Survey mark from which we could establish the height above sea level of the site. We then established a reference point within the site and learned how to use a surveyor's theodolite to measure the relative height of various parts of the site before excavation and as the excavation progressed.

We also learned about doing a geophysical survey to reveal underground features. Using the geophys' equipment we surveyed an area near the excavation to establish whether there were any other hidden clues to its nature, age and purpose.

Here we are excavating the underground structure that has been discovered. It appears to comprise a round brick structure with a paved floor.

We returned to complete the excavation on 28th May.....

Above: Members working on the excavation - "take care not to tread on the excavation surface!"

Above: The excavation complete showing the exposed structure

Above: A close-up of a sump-like feature in the exposed structure. We believe the structure was used as a water tank.

We had a wonderful time and are very grateful to the Moseley Society for allowing us to help and to Birmingham Archaeology for spending the morning with us and teaching us various archaeological techniques.

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