Archaeologists are digging up what they claim is William Shakespeare's cesspit, an excavation that may shed new light on the Bard of Avon's literary life. A British team, led by Birmingham Archaeology, has been carrying out the excavation work of the ruins of New Place, Shakespeare's former home in Stratford-upon-Avon, which was demolished 250 years ago. <br/><br/>Although little remains of the property, the archaeologists believe they have identified a rubbish tip or cesspit used by the 16th century poet. <br/><br/>The dig focuses on three areas of the property, which Shakespeare bought in 1597 when he returned to his home town from London having achieved fame — including the so-called knot garden at the rear of the building. Fragments of pottery and broken clay pipe have already been retrieved from a muddy hole on the site.<br/><br/>Dr Diana Owen, Director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which owns the site, said it is not know if the knot garden was an area used by Shakespeare, it may have been a yard simply used by his servants. But this could actually yield some fantastic results, especially if it was an area where rubbish was thrown or the cesspit was located.<br/>