Day14: 22 July 00
Today was the last day with a full team (most of the students leave on Monday) and was also Open Day for the public. A special ferry service was set up and visitors were brought across in groups throughout the morning. This was probably one of the hottest days of the excavation and visitors were treated to a guided tour of the site and of the finds. Several of the island's monks also visited and the day was a reminder of the size and diversity of the Stronsay community.
Visitors receiving words of wisdom on the site and its significance.
For the island's monks, this is a special place where Christianity has been followed for over a millenium.
On the site itself, clearance of rubble to the east of the chancel has produced a range of different box-like features and paving areas. These are also being picked up under the floor of the chancel and belong to structures which pre-date the chapel.
Work uncovering features east of the chancel.
Elsewhere, investigation was directed towards resolving specific problems, ascertaining the surviving extent of the coastal wall and clarifying the nature and significance of one of the rubble spreads. In the nave, further trowelling is now in hand in order to work out the phasing of the wall and altar construction. This has considerable implications for understanding the way the chapel developed over time.
Excavation inside the nave, against the northern side altar.