Phasing: 17217 is cut into 17215, suggesting that the level to which 17215 was excavated once formed a surface and that this surface predates wall 19002 (17217 is cut by 19002). However, 17216 seems to have accumulated on a surface below the level to which 17215 was excavated since it dives below 17215 towards the northern baulk. Below 17216, 17220 fills a clear square cut (cut 17225) which emerged ~7cm below the level to which we had excavated 17215 (we dug an artificial sondage to find the limits of the forge deposit). The most likely phasing seems to be that 17225 was cut into a surface below 17215, 17220 filled cut 17225, 17216 was deposited on top of 17220, and finally 17215 accumulated around that. 17217 is cut into this later surface of 17215 and wall 19002 cuts 17217. This suggests that the forge (which itself seems to have numerous phases) predates the 17217 trench and, importantly, the opus reticulatum structure of 19002. The forge may comprise an early metal working area that predates the building and the blacksmith workshop. It may have fallen out of use by the time that 17215 accumulated (was potentially used as a surface), 17217 was dug, and 19002 was built.

It is likely the 17215 comprises a beaten earth floor that once formed a surface inside and outside of the building (along with 17219). Upon this surface the metalworking activity of 17216 occured. 17217 is cut into thus surface.