A watching brief was held during the digging of three contractors trenches at the rear of the 'Cock and Pie' building on North Hill. The trenches were dug to establish the nature of the ground and the level of the natural sand in advance of building work. The eastern trench was 1 x 1.3m and dug to a maximum of 1.65m. Dark brown sandy loam sealed a 30cm thick gravel layer at 90cm depth. The gravel sealed a piece of post medieval brick. Sandy clay silt was observed at the base of the trench. The central trench measured 1 x 1.3 m and reached a maximum depth of 1.4m. Dark brown sandy loam sealed a post medieval brick sump? At 80cm depth. Sandy clay/silt was observed at the base. The western trench measured 1.3m x 1.3m and reached a maximum depth of 2.5m. Dark medium brown sandy loam was observed with some inclusions of peg tile which sealed 20 cm of robber material at the base of the trench. Natural sand was observed at the very base of the trench. Negative evidence.<1>