The north face of the wall terminated at the western end with an approximately rectangular greensand block measuring around 200mm X 250mm. This building was the first structure to be quoted as still standing after the Dissolution in the grant by Henry VIII to Bethell of the site in 1546. Research into comparable abbeys pointed to the possibility of the wall having been part of the long lost abbot’s lodging. This indicated that it had formed part of a substantial building of at least two storeys. The wall already found in No 3 King Alfred Terrace was revealed to be even larger than previously thought, with flint facings showing that it was approximately 1.5 m wide and in exact alignment with the cloister buildings. Hundreds of hours of planning were put in by a dedicated team to ensure the Dig met all government guidelines, so as to provide as safe an environment as possible for those taking part. The project was run with the help of members of Hyde900, local experts and WARG, a Winchester archaeology and history group together with financial support from Council for British Archaeology Wessex section and the Hampshire Field Club. However, the winds on Friday put paid to a couple of them!ĭespite the challenges, the 2020 Dig sites featured no fewer than four separate gardens, generously made available by the householders, making this the largest and most ambitious Dig put on by Hyde900. For a time, gazebos erected over the trench positions provided some cover for hardy participants of the Dig. After months of preparation for the provision of COVID-19 secure events over the King Alfred Weekend, the Hyde900 2020 Community Dig took place on the site of Hyde Abbey in the now traditional (for Hyde900) downpours of rain.

Dig by as king summary