London and Middlesex Archaeological Society Transactions, 66 (2015), 79—136
EXCAVATIONS IN THE NORTH- WEST CORNER OF DEAN’S YARD, WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Paw B Jorgensen
With contributions by Lucy Allott, Philip Armitage, Märit Gaimster, Kevin Hayward, Chris Jarrett and Kevin Rielly
SUMMARY INTRODUCTION
An archaeological excavation carried out in advance An archaeological excavation was undertaken of the construction of a new subterranean transformer by Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd in advance chamber in the north-west corner of ‘the green’ in of the construction of a new subterranean Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey, revealed that the electrical transformer chamber in the north- earliest human activity in this naturally low-lying west corner of ‘the green’ in Dean’s Yard, area of Thorney Island was a pit dug during the Late Westminster Abbey (Fig 1), during March Iron Age or Early Roman period, which was sealed by and April 2009. Dean’s Yard is a green a build-up of alluvium. Saxon activity was evinced courtyard to the south-west of the cloisters. by two residual sherds of pottery. During the late 12th It forms part of the precinct of the former or early 13th century the process of reclamation or monastery of St Peter (commonly known as dumping to raise the ground level began and a hearth Westminster Abbey). was constructed. The bacNþll of a medieval drainage Two trenches were excavated: the main ditch contained an important assemblage of animal trench (Trench 1), which would accom- and þsh bones, providing information on aspects of modate the chamber itself, and a secondary the diet of the inhabitants of the abbey. Recovered from trench (Trench 2), for the cables connecting these reclamation dumps was a diverse assemblage of the transformer to the existing power medieval building materials, interpreted as demolition supply (Fig 2). Trench 2 followed the centre debris derived from various abbey buildings. Finds from line of the northern road around ‘the the late 16th-century dumping included a number of green’. Trench 1 was deep enough to un- tiny copper-alloy wound wire objects possibly derived cover natural deposits and was excavated from an ornate head-dress. Post-medieval features archaeologically by hand. Trench 2 was the included a 16th-century tiled path, which may have subject of a watching brief and excavated led from the kitchen to the entrance of Dean’s Yard. By by contractors to a much shallower depth the 17th century this area had been converted into a and natural deposits were only reached at gravelled yard within which was constructed a brick- its eastern end. Trench 1 was centred on lined well. The latest signiþcant feature was a 1 th- National Grid Reference TQ 2997 7941 century culvert or sewer. and covered approximately 64m2. Trench 2 covered an area of approximately 50m2. The site archive will be deposited with the Westminster Abbey Museum under the Museum of London site code DYR09. 79 80 Paw B. Jorgensen
Fig 1. Site location, showing the approximate extent of Thorney Island as deþned by the 1.m 2D contour of the underlying natural sand and gravel scale 1 12,
DRIFT GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY containing infrequent patches of decayed organic material, which lay at a maximum The site was located near the western edge height of +0.92m OD. At the eastern end of what was historically Thorney Island, of Trench 2 (some 40m east of Trench 1), the largest and probably the highest of the natural sandy gravel was observed at a height islands within the Tyburn delta. It is likely of 2.92m OD. that the island was formed some time during the Neolithic period by the deposition of ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND sand and gravel between two branches of HISTORICAL BACKGROUND the Tyburn River at their conÿuence with the River Thames (Thomas et al 2006, 9—10). There have been a number of archaeological In Trench 1 the top of the natural sequence investigations within the vicinity of Dean’s (Phase 1) was recorded at +0.92m OD in the Yard. The redevelopment of 20 Dean’s Yard west from where it sloped down to +0.64m (Fig 2) in 1975—7 allowed archaeological OD in the east. The natural deposits at Dean’s investigations which included the excavation Yard comprised waterlain layers of coarse of part of the sub-vault of the Abbey sand, [157], at -0.01m OD and +0.64m OD, Misericorde (Black 1976; 1977). In 1986 divided by a 0.24m-thick horizontal band of small-scale excavations were undertaken mid-yellowish grey clay, which occurred at a within the Dorter undercroft which revealed maximum height of +0.40m OD (Fig 3). This 11th-century alluvial silts, a later 11th-century sequence was sealed by an alluvial deposit of road, a possible precinct ditch, a substantial grey to greenish brown clayey sand showing timber structure and 12th- and 16th-century signs of occasional root disturbance and usage of the undercroft (Mills 1995) (WST86 Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 81
Fig 2. Trench location, also showing other archaeological investigations in the vicinity scale 1 12 on Fig 2). In 1998—9 an archaeological features including a ditch inþlled during investigation at 17 Dean’s Yard (Fig 2) the 11th—12th centuries (Jorgensen 2008; revealed Middle and Late Saxon alluvial Maloney & Holroyd 2009, 80—1) (TSA08 on deposits overlain by medieval reclamation Fig 2). In 2010—11 a watching brief on the dumps (Murray 2003). More recently in 2008 replacement of a gas main in Dean’s Yard a watching brief at the Sanctuary to the north itself and the Sanctuary revealed medieval of Dean’s Yard revealed various medieval and post-medieval building remains (Boyer 82 Paw B. Jorgensen
2011; Wylie 2011, 42). Excavations within in the immediate vicinity. In addition to the Cellarium in 2011—12 uncovered the this, residual sherds of pottery dating to this previously investigated Misericorde together period were discovered below the Dorter with Saxon and medieval deposits and undercroft (Mills 1995), and have been features including possibly part of the 10th- found recently at the Cellarium (C Jarrett, century monastery (Jorgensen in prep; pers comm). Maloney 2012) (WYA10 on Fig 2). The discovery of the Middle Saxon royal Based on the results of earlier investigations hall nearby and the evidence for occupation it appears that during the Late Neolithic on the island itself during this time may and the Early Bronze Age arable farming indicate the presence of a minster church, was carried out on Thorney Island. Then although structural remains relating to this due to rising water levels, human activity are yet to be found (Cowie & Blackmore along the periphery of the island probably 2008, 99). However, reliable documentary ceased, although transient usage of the evidence for the founding of a church on higher parts of the eyot continued into the the island does not occur until the reign Iron Age (Thomas et al 2006, 31). It has been of King Edgar when it is reported that estimated that the water levels had reached St Dunstan, Bishop of London and later a height of above OD by the Early Iron Age Archbishop of Canterbury (AD 960—88), and continued to rise to approximately either founded or refounded the church as +1.00m OD during the Early Roman period. a Benedictine monastery between c.AD 958 The water subsequently receded to a level and c.AD 961 (Brooks 1992, 22). According of c.+0.50m OD. This would have restricted to the anonymous author of Vita Ædwardi occupation during the Roman period to Regis the monastic community on Thorney those areas of the island located above Island, by the reign of Edward the Confessor approximately 1.00m OD, namely the areas (1042—66), comprised a small group of occupied by the abbey buildings (Sloane et impoverished monks living in dilapidated al 1995, 362). buildings surrounding St Dunstan’s church Even though the higher parts of the (Barlow 1970, 229). island could have been occupied during the After Edward the Confessor ascended the Roman period there is no direct archaeo- throne a programme of works was initiated logical evidence for this. Virtually every to rebuild the dilapidated monastery on a archaeological investigation conducted in grand scale. Work on a new church in the the vicinity has recorded residual Roman Romanesque style started and by the time of þnds. One possible explanation for the Edward’s death work on the rebuilding of the lack of Roman features is that the deposits ancillary structures was under way, although belonging to this period have been erased by the church had not yet been completed. By erosion caused by episodic ÿooding during the close of the 11th century the refectory, the early medieval period (Thomas et al kitchens, dorter and reredorter had been 2006, 149—50). completed. Throughout the 12th century It has been suggested that Thorney Island work on the church and cloisters continued. was home to a small Middle Saxon monast- It is likely that the western towers of the ery. This suggestion has been based on church were added during this time (Tatton- the existence of a charter of doubtful Brown 1995, 174—5). This century also saw authenticity recording a land grant made in the construction of the inþrmary and St AD 785 by King Offa of Mercia to St Peter’s of Katherine’s Chapel, both to the south-east Westminster (Mason 1988, 321; Sawyer 1968, of the great cloister (Thomas et al 2006, 56). no. 124). However, the nearby discovery The next major building phase was at the site of the Old Treasury Building in initiated by Henry III and ultimately led Whitehall of a high-status (possibly royal) to the destruction of much of Edward’s hall, dated from the late 8th to mid-9th Romanesque church. Work on Henry’s century AD (Cowie 2004, 209), and the re- new Gothic style church was started around covery of a partial donkey skeleton dated 1245 and had not yet been completed by AD 690—890 behind 17 Dean’s Yard (Murray the time of his death in 1272. Focus of the 2003, 46—7) attest to Middle Saxon activity construction work thereafter shifted from Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 83 the church to the rebuilding of many of the 3). The earliest excavated yard surface dates claustral buildings which had been destroyed to the early 17th century (see Phase 9 below). by þre in 1298. The þre had originated at By 1682 Morgan’s map of Westminster shows the adjacent Westminster Palace and swept that the western side of the yard was deþned through the south-east part of the abbey by a series of buildings fronting the Little precinct destroying many of the monastic Almonry to the west and the Great Almonry buildings (Thomas et al 2006, 71). Not only to the north (Saunders 2013, plan 31). Later, did the þre result in the need to rebuild this side of the yard was to be occupied by many of the abbey buildings, but also a lot Queen Anne’s Bounty Ofþce. of the royal funding hitherto directed to the Dean’s Yard was originally much smaller construction of the church was redirected and on a different alignment (east—west) towards rebuilding the ruined palace. A (see discussion below for details). A plan further reduction of funding occurred with to enlarge Dean’s Yard was presented in the loss of royal favour resulting from the 1756, and by 1760 the long granary and theft of the royal treasure stored at the abbey many of the buildings to the west of it had in 1303 (Doherty 2005, 242). been demolished and the yard had begun to Due to lack of funds construction prog- assume its current appearance. By 1844 the ressed slowly until the late 14th century last of the remaining terrace of buildings when Cardinal Langham, a former Abbot extending into the yard had been removed of Westminster (died 1376) bequeathed and the current quadrangle completed, a large portion of his fortune to the abbey which was much larger and had a north— for the completion of the rebuilding of the south axis (Tanner 1923). church started by Henry III. However, Abbot Litlyngton ignored the cardinal’s wishes and ARCHAEOLOGICAL SEQUENCE: directed a substantial amount of his bequest DESCRIPTION towards the rebuilding of the abbey’s ancillary buildings (Bond 1909, 112). Amongst the Phase 1: Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age buildings commissioned by Abbot Litlyngton (c.3300—1500 BC) were the abbot’s house and gardens, which Phase 1 consisted of the deposition of a water- adjoined the west walk of the cloister and lain layer of coarse mid-reddish brown sand extended west along the entire north side of containing very occasional small rounded Dean’s Yard, and the cellarer’s range, which pebbles, [152] (Fig 3). A single ÿint ÿake adjoined the abbot’s house to the north and characteristic of the Late Neolithic to Early extended south forming the east boundary Bronze Age period (Bishop 2010, 96) was of the yard (Tatton-Brown 2014, þg 1). The recovered from the very top of this context at long granary, which is believed to be part of a height of +0.61m OD. Sealing this deposit Litlyngton’s ambitious building programme, was another waterlain deposit, [134], which was joined on the west by the brewhouse and contained occasional patches of decayed bakehouse forming the southern boundary organic material as well as evidence for root of the yard (Robinson 1911, 9). It is possible activity. It was þrst observed at a height of that until these buildings were constructed +0.92m OD in the west and +0.64m OD in the the area later known as Dean’s Yard was part east and consisted of mottled greenish brown of the abbey farm. to greyish brown clayey sand, containing Throughout the medieval period the area occasional small rounded pebbles. of Dean’s Yard was known as the Elms, and its western boundary continued to be deþned Phase 2: Late Iron Age/Early Roman (c.400 by the southern branch of the Tyburn known BC—AD 200) variably as Black Ditch and Long Ditch with the Great and Little Almonries beyond. It is A single pit, [132], was dug into the Phase likely, as suggested by Norden’s 1593 Bird’s- 1 deposits at a height of +0.78m OD (Figs Eye View of Westminster, that the boundary 3 and 4). The majority of this feature lay between the almonries and Dean’s Yard was beyond the eastern limit of the excavation, delineated by a wall extending the entire but it appears likely to have been oval in length of the yard (Rushton 2002, þgs 1 and shape. It had steeply sloping sides and a 84 Paw B. Jorgensen
Fig 3. South-west facing section of Trench 1 (located on Fig 2) (scale 1:75) slightly concave base (depth 0.45m). The þll Phases 3 and 4: Late 12th/Early 13th of the pit comprised a dark brown silty clay Century (c.1150—1230) containing occasional patches of decayed organic material. It contained a small The Phase 2 pit was sealed by a build-up of quantity of shell-tempered pottery dating redeposited silty clay alluvium up to 0.40m to either the Late Iron Age or Early Roman thick (Phase 3), which contained fragments period (see Jarrett below). Residual Roman of burnt ÿint, daub, Early Roman brick frag- ceramic building material was recovered ments dated c.AD 50—200 and three sherds of from the medieval deposits (see Hayward coarse medieval sandy ware dated c.1140— below). 1300 (Fig 3). A small, temporary external hearth, [129], Saxon (c.AD 600—1050) was constructed within a shallow circular hollow made in the underlying clay (Figs 5 The Saxon period was represented by two and 6) (Phase 4). The cut for the hearth, residual sherds of pottery. The Middle Saxon which measured 1.20m by 0.95m, was lined period was represented by a single sherd of with a layer of mid-brownish grey burnt clay þne sandy fabric North French grey ware upon which, in the centre of the feature, was dated to c.AD 600—850. Also recovered was a a circular patch of reddish brown burnt soil sherd of Late Saxon shelly ware dated to c.AD containing burnt animal bone and a high 900—1050 (see Jarrett below). Although these concentration of charcoal. Analysis of the sherds were recovered residually from later charcoal showed the presence of oak, beech deposits it is likely that they are evidence of and sloe or cherry. Charred weed seeds were contemporary activity on Thorney Island. also recovered from the burnt soil. However, Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 85
Fig 4. Phase 2: Late Iron Age/ Early Roman pit [132] (scale 1:125)
Fig 5. Phase 4: late 12th- to early 13th-century features (scale 1:125) due to poor preservation of the seeds no from the clay lining of the hearth. Here the further identiþcation was possible. Charcoal seeds were better preserved and could be and charred seeds were also recovered identiþed as grass, (possibly) buttercup and 86 Paw B. Jorgensen
Fig 6. Phase 4 medieval hearth [12 ] under excavation, looking south indeterminate cereal grain; the charcoal same as the single þlls of the other two slots. was identiþed as oak (see Allott below). Slots 2 and 3 in the western and central parts Surrounding the hearth was a series of eight of the ditch contained 45 sherds of pottery small stakeholes with pointed bases. including shelly-sandy ware, coarse London- The hearth was sealed by a thin layer of type ware, south Hertfordshire-type grey ware humic soil, which may have been a buried and the ÿint-tempered variant, the last two topsoil horizon. It consisted of a mid- pottery types suggesting a depositional date greenish grey to mid-brownish grey humic of between c.1170 and c.1220. The eastern silty sand, which contained no artefacts. This slot (slot 1) contained a small assemblage humic layer was cut by an east—west aligned of similar pottery but also included a sherd ditch, [120], which extended beyond the of Kingston-type ware (c.1240—1400) which limits of excavation (Figs 3, 5 and 7). The might suggest a slightly later date. However, ditch had a maximum width of 2.00m and it is likely that this one sherd may have a depth of 0.30m, with steeply sloping sides come from an overlying later deposit which and a concave base, which sloped from east slumped into the ditch. to west, showing that it probably served as a The ditch also contained a considerable drain. quantity of animal bones including the three Three slots were excavated through the major domesticates, plus a caudal vertebra ditch. The central slot (slot 2) had a thin of a small cetacean (possibly dolphin or primary þll which consisted of silty clay with porpoise) and a relatively large assemblage frequent charcoal and shell fragments but of þsh bones, mainly herring, whiting and was otherwise lacking in datable artefacts plaice (see Rielly and Armitage below). (Fig 5). The secondary þll of this slot was the Also present were a small hone (
Fig 7. Phase 4 medieval ditch [12], looking north-east (2.m scale) see Gaimster below) and charred seeds, mouldings. Stone types represented included including possible oat and bread/club Reigate, Kentish ragstone and Purbeck wheat seeds as well as seeds of champion/ marble, all of which are common within stitchwort, together with charcoal fragments the earlier fabric of Westminster Abbey (see that showed the presence of oak and other Hayward below). In addition to the building species (see Allott below). stone a large quantity of peg and bat roof tiles dated to between c.1135 and c.1220 Phase 5: Mid to Late 13th Century (c.1230— were present. The latest of the dump layers 1300) within this sequence contained pottery dated c.1240—1300. Amongst the þsh bones The ditch was sealed by a series of dumped recovered from the dumps was a sturgeon, deposits, including one composed of organic which represents a high-status food stuff (see material, perhaps derived from decayed refuse Armitage below). From the earlier deposits a (Fig 3). Several of these layers contained number of iron objects were found including demolition rubble and frequent large lenses a ÿesh hook,
Fig 8. Phase 6: 15th-century features (scale 1:125)
Phase 6: 15th Century (1400—1500) Phase 7: Early to Mid-16th Century (1500— c.1570) It appears that the Phase 5 dumps were left unaltered during the 14th century, and it was Cut into the 15th-century soil horizon not until after 1400 that the further dumping were two postholes, [94] and [99], a sub- of sandy material, presumably intended to rectangular rubbish pit, [90], and a path, level the sloping land surface, took place (Fig [86] (Figs 3 and 9). The postholes were 3). The top of this levelling layer was fairly located along the western edge of Trench ÿat and varied only from 1.96m OD in the 1 and had been partially truncated by later west to 2.06m OD in the east. It contained features. The rubbish pit contained two þlls. late London-type ware (c.1400—1500) and The lower þll contained pottery dated to London-area post-medieval slip-decorated c.1480—1500. Other þnds from the lower þll red ware (c.1480—1600), which suggest a included a relatively large quantity of ceramic date of between 1480 and 1500 (see Jarrett building material, mainly late 12th- to early below). Sherds of residual early medieval 13th-century ÿoor and rooþng tiles (see ÿint-tempered or sandy wares dating from Hayward below), animal bones, a knife-tang c.AD 970 to c.1100 were also present. Four fragment,
Fig . Phase 7: early to mid-16th- century features (scale 1:125) yellow lime mortar. These had been bedded clasp,
Fig 1. Phase 8: late 16th-century features (scale 1:125)
Fig 11. Phase : late 16th to early 17th-century features (scale 1:125) Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 91
Fig 12. Phase 1: late 17th-century and more recent features (scale 1:125) clay (Fig 3). Only the lowest layer, a gravel tobacco pipes. Four pits, probably intended deposit, contained any þnds. It contained for rubbish disposal, were also dug. A single residual sherds of medieval Kingston-type and shard of natural green window glass, of London-type wares. On top of these dumps a either medieval or post-medieval date, was metalled gravel surface, [3], was laid which found within the þll of one of the pits, [38]. covered the entire trench (Fig 3). The top of the gravel surface sloped from 3.30m OD in Late 17th to Mid-18th Century (165Þc.176) the west to 2.95m OD in the east. From this surface an early 17th-century near-complete During the late 17th century a circular brick- but heavily corroded rose farthing of Charles lined well, [7], with an external diameter I,
Phase 10: Late 17th Century to Modern Mid-18th to Late 1 th Century (176Þ1 )
The Phase 9 postholes were truncated by the A north—south aligned vaulted brick-lined excavation required to construct replacement culvert or sewer, [12], was constructed of ones (Fig 12). The postholes ranged in unfrogged clinker and yellow stock bricks diameter from 0.65m to 0.95m and in depth which dated the structure to c.1780—1850 from 0.25m to 0.63m. Finds recovered from (Figs 12 and 13). Following the construction the backþll of these postholes consisted of of the culvert the ground surface was raised fragments of 17th-century pottery and clay to its present level of 4.34m OD. 92 Paw B. Jorgensen
Fig 13. Phase 1 brick-lined well [7] and culvert [12], looking south-west (2.m scale)
Trench 2 fabrics, one sherd of a Mid Saxon ware, 329 sherds of medieval and 332 sherds of In Trench 2 (Fig 2), which was only excavated post-medieval wares. Most of the pottery to a depth of c.1m, post-medieval dumped consists of small sherds, but identiþable deposits and late post-medieval gravel road forms are recognisable and a very small surfaces, a precursor to the existing road number of vessels have a complete proþle. surfaces, were recorded in section. At the Very few sherds show evidence of abrasion, eastern end of the trench the top portion but there was a degree of residuality. Pottery of the underlying medieval deposits was was recovered from Phases 2—10 and its observed. quantiþcation is shown in Table 1. Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) pottery SPECIALIST REPORTS codes are used in the following text for Roman, medieval and post-medieval wares.1 Prehistoric to Post-Medieval Pottery The code is given with the ware expansion Chris Jarrett at the þrst mention and thereafter only the code is used. Introduction Phase 2 The site produced a total of 664 sherds (sherd count: SC) from a minimum number Two sherds from a prehistoric or Early of vessels (MNV) of 390; 29 sherds were Roman shell-tempered ware (SHEL) vessel unstratiþed. The assemblage comprises were found in pit [132]. two sherds of Late Iron Age/Early Roman Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 93 21 11 11 1 1 V) 1 by sherd count (SC) and minimum number of vessels (M 1 Þ cation of pottery types Phases 2 þ uanti 4 Phase2345678910Total Table 1. Table NFGWB 600-850 LSS 900-1050EMFL 970-1100EMS 970-1100EMSS 1000-1150EMCALC 1000-1150EMCH 1050-1150 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 EMGR 1050-1150 1 1 1 1 SHEL 2 1 LOGR 1050-1170ESHER 1050-1200LCOAR 1080-1200 1 14 1 12 2 11 2 10 1 1 1 26 1 2 23 2 int- ÿ ne sandy þ tempered ware *North French greyware, Late Saxon shelly ware Early medieval Early medieval sandy ware Early medieval sand- and shell-tempered ware Early medieval sandy ware with calcareous inclusions Early medieval chalk- tempered ware Early south Early south Hertfordshire-type coarse ware Coarse London-type ware Early medieval grog- tempered ware Early Surrey ware ESUR 1050-1150 1 1 Prehistoric-Early Prehistoric-Early Roman shell tempered ware London-area grey London-area grey ware Ware Code Date range SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC ENV 94 Paw B. Jorgensen 31 V) 1 22 11 3 3 by sherd count (SC) and minimum number of vessels (M 1 Þ cation of pottery types Phases 2 þ uanti 4 Phase2345678910Total 1240-1350 30 4 4 4 34 8 1240-1400 1 1 6 5 6 4 1 1 1 1 15 12 1300-1630 3 3 3 3 EMGY 1080-1200 2 2 5 5 7 7 SHER/FL 1170-1350 35 16 79 24 6 4 120 44 MCS 1140-1300 3 1 LOND LOND HD KING/ HD SAIM 1250-1650CBW 1270-1500 5 1 5 1 7 6 3 3 1 15 1 14 SIEG/ SIEB LMHG 1340-1450 1 1 1 1 LLSL 1400-1500 1 1 2 2 3 3 Table 1 (cont.). Table int- ÿ Early medieval gritty Early medieval gritty ware Ware Code Date range SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC ENV London-type ware LOND 1080-1350 4 3 15 10 7 7 1 1 2 2 29 23 tempered grey ware South Hertfordshire- type grey ware/ Shelly-sandy ware Coarse medieval SSWsandy ware 1140-1220 13 6 12 6 25 12 London-type ware in London-type ware in the highly decorated style Kingston-type ware/in Kingston-type ware/in the highly decorated style Saintonge ware with Saintonge ware with mottled green glaze Mill Green wareCoarse Surrey- Hampshire border MGware 1270-1350 5 4 5 4 Siegburg stoneware/ with iron wash Late medieval Hertfordshire glazed ware Cheam white ware CHEA 1350-1500 ‘Tudor Green’ ware‘Tudor TUDG 1350-1500 1 1 1 1 2 2 Late London-type Late London-type slip-coated ware Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 95 2233 5 5 11 1 1 LLON 1400-1500 5 4 4 3 9 7 LARA 1450-1500CITG 1450-1550 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 DUTSL 1300-1650DUTSG 1450-1550 2 2 4 1 1 1 2 5 2 2 EBORD 1480-1550 35 7 35 7 PMREC 1480-1600PMRE 1480-1600 4 3 1 3 1 1 121 51 5 5 1 1 2 2 134 63 3 1 PMSL 1480-1600 1 1 9 2 10 3 PMSRG/Y 1480-1650 37 21 1 1 3 3 41 25 BEAG 1500-1600 to decoration þ Late London-type Late London-type ware Langerwehe/Raeren stoneware Central Italian Central Italian maiolica Dutch slipped red Dutch slipped red earthenware Dutch slipped red earthenware with sgraf Early Surrey- Hampshire border white ware Cistercian wareCistercian CSTN 1480-1600 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 6 London-area early London-area early post-medieval calcareous red ware London-area early post-medieval red ware London-area London-area post-medieval slip- decorated red ware Raeren stoneware RAER 1480-1610 14 12 4 4 1 1 3 3 22 20 London-area post- medieval slipped red ware with green or clear (yellow) glaze Frechen stoneware FREC 1550-1700 Beauvais white ware Beauvais white ware with green glaze 96 Paw B. Jorgensen 11 1 1 11 1 1 11 1 1 11 1 1 V) 1 ed decoration and external 97 33 1210 441111 6 6 11 11 2 2 11 99 1010 by sherd count (SC) and minimum number of vessels (M 1 Þ cation of pottery types Phases 2 þ uanti 4 1550-1700 Phase2345678910Total 1590-1900 BORDG/ O/Y TGW 1570-1846PMBL 1580-1700 1 1 12 9 13 10 PMFR 1580-1700 PMR 1580-1900 CHPO CHPO BW PEAR TR 1770-1840 REFW 1805-1900 Table 1 (cont.). Table ne red ne red þ ned white ned white þ Surrey-Hampshire border white ware with green, olive or clear (yellow) glaze Ware Code Date range SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC MNV SC ENV **English tin-glazed **English tin-glazed ware Essex-type post- medieval black-glazed red ware Essex-type post- medieval ware London-area post- medieval red ware Chinese blue and Chinese blue and white porcelain Metropolitan slipware METS Pearlware with 1630-1700 transfer-printed decoration Re earthenware Total 2 1 3 1 77 46 163 69 52 46 248 118 36 34 9 9 45 42 635 365 * see Blackmore 1988 ** includes London tin-glazed ware with plain pale blue glaze (TGW BLUE), blue- or polychrome-paint lead glaze (TGW D), London tin-glazed ware with pale blue and dark decoration H) Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 97
Fig 14. Pottery from Dean’s Yard. Key: 1. Rim of Phase 3 [133] jar with undercut rim in coarse medieval sandy ware (MCS) 2. Fragment of Phase 5 [115] London-type ware handle in the highly decorated style (L21D HD) with applied white slip rosettes, possibly from an aquamanile, and a body sherd from the same vessel (scale 1:4)
Phase 3 c.1175—1225. There are also four sherds of the þner London-type ware (LOND) dated From layer [133] were three sherds from a c.1080—1350. During the 14th century this jar with an undercut, ÿat top expanded rim ware was manufactured in the Woolwich (Fig 14.1). This vessel possessed a highly area (Cotter 2008). Six sherds come from a þred fabric with abundant quartz and sparse shelly-sandy ware (SSW) jar with a rounded grog inclusions and was therefore classiþed thickened rim, bevelled on the top. This as coarse medieval sandy ware (MCS), dated ware is dated in London to between c.1140 to c.1140—1300. and c.1220. There are also two sherds of early Phase 4 medieval chalk-tempered ware (EMCH) and a sherd of an early Surrey ware (ESUR) Phase 4 produced a total of 77 sherds of jar; both fabrics ceased production c.1150 pottery representing 46 MNV. This pottery and are therefore residual. The pottery was mainly derived from London (45.5% types present in this þll indicate deposition SC/53.3% MNV), Hertfordshire (45.5% between c.1170 and c.1200. SC/35.6% MNV), the Thames Valley (5.2% Later þlls of the ditch including [123] SC/4.4% MNV), Surrey (2.6% SC/4.4% produced seven sherds of SHER and in- MNV) and Italy (1.3% SC/2.2% MNV). cluded the expanded rim of a rounded jar, The lowest þll of ditch [120] produced together with two sherds of SSW, indicating mostly grey wares from south Hertfordshire deposition between c.1170 and c.1220. (Blackmore & Pearce 2010). There were 13 Fill [119] produced later types of pottery sherds (8 MNV) of south Hertfordshire-type indicating deposition between c.1240 and ÿint-tempered grey ware (SHER FL) and four c.1350. The main pottery type present in sherds (2 MNV) of the þner ware (SHER). this þll was SHER, consisting of seven sherds Both wares are dated in London to between derived from four rounded jars with external c.1170 and c.1350, and the only forms sooting and internal deposits, indicating that identiþed were rounded jars or cooking they had been used for cooking. The four pots. Coarse London-type ware (LCOAR), sherds of SSW came from two rounded jars, dated c.1080—1200, was the second most one of which was also sooted. Both jars had frequent pottery type, present as 14 sherds expanded rims, one squared with two thumb derived from the same number of vessels. All impressions on the top surface. Other types the forms represented in LCOAR are as jug of pottery were present in small quantities, fragments and include white slip and green including two sherds of early medieval gritty glaze decoration, but one sherd has white ware (EMGY), dated c.1080—1200, and two slip lines and may have an ‘early style’ design glazed sherds of LCOAR. The latest fabric (LCOAR EAS), dated c.1140—1200 (Pearce present was a sherd of the Surrey white ware et al 1985). The one jug handle represented Kingston-type ware (KING), which appeared is of a strap type dated in this industry to in London between c.1240 and c.1400 98 Paw B. Jorgensen
(Pearce & Vince 1988); it was a jug sherd with Phase 6 an unusual horizontal red slip band. There was also a sherd of central Italian maiolica Phase 6 produced 52 sherds of pottery (CITG), which appeared to be intrusive. representing 46 MNV. This pottery was derived from a wide range of sources, with Phase 5 London being the principal one (36.5% SC/39.1% MNV), followed by Hertfordshire Phase 5 produced 163 sherds of pottery (13.5% SC/10.9% MNV), Surrey (11.5% representing 69 MNV. The main sources of SC/8.7% MNV), the Thames Valley (9.6% pottery were Hertfordshire (48.5% SC/34.8% SC/10.9% MNV), Surrey-Hampshire (9.6% MNV) and London (42.3% SC/44.9% MNV), SC/10.9% MNV) and Essex (9.6% SC/8.7% followed by the Thames Valley (4.3% MNV). SC/10.1% MNV), Surrey (3.7% SC/2.9% Much of the pottery from layer [97] is MNV) and Buckinghamshire (1.2% SC/2.9% fragmentary and residual including early MNV). medieval wares, sandy ware with calcareous Sealing the Phase 4 deposits was a series of inclusions (EMCALC), ÿint-tempered ware dump layers. The earliest deposits produced (EMFL) and sandy ware (EMS), besides mostly late 12th- to early 13th-century pottery contemporary sherds of KING and LOND types: early south Hertfordshire-type coarse jugs and SHER. The latest pottery types ware (ESHER) and SSW as jar forms, besides present were small sherds of late London- EMGY, in layer [122], while early medieval type ware (LLON) and its white slip-coated sand- and shell-tempered ware (EMSS), version (LLSL), both dated c.1400—1500, LCOAR early rounded jugs, a London- besides a sherd of oxidised London-area post- area grey ware (LOGR) pitcher and a SSW medieval slip-decorated red ware (PMSL), thumbed rim jar were present in layer [117]. dated c.1480—1600, indicating a deposition Layer [116] was dated to 1240—1300 as date of c.1480—1500 for this context. it contained mostly LOND, as 17 sherds Dug into layer [97] was a series of postholes representing some four vessels, and mostly and pits, some of which produced pottery all jug sherds with rod handles, some with white of which appears to be residual: a base sherd slip and green glaze, but 13 sherds came of EMS in the þll of posthole [109]; a sherd from a highly decorated (LOND HD) jug of a white-slipped and green-glazed Mill with applied white slip decoration as lines Green ware (MG: Pearce et al 1982) derived either side of scales or strips with rouletted from a jug in pit [107]. Single sherds of a notch decoration. London-type ware in the MG and coarse Surrey-Hampshire border highly decorated style (LOND HD) is more ware (CBW) jugs and a sherd of EMGR common in the mid to late 13th century and were recovered from pit [103]. Ten sherds less frequent afterwards. There were also of pottery were recovered from þll [111] of single sherds of SHER and a green-glazed pit [112] and these were mostly sherds of KING. Layer [115] was also dated to 1240— LOND HD jugs with rouletted applied strips 1300 and SHER was the most frequent fabric of decoration, as found on an accompanying with 64 sherds (9 MNV) mostly from cooking sherd of highly decorated Kingston-type pots, but there was a jug with a rounded rim ware (KING HD), which additionally had an and a rod handle with thumb decoration (a applied chevron. characteristic of the industry). London-type Sealing the pits and postholes was a wares accounted for 26 sherds (8 MNV). Two topsoil horizon, [88]. The main pottery LOND HD vessels were present as 17 sherds: types present in this deposit were CBW the þrst is a jug with diamond rouletted and LOND, present as four jug sherds each white slip strips and the second is a possible from the same number of vessels. Three aquamanile, suggested by the right-angled small sherds of LLON were also recorded, rod handle and the body sherds with applied while all other pottery types were present white slip rosette ÿowers and a green glaze as single sherds and included a sherd of (Fig 14.2). Kingston-type ware (KING) was Late Saxon shelly ware (LSS), EMCH with a found as þve sherds (4 MNV) and included combed wavy line, and glazed jug sherds in jugs. KING, MG and late medieval Hertfordshire Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 99 glazed ware (LMHG). The latest pottery 31 sherds (15 MNV), while the green-glazed type present was a small sherd of London- ware (PMSRG) was represented by three area early post-medieval red ware (PMRE: sherds (3 MNV) and the forms consisted Nenk 1999), dated to c.1480—1600. The of bowls or dishes, a ÿared bowl, carinated earliest imported pottery present in the site bowls and a dish, cauldrons and jugs. assemblage was recovered from this layer London-area post-medieval slip-decorated as sherds of Langerwehe/Raeren stoneware red ware (PMSL) occurred as nine sherds (LARA) and CITG dating to c.1450—1550. derived from two vessels. The forerunner of PMRE was LLON and the two sherds in this Phase 7 layer are from a pitcher, while a single sherd occurred as LLSL. The largest quantity of pottery recovered Residual Surrey white wares were fairly from any phase of activity was present in well represented in this deposit, [63], and the Phase 7 deposits as 248 sherds (118 consisted of four residual sherds of CBW MNV). The main sources were London and a single sherd of ‘Tudor Green’ ware (71% SC/67.8% MNV), Surrey-Hampshire (TUDG). There were 34 sherds (6 MNV) of (16.9% SC/11% MNV) and Germany EBORD rounded drinking jugs. The northern (6.9% SC/12.7% MNVs). Imported pottery, England counterpart to the þne tablewares of including wares from France, Italy and the EBORD in the 16th century was Cistercian Low Countries, consisted of 10.1% by SC and ware (CSTN), a highly þred red ware with 16.9% by MNV. The pottery from the backþll good glaze coverage. It was represented of posthole [99] mostly consisted of PMRE, by three sherds (3 MNV) consisting of two seven sherds from three vessels of which the rounded cups and part of a lid decorated with rim and rod handle of a cauldron could be vertical white slip lines and dots. identiþed. Three sherds of London-area This deposit produced 23 sherds (10.2%) post-medieval slipped red ware with clear or 18 MNV (17.8%) of imported pottery, (yellow) glaze (PMSRY) were present in mostly German Raeren stoneware (RAER) the form of two carinated bowls. The same (14 sherds, 12 MNV) drinking jugs, dating to number of sherds occurred as two CBW c.1480—1550. There were also two sherds of jugs, and there was a sherd of early Surrey- Siegburg stoneware with iron wash (SIEB), Hampshire border white ware (EBORD), representing a sherd of a jug and the base dated to c.1480—1550 (Pearce 1997; 1999). of a Trichterhalsbecher or krug (SIEG TRIC). Other medieval wares occurred as two sherds Dutch red wares occurred as four sherds of of LLON and single sherds of LLSL and an Dutch slipped red earthenware with sgrafþto internally glazed sherd of KING. Imported decoration (DUTSG) and two sherds of pottery was represented by single sherds of the slipped red earthenware (DUTSG/SL) a jug in French Saintonge ware with mottled representing two chaþng dishes and a DUTSL green glaze (SAIM) and German Siegburg jug. The þnal import is the rare occurrence stoneware (SIEG). The types of pottery of a single sherd of a CITG closed form present in this context indicate a deposition decorated with blue bands and a ÿoral motif date of c.1480—1500. on a white background. Imported tin-glazed The main pottery type present in topsoil wares dating to this period were formerly horizon [63] was 112 sherds (46 MNV) of thought to be from the south Netherlands, PMRE. Forms present included bowls or but chemical analysis of the fabrics indicates dishes, some with pulled feet indicating a that they were manufactured in central Italy mid-16th-century date, cauldrons, a rounded (Blake 1999). The pottery types recovered jar, pitcher, tripod pipkins and the pierced from layer [63] indicate a deposition date of base of a watering pot. A calcareous variant of c.1500—50, but the red ware forms probably the PMRE fabric (PMREC) occurred as three reþne the date to the third quarter of the sherds from a dripping dish with a complete 16th century. internal glaze; usually 16th-century London red wares have partial splash glazes. London- Phase 8 area post-medieval slipped red ware with clear (yellow) glaze (PMSRY) was present as Phase 8 produced 36 sherds of pottery 100 Paw B. Jorgensen representing 34 MNV. The main sources unstratiþed BEAG dish decorated rim with a of pottery were Surrey-Hampshire (33.3% ÿoral stamp was also recovered from the site. SC/29.4% MNV), London (22.2% SC/23.5% The majority of the pottery present in these MNV) and Essex (13.9% SC/14.7% MNV). features appeared to be residual. The imported pottery mostly came from Germany, with only single sherds coming Phase from France, Italy and the Low Countries. Imports accounted for 19.4% by SC and The pottery in this phase consisted of nine 20.6% by MNV of the assemblage. sherds derived from the same number Sealing the topsoil horizon, [63], was of vessels. A number of the posthole þlls dump layer [26], which contained 31 produced 16th- and 17th-century pottery sherds of pottery. Residual medieval pottery types. Posthole [32] contained the base of consisted of LOND and the Surrey white a CSTN cup and a small sherd of Frechen wares, such as two sherds each of Cheam stoneware (FREC), while posthole [50] white ware (CHEA) and CBW, including a produced the rim of a PMBL chamber pot biþd rim cooking pot (CBW BIF), besides and a sherd of RAER. Frechen stoneware a sherd of TUDG. The latest Surrey white (FREC) and a PMRE dripping dish were wares present are the Surrey-Hampshire recovered from þll [54] of posthole [55]. border white ware (Pearce 1999) with either green glaze (BORDG: 6 SC, 4 MNV) as a Phase 1 drinking jug, olive glaze (BORDO: 1 SC) in the form of a rounded mug, and clear The pottery in Phase 10 consisted of 45 (yellow) glaze (BORDY: 1 SC). These white sherds representing 42 MNV. The main wares date mostly to c.1550—1700. London- sources were London (60% SC/57.1% MNV), area red earthenwares were present as four followed by Germany (13.3% SC/14.3% sherds of PMRE, and identiþed forms were MNV). Other imported wares from China two cauldrons. London-area post-medieval and France totalled 15.6% SC/16.7% MNV. slipped red ware with clear (yellow) glaze All the other sources (Essex, the Midlands (PMSRY) was present as a single sherd of a and Surrey-Hampshire) of pottery were pres- bowl or dish. London-area post-medieval red ent as three sherds or three MNV (6.7%/7.1% ware (PMR), represented by a single sherd, respectively). developed at the end of the 16th century Some of the pits and postholes produced and was a better þred and glazed innovation pottery: pit [5] — PMR and London tin- of PMRE. Essex-type post-medieval þne red glazed ware with plain pale blue glaze (TGW earthenwares (Nenk 1999) were present BLUE); posthole [17] — PMR; posthole as four sherds of Essex-type post-medieval [48] — a late 19th-century reþned white black-glazed red ware (PMBL), and a body earthenware (REFW) bear’s grease type sherd of Essex-type post-medieval þne red pot; pit [52] — RAER, PMR and a English ware (PMFR) with a loop handle, probably tin-glazed ware (TGW) plate rim with a represents a drinking vessel. There was also a c.1700—20 geometrical border. The pottery single sherd of CSTN. Imported pottery was from posthole [22] included the ÿat base of represented by a single fragment of a DUTSG a medieval CHEA vessel and a residual sherd chaþng dish and four sherds (4 MNV) of of imported Middle Saxon North French RAER drinking jugs. The combination of grey ware with a þne sand temper vessel with red wares (PMBL, PMR, PMRE, PMFR) a simple (slightly inturned) rim (Blackmore along with the other pottery types indicates 1988, 90, NFGWB). Posthole [30] produced a deposition date of c.1580—1600. six sherds of pottery consisting of CSTN, a Dug into layer [26] were four features, metropolitan slipware (METS) dish, PMR [59], [81], [85] and [92], of which only and a charger in London tin-glazed ware with two contained pottery. Pit [81] produced blue- or polychrome-painted decoration and two sherds of pottery (CBW and PMRE) external lead glaze (TGW D). and pit [85] only produced single sherds The construction backþll, [8], of brick- of imported pottery of Beauvais white ware lined well [7] produced a late 17th-century with green glaze (BEAG) and CITG. An TGW bowl. The backþll, [6], of this well Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 101 contained residual BORDY chamber pots 10, it is probably derived from Middle and sherds of RAER, while contemporary Saxon activity on Thorney Island (see material was represented by a Chinese blue ‘Archaeological and Historical Background’ and white porcelain (CHPO BW) bowl and above). This sherd from Dean’s Yard, a TGW BLUE chamber pot with a pale blue together with 32 sherds of contemporary glaze and dark blue decoration. London tin- pottery from the Dorter undercroft of glazed ware with pale blue glaze and dark Westminster Abbey (Blackmore 1995, 80) blue decoration (TGW H) was present as an conþrms there was Middle Saxon activity albarello and a plate base, indicative of an within the vicinity. The only imported ware 18th-century date. from the Dorter undercroft was a sherd from The majority of the latest series of Phase Badorf/Walberberg, while the most frequent 10 postholes were sealed by dump layer pottery type was Ipswich-type ware, found in [9] which produced a sherd of PMR and London between c.AD 730 and c.AD 850/70 a transfer-printed Pearlware (PEAR TR) (ibid). carinated bowl with a landscape scene dating The medieval pottery from Dean’s to the early 19th century. Cutting layer [9] Yard reÿects activity associated with the were four postholes. One of these postholes, development of Westminster Abbey (see [11], contained tin-glazed ware present as ‘Archaeological and Historical Background’ TGW BLUE and a mid to late 18th-century above). The early medieval pottery types TGW H plate with a ÿoral design. Pit [38] found at Dean’s Yard were all residual, but produced residual pottery: BORDG, FREC an important sequence of early medieval with a bartmann face, a PMBL jar and PMR. pottery dating from c.1050 to the late 12th century was recorded nearby in the Discussion Dorter undercroft (Gofþn 1995, 80—7). The stratiþed medieval sequence at Dean’s Yard The pottery assemblage reÿects activity on dates from the end of the 12th century. Thorney Island during the Late Iron Age to South Hertfordshire-type grey wares and Early Roman period, then the environs of the shelly-sandy ware (part of the London Westminster Abbey from the Middle Saxon red ware industry) provided the kitchen period through to the early 19th century. and storage wares, while the tablewares The pottery types are very similar to those (jugs) were provided by the London-type recovered from nearby archaeological invest- wares. This pattern was typical in London igations. during this period. This is also true for the Although the two sherds of prehistoric mid and late 13th-century pottery groups or Early Roman shell-tempered pottery are where highly decorated jugs are notable, small and non-diagnostic they are almost including examples from Kingston (Surrey). certainly contemporary with the context This pottery may have been derived from the they occurred in. Stratiþed Iron Age fabrics, abbey or other buildings surrounding Dean’s heavily ÿint gritted and a þne sandy one, Yard. The presence of a possible aquamanile were recovered from Cromwell Green (Platts (Fig 14.2), a vessel used to wash hands while 1980, 26—7). However, only ÿint-tempered eating, is of interest and indicates possible sherds were recovered from the Dorter formal mealtimes within the abbey or the undercroft at Westminster Abbey (Swain surrounding properties. Aquamaniles are 1995, 80). Most of the prehistoric pottery viewed as high socio-economic status items. assemblages from the Jubilee Line Extension Late medieval pottery is very poorly project and associated excavations also represented from Dean’s Yard and examples contained predominantly ÿint-tempered of coarse Surrey-Hampshire border ware wares, but additionally there were fabrics were hardly represented, whereas excavat- with clay pellets or voids (Rayner 2006, 179— ions from the City of London show it to 81). Residual Roman pottery recovered from be the main type of pottery marketed in the Dorter undercroft was dated to c.AD 70— the City between 1360 and 1500 (Pearce & 300 (Waugh 1995, 80). Vince 1988, 16, þg 9). Other comparative Although the French sherd of imported assemblages of medieval pottery have been Middle Saxon pottery was residual in Phase recovered nearby at 17 Dean’s Yard (Murray 102 Paw B. Jorgensen
2003) and the sub-vault of the Misericorde distinct groups of ceramics: late 15th century, of Westminster Abbey (Platts 1976, 158—70). early 16th century and c.1600, the last two However, many of the medieval pottery types periods producing 14 complete vessels from the Jubilee Line Extension excavations (Hurst 1960). Of note was a dish in Spanish carried out within the area of the abbey blue and white tin-glaze, a north Netherlands and palace of Westminster (Stephenson & albarello, both dated c.1600, early 16th- Pearce 2006) are the same as the Dean’s Yard century Siegburg stoneware with iron wash material. and London-area post-medieval slipped red The early post-medieval pottery was well ware jugs, and a 15th-century Cheam white represented on the site; in addition to ware rounded jug. In 1963 the excavation of a good representation of local and non- the silts within the 16th-century extension to local wares, there was also a good selection the abbey’s drain revealed a group of pottery of imported wares. Pottery such as the dated to c.1670—80. Published are a ‘Dutch Beauvais white ware with green glaze, central fashion’ red earthenware chamber pot, Italian maiolica, Dutch slip and sgrafþto two costrels, one probably from the Surrey- wares and Raeren and Siegburg German Hampshire borders and modiþed into a stonewares reÿects the inÿuence of the money box by the addition of a post-þring Renaissance and demand for quality and slot and the other described as Portuguese showier table and drinking wares (Gaimster in origin, together with three stoneware 1999). The home-grown Cistercian ware Frechen Bartmann drinking jugs (Huggins and early Surrey-Hampshire border ware 1976, 73—5). may also have tapped into the Renaissance period demand for high-quality drinking The Clay Tobacco Pipes wares. Drinking forms were frequently Chris Jarrett represented in deposit [63], dated to the early 16th century; drinking jugs in Raeren Introduction stoneware (14 sherds, 12 MNV) and early Surrey-Hampshire border ware (34 sherds, The condition of this small assemblage of six MNV) are a notable component. They clay tobacco pipes is good, indicating that it may have come from the abbey refectory had not been subject to much redeposition or grammar school. Establishments such as or that it was deposited soon after breakage. the Inns of Court ordered large quantities The bowl shapes were classiþed according of good-quality drinking forms (and other to Atkinson and Oswald’s (1969) typology shapes) from the Surrey-Hampshire border (AO) and 18th-century examples by Oswald’s potters for use in the halls for mealtimes (1975) typology and preþxed OS. The degree (Jarrett 2005), while a cache of early 16th- of milling on 17th-century bowls has been century Surrey-Hampshire red border ware noted and recorded in quarters, in addition cups at Cripplegate Buildings (Museum of to the quality of þnish. London site code WFG18) may represent the refuse from the hall of a livery company and The Clay Tobacco Pipe Types one of their feasts (Pearce 1997). Raeren stoneware drinking jugs were imported into The clay tobacco pipe assemblage from the London in vast quantities. site consists of ten bowls, 28 stems and two The pottery types post-dating c.1580 from nibs or mouthparts. The stems and nibs the Dean’s Yard excavation are typical of are only dated to the broad date range of the London area, but more impressive production (c.1580—1910) and on their assemblages of post-medieval pottery have own were only found in Phase 10 deposits, been recovered from other excavations the exception being a stem from layer [88] within the environs of Westminster Abbey in Phase 6. The stratiþed clay tobacco pipe (eg Stephenson & Pearce 2006). Of note bowl types found in Phases 8 and 10 deposits from previous excavations are the ceramics ranged in date between c.1640 and c.1780. recovered in 1951 from a pit located within Clay tobacco pipes dated c.1640—60 the area of the deanery on the west side of occurred as the spurred AO9 and the heeled the abbey cloister. This pit contained three AO10 types. Two examples of spurred bowls Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 103
Two unclassiþed bowls are present, but they are represented only by heels and could date to between the end of the 17th and the 18th century. One was unstratiþed and the other came from the Phase 8 levelling layer, [26]. The backþll of Phase 10 well [7] included two heeled OS12 bowls with narrow stems dated to c.1730—80, and both have the initials of the pipe makers on their heels. The þrst is ‘W P’, possibly for William Pearce, 1754 (Oswald 1975, 143), while the second is marked ‘B T’ and could have been made by a local Westminster pipe maker Benjamin Turner, 1739—57, working at St Anne’s Lane in the parish of St John the Evangelist (Heard 2009).
The Ceramic Building Material Kevin Hayward Introduction and Methodology A diverse group of Roman and later ceramic Fig 15. 8nstratiþed A213 clay tobacco pipe bowl with building material (70kg) was recovered. It gauntlet stamp (scale 1:1, detail of stamp 2:1) was examined using the MOLA system of fabric classiþcation.2 The application of a 1kg mason’s hammer and a sharp chisel to were discovered, both with complete milling each example ensured that a small fresh and of a good or fair quality of þnish. Both fabric surface was exposed. The fabric was bowls are taller variants, one is unstratiþed examined at x20 magniþcation using a and the other was recovered from a Phase long arm stereomicroscope or hand lens 10 pit, [23]. (Gowland x10). Comparison was made with The c.1660—80 dated bowls occurred as the ceramic building materials recovered three types and all as single items. The from other excavations in Dean’s Yard (Black unstratiþed heeled AO13 type with a rounded 1976; 1977; Murray 2003). bowl proþle has no milling, a fair þnish and was unstratiþed, as was the West Country Roman heeled AO16 type with an overhanging bowl. It has full rim milling, a very good Quantities (9kg) of reused, highly fragment- þnish and a large incuse gauntlet stamp ary Roman ceramic building material on the heel underside (Fig 15). Gauntlet were found, mainly within the medieval stamps have quite a wide distribution in reclamation dumps (Phases 3—5). It is likely the West Country but are known also in that much of this building material was the Staffordshire/Cheshire area and at salvaged from Roman London and brought Much Wenlock, Shropshire (Jarrett 2012). upstream for reuse in buildings, such as the However, the distribution of West Country 11th-century Pyx Chamber (W Rodwell, pers type pipes in London is mostly conþned to comm). the Westminster area, on the river front and Brick the corresponding south bank. This may allude to a migrant pipe maker in the vicinity. London sandy fabric group 2815; Sussex The AO18 type heeled bowl has a straight fabric group 354, 357; Radlett group 323, sided, angled proþle, quarter milling and a 36 fair þnish. It was found in the backþll of the The assemblage is dominated by 8kg Phase 10 well, [7]. of Early Roman brick represented by two 104 Paw B. Jorgensen common London fabric groupings: the and manufactured in Clerkenwell (Crowley sandy 2815 (c.AD 50—160) and the iron oxide 1997, 195—6). This material may represent rich 323 (c.AD 50—120). These are the same demolition debris from the 1298 þre that fabrics present elsewhere on Thorney Island affected the cloister (Murray 2003, 44). (Smith 2006, 174). One glazed example Decorated, narrow Penn tiles (fabrics 1811, was probably reused in a medieval kiln or 376), manufactured in Buckinghamshire a hearth to manufacture pottery or tiles between c.1350 and c.1390, are found on Thorney Island before being discarded. redeposited higher up the sequence. One Some fragmentary bricks represented by the ÿoral design with a ÿeur-de-lys in the centre early grog-tempered Hampshire fabrics 357 is comparable with Eames type EAM 2230/31 and 35 were especially thick (43mm), (Eames 1980). They may have originated indicating substantial bricks the size of a from the demolition of the nearby lydion or a sesquipedalis. Misericorde from where Penn tiles have been recorded (Black 1977, 202). Examples Rooþng Material of later medieval ÿooring from areas of the abbey adjoining Dean’s Yard are represented London sandy fabric group 2815; Radlett by thicker (28—34mm) plain black- and fabric group 323, 36; Calcareous fabric yellow-glazed imported Flemish tile (fabrics group 313 1678, 2323) with calcareous inclusions The same common fabric groups are (c.1300—1550) from redeposited Phase 7 also present in 1kg of highly fragmentary demolition layers. Finally, plain-glazed and tegula and imbrex. The exception was a unglazed silty Flemish tile (fabrics 1 77, much later example of the rare iron oxide 285), manufactured after c.1450, only was rich, calcareous fabric 313 (c.AD 130—350) present in Phase 10 deposits. (Pringle 2009). Medieval Bat-Shaped Peg Rooþng Tiles Medieval and Post-Medieval The glazed medieval rooþng tiles repres- Fragmentary examples of medieval peg ented by thick (18mm) curved bat tile (also rooþng (both bat-shaped and rectangular) called shouldered peg tile) and both thin tiles and various glazed medieval ÿoor (8—10mm) and thick (18—22mm) peg tiles tiles were a common constituent of the (fabrics 2271; 2272; 2273; 2586 and 2587) assemblage at Dean’s Yard. This range of were concentrated in the Phase 4 and 5 ceramic building material is to be expected deposits along with the Westminster ÿoor given the proximity of Westminster Abbey tiles. These roof tiles were made from the and attests to the numerous phases of re- very shelly 2272 and sandy 2273 fabrics building (and therefore also discard). (dated to c.1135—1220), a thinner þner 2271 Post-medieval building material is less (3.3kg) (manufactured after c.1180) and the frequent, and although still mainly fragment- glazed iron oxide fabric groups 2586 and ary does contain complete late post-medieval 2587 (c.1180—1450). From this it is clear that bricks in the mid-18th- to mid-19th-century ceramic building material was the preferred culvert structure [12]. material of choice over stone for rooþng the medieval parts of the abbey adjoining Dean’s Floor Tiles Yard (eg the Misericorde). The earliest group of glazed Westminster ÿoor tiles (c.1250—1300+) were represented Post-Medieval Unglazed Peg Rooþng Tiles by four fragments of black plain-glazed Large quantities (25kg) of the common or worn, narrow (24mm) inclined edged unglazed peg tile in sandy fabric 2276 were tile from Phases 4, [119], and 5, [115], re- recovered from Phase 7—10 dumps, [42], clamation dumps. Although no patterning [63], [86] and [89]. was present, the þne sandy fabrics 21 5 and 21 are diagnostic of the Westminster Post-Medieval Bricks tiles found elsewhere in the abbey such as the mid-13th-century Muniment Room There were a number of early post-medieval Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 105
(1450—1700) sandy unfrogged bricks (fabrics the immediate surroundings of the cloister, 33, 333 and 346) recovered from the deanery and kitchen area (including the Phase 7—10 dumps. The earliest of these, the Misericorde). rare chocolate brown earthy 33 (c.1400— 1660), which occurs in Phase 7 dumps, Methodology is narrow (97mm) and shallow (55mm) with sunken margins. Chopped up shallow The same methodology used in the study of (47mm), wide (104mm) chaff-tempered the ceramic building material (see Hayward 3 red sandy bricks (fabrics 333 and 346) above) was followed for the stonework. (c.1450—1700) were also present in the Phase Comparison was made with the in situ stone- 7 and later deposits. work identiþed from other excavations in Later post-medieval brick fabrics are con- Dean’s Yard (Black 1976; 1977; Murray spicuous by their near absence. The except- 2003). ion is a post-medieval unfrogged clinker (fabric 332) and yellow Kent stock brick Petrological Review (335) used in the Phase 10 brick-lined A summary of the 15 rock types identiþed culvert [12]. from Dean’s Yard, their geological source, occurrence within the sequence and funct- 2rigin of the Fragments ions are summarised in Table 2. As for the moulded stone (see Hayward below), the proximity of this excavation of Rubble Dean’s Yard not only to the 11th-century More than 13kg of a dark grey sandy lime- cloister but also to the contemporary stone (Kentish ragstone) from the Lower refectory and kitchen area (Misericorde) of Greensand outcrop at Maidstone, Kent, were 17 and 20 Dean’s Yard would suggest that present from the Phase 4 and later deposits. many of the fragments of redeposited clay This durable stone had an important role peg tiles and ÿoor tiles identiþed in the to play as walling material at Westminster Phase 4 and 5 dump layers were the result Abbey including the walls of the nearby 11th- of the renovation and rebuilds of this part century refectory (Black 1976) and the 12th- of the medieval abbey. Amongst the array century abbey precinct wall (Murray 2003). of broken up rooþng material were some In all probability some of this material, as medieval ÿoor tiles. well as the mouldings and ashlar described below, may well have come from the cloister The Worked Stone area, close to Dean’s Yard, which was severely Kevin Hayward damaged by þre in 1298 (ibid, 44).
Introduction Mouldings, Ashlar and Paving Over half (100kg) of the building material Roll mouldings and broken up ashlar assemblage from Dean’s Yard consisted of blocks made from many different types of stone. Amongst the array of ashlar, rubble freestone4 formed an important component and mouldings, 15 different rock types of the assemblage from Phases 4—6 and later could be identiþed, most of which could deposits. These included roll mouldings of a be sourced to a speciþc geological outcrop. low density, light green calcareous sandstone This wide range of material types was to be (Reigate stone from the Upper Greensand) expected, given the numerous episodes of and its denser stratigraphic equivalent alteration and construction of the abbey from Leatherhead (Surrey), Malmstone. buildings which have taken place since A paving slab from a Phase 5 dumping the 11th century (see ‘Archaeological and layer was made of a condensed freshwater Historical Background’ above). It was hoped limestone packed full of the diagnostic small that the material type from each dumping freshwater gastropod Paludina, typical of phase at Dean’s Yard could be related to Purbeck marble from the Upper Jurassic of discrete phases of rebuilding especially from Dorset. A moulding of a hard white sparry 106 Paw B. Jorgensen ne tool marks þ 8 part-worked moulding 4—10+, 4—8, 10 rubble, whetstone ashlar, roll moulding, fragments of rubble ashlar, 4—10 rubble, whetstone ashlar, Farnham, Surrey Maidstone, Kent Reigate, Surrey Maidstone, Kent 3107V Lower Cretaceous (Upper Greensand) Leatherhead- ed þ Reigate stone Malmstone — variant of Reigate stone ChalkFlint 3107 stoneYork stoneTaynton Lower Cretaceous (Upper Greensand) Mertsham- Caen stone — white variantPortland limestone (Whit Bed) 3110 3119Purbeck marbleKimmeridge Oil shale Upper Jurassic (Portlandian), Isle of Portland, Dorset 3116 Middle Jurassic (Bathonian), Normandy 3120 3151Basalt 3117 + Upper Cretaceous Chalk, Thames BasinGranite Upper Carboniferous, Yorkshire Middle Jurassic (Bathonian), west Oxfordshire Upper Cretaceous Chalk, Thames BasinGerman 3120 Lavastone 3112M Dorset Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) Kimmeridge Bay, Upper Jurassic (Purbeckian), Isle of Purbeck 7, 10 ashlar fragment 4 +, 5 4, 5 3123R +, 5, 10 Andernach moulding possibly statuary Eifel Mountains, Rhineland, Germany and rubble 5 3120 3135 fuel + heavily worn moulding architectural rubble northern Igneous source and western Britain rubble northern Igneous source and western Britain 5 paving paving + + rotary quernstone cobbles cobbles Hassock stone 3106 Lower Cretaceous (Lower Greensand Sandstone) Stone typeKentish ragstone 3105 Code Lower Cretaceous (Lower Greensand Limestone) Geological source Phase Function Table 2. Stone types identi Table Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 107 limestone was comparable with a variant þnds section (see Gaimster below). of Caen stone and was recovered from the Phase 10 deposits. Finally there was a very Discussion: Geological Sources and 2rigins large, heavily weathered, but partly worked freestone block from the Phase 4 redeposited The varieties of stone types identiþed from alluvium. It is made from an orange banded this small excavation in Dean’s Yard are shelly oolitic limestone very similar to the essentially a microcosm of what was going Bathonian Taynton stone, from west Oxford- on during the construction of Westminster shire. Abbey and other monastic houses in What this suite of stone materials all medieval London. During the medieval have in common is their widespread use as period, the upstream shipment (via the architectural mouldings and ashlar in the Medway) of Kentish ragstone for walling substructure and superstructure in large from the Lower Greensand quarries of medieval ecclesiastical buildings throughout Maidstone and the downstream supply of Greater London, including not only West- Taynton stone from west Oxfordshire via minster Abbey but also Bermondsey Abbey the Evenlode was supplemented by maritime (Dyson et al 2011) and Merton Priory (Miller access to the Purbeck marble quarries along & Saxby 2007). Ashlar blocks of Reigate the Dorset coast and Caen stone shipped stone were used in the mid-11th-century from Normandy. In addition, the 40kg of abbey including the Dorter undercroft Reigate stone from north Surrey would have (Samuel 1995, 103—4) and the Pyx Chamber, been transported up to Battersea and thence the later 11th-century refectory wall, the downstream to Westminster Abbey. cloister (K Hayward, pers obs), plus the early The proximity of this excavation, not only 12th-century refectory walls (Black 1976), to the 11th-century main cloister but also the all of which lie close to Dean’s Yard. A hard 11th-century refectory and kitchen area (of white variant of Caen stone was observed as 17 and 20 Dean’s Yard), would suggest that two hearthstone corbels set in the refectory many of the ex situ fragments of moulded walls, as well as being used as the actual stone and rubble identiþed from the Phase walls (ibid, 153—4). Shafts of Purbeck marble 4 and 5 medieval dump layers were the by- were used in the main cloister (K Hayward, product of the various renovations and pers obs), whilst another very large worked rebuilding of the adjoining portion of block of Taynton stone was reused in the Westminster Abbey. In all probability at least Misericorde at 20 Dean’s Yard (Black 1977). some of this material may well have come This Romanesque style block may originally from the cloister area, which lies close to have formed part of the 12th-century cloister Dean’s Yard and was heavily damaged in a capitals (ibid, 200), and the example from þre of 1298 (Murray 2003, 44). Phase 4, [118], may represent a heavily weathered capital fragment from this early The Metal and Other Small Finds period. Märit Gaimster
Cobbles Over 130 small þnds were retrieved from the excavations, all dating from the Granite and basalt setts along with York stone medieval and post-medieval periods. The paving were recovered from the unstratiþed þnds consisted largely of iron nails and layers. It is probable that these represent ex undiagnostic metalwork, but a number of situ 19th-century cobbling. signiþcant objects, including structural þttings, horseshoes, household furnishings Portable Stone 2bjects and dress accessories were also identiþed and are discussed in this report. The backþll of the Phase 4 ditch, [120], contained a fragment of German lava rotary Medieval Small Finds (Phases 4Þ6) quernstone and a whetstone fragment made out of Kentish ragstone. A honestone,
Fig 16. Medieval small þnds from Dean’s Yard (for context details see catalogue). Key: a. Fragment of iron ÿesh hook sf 2 ! b. Terminal of schist honestone sf 1! c. Iron staple sf 24! d. Iron þddle-key horseshoe nail sf 25! e. Iron casket þtting, "hinge for stapled hasp sf 22! f. Iron blade of carving or trencher knife sf 3! g. Copper-alloy wire brush/scourer sf 18! (a, b and g scale 1:1, cÞf scale 1:2) Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 109 pottery dated to c.1170—1220. These are all Ottaway & Rogers 2002, þg 1421 no. 12367). household objects, and include an iron slide The same context, [111], also yielded a key/handle for a barrel padlock,
with caulkins and three rectangular their greater scope for decoration, scale- nail holes to each side; width 100mm; tang handles also reÿect the increased length 120mm. specialisation of knives at this time, with the
Fig 17. (lower) X-ray of the Phase 7 deposit [63] showing the intricately wound copper-alloy wire components of possible head-dress sf 44!. Key: a. Hooked þnely wound wire components b. Flattened strip with curved þnial cÞe. Various þnely wound wire components f. Possible terminal g. Possible ‘strap divider’ h. Piece of complex basket-work construction based around a wire core possible ‘strap divider’. (upper) A fragment of an early 17th- century head-dress from the Southwark Thames foreshore the wire-work decoration measures 17mm by 15mm (Weinstein 1 8 , pl LVb MoL acc no. 87.26 o Museum of London) unusually delicate double-oval copper-alloy It has parallels with shoe buckles from the buckle with a decorated frame,
Fig 18. Post-medieval small þnds from Dean’s Yard (for context details see catalogue): Key: a. Copper-alloy þtting sf 13! b. Copper-alloy wire ring sf 12! c. Copper-alloy rivet with domed head sf 8! d. Copper-alloy buckle with double-oval moulded frame sf 16! e. Representative fragment illustrating construction of iron mail sf 35! f. Iron harness buckle sf 37! g. Copper-alloy book clasp sf 14! h. Four pieces of copper-alloy sheet vessel repair with tubular rivets sf 17! i. Lead disc weight sf 7! (aÞe scale 1:1, fÞi scale 1:2) larger in size than the Dean’s Yard example, decorated with two semi-sunk holes near the although smaller but plain double-oval rivets at the splayed end,
Post-Medieval Small Finds Catalogue were recovered by hand collection and a further 1,867 bones were retrieved by the Context [3], gravel surface in Phase 9 sieving of samples from the þlls of the Phase
Table 3. Hand-collected species abundance by phase, with sieved collection results in brackets
Phase 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Species Cattle 23(1) 41 23 98 11 11 10 Cattle-size 12(31) 34 47 118 12 4 10 Sheep/Goat 13(1) 17 31 76 13 4 12 Sheep 3 14 23 3 1 3 Pig 29(19) 17 13 18 3 1 4 Sheep-size 15(346) 9 31 56 7 1 4 Red deer 1 1 Roe deer 1 1 Fallow deer 1 1 Rabbit 1 1 4 Small mammal (32) Small cetacean 1 Dog 2 2 Cat 1 3 Chicken 2(11) 1 2 6 Chicken-size (16) Goose 1(2) 1 1 2 Goose-size (1) 1 Snipe (1) Sturgeon 1 Haddock 1 Amphibian (3) Indeterminate 10 Total 115(464) 123 165 407 49 23 43 from the Phase 4 ditch, [120] (see Table 3 the decrease in pigs and the rise in sheep and Armitage below). The hand-collected appears to follow a localised exploitation assemblages are dominated by the major pattern (see ‘Conclusions’ to this section). domesticates, cattle, sheep/goat and pig. The The age proþles of these three species relative proportions of these three species (here limited by the size of the collections to is quite variable throughout the medieval the combined data from Phases 4 and 5, see sequence (Tables 3 and 4; Figs 19 and 20), Table 6) clearly shows a major contribution starting with a species order of pig, cattle of adult cattle and sheep (above two years and then sheep, followed by a reduction of age) and subadult pigs (less than two in the abundance of pig in Phases 5 and 6, years old). This could suggest that most of which was associated with þrst a dominance the cattle and sheep were consumed after a of cattle, then of sheep. The quantities of number of years spent either working in the bones from the medieval deposits were not þelds or supplying milk and/or wool. The large. However, the changes may nonetheless quantity of data in the ‘late’ age groups is be signiþcant. The pig age pattern in the rather small but it is perhaps notable that a earliest phase (see below) could be indicative large proportion survived into and beyond of local production, which may account the fourth year. In contrast the culling of for a plethora of pig remains, while later pigs when young demonstrates their major Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 115
Table 4. Percentage abundance of major domesticates using total fragment (TF) and epiphyses only (E2) counts, where 1 is the sum of cattle, sheep/goat and pig bones from that phase and equals sum of individual species/1 x 1 (see text for an explanation of the epiphysis only count)
Method Phase Cattle Sheep/Goat Pig N %%% TF 4 33.8 23.5 42.6 68 5 54.7 22.7 22.7 75 6 28.4 55.6 16.0 81 7 45.6 46.0 8.4 215 8+9 46.8 44.7 8.5 47 EO 4 23.5 25.5 51.0 51 5 53.5 20.9 25.6 43 6 15.4 69.2 15.4 52 7 35.1 55.2 9.7 134
Fig 1 . Percentage abundance of cattle, sheep/goat and pig in the early medieval (EM: Phase 4), medieval (M: Phase 5), late medieval (LM: Phase 6) and early post-medieval (EPM: Phases 7Þ ) eras using total fragment counts, with data taken from Table 4 use as a meat producer, with the minimal by the presence of an infant pig and by a number of older animals perhaps suggesting few older youngsters. The same argument an intensive meat production strategy. It is could be used to explain the young calves feasible that some of this production may and lambs found in Phase 5 and 6 deposits have taken place locally, as demonstrated (Table 5), although there is always the 116 Paw B. Jorgensen
Fig 2. Percentage abundance of cattle, sheep/goat and pig in the early medieval (EM: Phase 4), medieval (M: Phase 5), late medieval (LM: Phase 6) and early post-medieval (EPM: Phases 7Þ ) eras using epiphysis only counts, with data taken from Table 4 possibility that they actually represent food classed as cattle- and sheep-size). It can be waste rather than infant mortalities (see suggested that the major bulk of the faunal below, post-medieval). remains consisted of a mixture of processing Each of the three major domesticates and kitchen waste. Various butchery marks, are represented by a wide array of skeletal particularly on the cattle bones, show the parts (here including the vertebrae and ribs extensive use of the cleaver concerning
Table 5. The number of young major domesticate bones identiþed on the basis of teeth, epiphysis fusion and size/porosity evidence, with sieved collection results in brackets
Species Age Phase 4 56789 Cattle infant 2 9 1 juvenile 11 2 1 3
Sheep/Goat juvenile 1 1 1 1
Pig infant 1 juvenile 4(3) Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 117
Table 6. Epiphysis fusion evidence for the major domesticates using three sets of articular end data, as follows: early Þ scapula P, humerus D, radius P, pelvis acetabulum and þrst phalange P intermediate (int) Þ metapodial D and tibia D and late Þ humerus P, ulna P, radius D, femur P and D, tibia P and calcaneus P (P is proximal and D is distal 1 is the number of articular ends F equals the number of fused ends/1 x 1 ages after Schmid 1 72, 75)
Species Age group Age Phase (yrs) 4+5 7+8+9 N%FN %F Cattle early 0.5—1.5 17 100.0 19 100.0 int 2—2.5 9 88.9 3 66.7 late 3—4.5 7 42.9 21 76.2 Sheep/Goat early 0.25—0.75 13 100.0 32 100.0 int 1.25—2 5 80.0 17 100.0 late 3—3.5 4 50.0 32 59.4 Pig early 1—1.5 8 87.5 2 100.0 int 2 5 20.0 5 0.0 late 2.5—3.5 10 10.0 2 50.0 the major divisions of the carcass, dressing, equally represent rabbit. There were also a halving and the production of joints as well few amphibian bones, including common as splitting bones for their marrow. Cut frog, from one of the Phase 4 ditch samples. marks on the sheep and pig bones are less common and tend to be produced by a knife Post-Medieval Animal Bones (Phases 7Þ ) rather than a cleaver. There are several other food species The largest post-medieval faunal assemblage from the medieval collections, including was recovered from the Phase 7 deposits, small amounts of game and poultry. The mainly the topsoil horizon, [63], which former could be indicative of a high-status produced 352 bones out of a Phase 7 total diet, especially the deer and the sturgeon, of 407 fragments. The array of food species represented by a dermal skute. Of particular (Table 3) was similar to the medieval assemb- interest is the small cetacean (a caudal lage, with the usual dominance of the major vertebra), possibly dolphin or porpoise, domesticates and minor quantities of game, which could represent a captured or including deer, and poultry. The good beached specimen. Either way, it would have representation of sheep/goat relative to the been recognised, alongside the sturgeon, as other major domesticates continued into a ‘royal þsh’, which was þrst and foremost this period, although there was a rise in cattle the property of the Crown (Wilson 1973, and a further decrease in the abundance 28). Finally, just three out of the 19 chicken of pig (Table 4; Figs 19 and 20). Both the bones from Phase 4 which could be aged cattle and sheep were again dominated by were juvenile, suggesting an overriding older individuals and pig by youngsters (see dominance of adult birds and therefore the Table 6). However, this period witnessed a importance of keeping birds þrst for their rise in the presence of calves, many of which eggs and secondly for their meat. were very young (Table 5). The presence of The non-food element of these collections butchery marks on a proportion of these is limited to two smaller domesticates, cat bones clearly shows they represent the and dog. Bones of the latter represent the remains of veal cuts. Other similarities to the partial remains of a large animal, measuring previous collections included a wide array of about 60cm at the shoulder (after Harcourt skeletal parts amongst the cattle, sheep/goat 1974). The ‘small mammal’ bones could and pig assemblages and a small proportion belong to these species although they could of non-food waste, comprising the remains 118 Paw B. Jorgensen of a medium-sized dog (shoulder height of addition, there were notable changes in the 47.9cm) and one cat, both from [63]. representation of the major meat providers through the medieval period, changing from Late 17th-Century to Modern Animal Bones pig, to cattle and then sheep/goat dominance. (Phase 1) How can this evidence be interpreted in relation to local food use and especially with Phase 10 produced just 43 bones, which regard to the diet of the occupants of the were mainly derived from six rubbish pits adjoining Benedictine monastery? ([5], [15], [23], [28], [38] and [52]; 31 Since the Dean’s Yard medieval faunal bones) and the backþll of the brick-lined assemblage is rather small, as a consequence well, [7]. Of interest in this faunal material is any variation could in fact represent speciþc the apparent absence of larger domesticates deposition events rather than be a reÿection and sawn bones. Larger cattle began to enter of more general dietary patterns. However, the London meat markets from the latter the major domesticate pattern appears to part of the 18th century, as a result of stock follow evidence derived from local and improvements, while the same period also then more general medieval London site witnessed the use of the saw as a butchery assemblages. The excavations nearby at the tool (Albarella 2003, 74; Rixson 2000, Dorter undercroft and the sub-vault of the 215). Their absence from these collections Misericorde (Pipe 1995 as well as information suggests a date range no later than the mid- taken from the London Archaeological 18th century. Archive (LAA) archives; Locker 1976) both produced pig-rich collections (Table 7). Conclusions The former site produced a small number of very young piglets, similar to Dean’s Yard, The medieval collections featured a wide which can potentially be interpreted as variety of food species, including a number infant mortalities and therefore indicative of of indicators of afÿuence, such as the larger local production. This follows the historical game species, the small cetacean bone and a evidence for a piggery associated with the variety of þsh species (see Armitage below). In abbey which ‘occasionally sold surplus beasts
Table 7. Percentage abundance of major domesticates from Westminster sites (Dorter undercroft: Pipe 1 5 and archive information Misericorde sub-vault: Locker 1 76 Broad Sanctuary: Locker 1 82 Westminster Station: Rielly 26), using total fragment counts (1 is the sum of cattle, sheep/goat and pig bones from that phase/site equals sum of individual species/1 x 1 date is given to the nearest century phasing is from the original site phasing for each individual site)
Site Date Phase Cattle Sheep/Goat Pig N (century) %%% Westminster Abbey Dean’s Yard 12th 4 33.8 23.5 42.6 68 13th 5 54.7 22.7 22.7 75 15th 6 28.4 55.6 16.0 81 16th 7 45.6 46.0 8.4 215 Dorter undercroft 11th 2 32.4 24.7 42.9 776 11th 1—5 39.6 28.4 32.0 1809 Misericorde sub-vault 11th 1 35.3 42.2 22.5 142 12th—13th 3 20.7 40.5 38.8 116 Westminster Broad Sanctuary 16th 1, 4, 6 44.7 50.0 5.3 1046 Westminster Station 14th—16th 8 48.8 34.9 16.3 381 16th 9 47.2 36.9 15.9 233 Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 119 on the open market’ (Hammond 1993, 41), have been bound by the Rule (Hagen clearly suggesting it had been established for 1992, 101). It can be postulated that these local usage and was sufþciently large to have other occupants also may have been the some surplus production. While the dates of principal beneþciaries of the animals culled operation of the piggery are not mentioned, at the abbey’s piggery. The Rule would have it can be suggested from the archaeological allowed the meats of various birds and þsh, evidence that it was functioning between and both clearly form a large proportion of the 11th and 13th centuries. A high count the bones from the Dorter undercroft, while of pig bones is generally rather rare at þsh are well represented at Dean’s Yard (see London medieval sites. Certain areas within Armitage below). Monks often came from the early medieval (c.1050—1200) collections ‘the ranks of a class used to conspicuous at 1 Poultry did provide an abundance of consumption’ (ibid), and whether or not the pig bones and, as here, this was related to various quadrupeds were part of their diet the presence of local piggeries (Burch et al there is clear evidence for the consumption 2011, 210—11). However, 1 Poultry, in com- of various choice meats which would have mon with the majority of early medieval been allowed by the Benedictine Rule. As sites, tended to be particularly rich in cattle well as sturgeon, there are numerous game bones (ibid, table 14). As the medieval era birds, including stork and crane from the progresses these sites tend to show a gradual Dorter undercroft and snipe from Dean’s rise in sheep/goat culminating in sheep/goat Yard. In addition, dolphin/porpoise bones and cattle parity or sheep/goat dominance by were found at each of the other nearby the later medieval era (as shown for example abbey excavations. An interesting aspect of at medieval occupation just north of the these cetaceans is that they were classed as Tower at Coopers Row: Hunt 2010, 67). A a þsh and could therefore be eaten during similar abundance of cattle bones has been the many Christian fast days and holy days demonstrated at other English medieval when all meat other than þsh was forbidden towns, where beef clearly remained the (Gardiner 1997, 181). major meat preference irrespective of the After the Reformation, several London burgeoning woollen industry and therefore excavations continue to show a high prop- the increasing availability of mutton (Grant ortion of sheep/goat, for example the Fleet 1988, 151; Sykes 2006, 62). The late medieval Prison (Rielly in prep). The nearby West- transition in London towards mutton minster site at Broad Sanctuary follows this consumption could signify the eventual general rule (Locker 1982) as indeed do the acceptance of a producer rather than a 16th-century collections from Dean’s Yard. consumer-led supply system. However, there are exceptions (see Table 7). The consumption of these major domest- For instance, the site at Westminster Station icates would appear to have been in contra- does show a good representation of veal vention of the Benedictine Rule, which stated calves, which is a typical early post-medieval that the monks should abstain from the meat trait (Rielly 2006, 206). Such young animals of quadrupeds except in time of sickness began to arrive at the London meat markets (Wilson 1973, 26). It had been modiþed by in reasonable numbers by this period (Rixson the early part of the 13th century (Knowles 2000, 172), essentially a by-product of the 1940, 458—63 in Hagen 1992, 102; Sykes contemporary increase in the importance of 2006, 68—9), allowing a greater variety of dairy cattle (Albarella 1997). meats into the diet. The good representation of ‘quadrupeds’ at all the early abbey sites, as The Fish Bones well as the clear evidence for a piggery, could Philip L Armitage be interpreted as an abandonment of the Rule. Alternatively, a portion of these bone Introduction collections may have derived from another source within the abbey. Most monasteries Five contexts from Phases 4 and 5, [115], would have included an ‘infrastructure [119], [122], [123] and [124], at Dean’s of lay servants’, with clerks and possibly Yard, produced evidence for the presence of household ofþcers, none of whom would 21 species from a total of 1,092 identiþed þsh 120 Paw B. Jorgensen bones. These þsh remains are recognised as author’s comparative collections. Where discarded food (kitchen and table) waste individual species could not be determined and together with the late 12th-/early 13th- in certain of the smaller Gadidae (cod century þsh bone assemblage from the family) bones, these were categorised as 1975 excavations of the sub-vault of the ‘gadoid’, which probably comprise mostly Misericorde (Jones 1976, 170—6) provide an immature whiting and cod. Similarly, the insight into the role of þsh in the diet of the categories ‘ÿatþsh (plaice/ÿounder)’ and residents of this monastic house during the ‘cyprinid’ were applied when the precise late 12th and 13th centuries. species identiþcation was uncertain for The results obtained by the present study bones belonging to the ÿatþshes and carp and that of Jones (1976) also provide an family respectively. Excluded from the opportunity to determine if the late 12th- analysis (and this report) are quantities of and 13th-century þsh diet differed from highly fragmented þn rays/ribs/spines (from that enjoyed at the abbey during either the contexts [119], [123] and [124]), which Late Saxon period or the subsequent later cannot be readily assigned to taxon/species. medieval period. Information on the Late Saxon monastic diet comes from the study of Results of the Analysis a large assemblage of þsh remains excavated from a ditch, [238], dated to the mid-11th Species Identiþed century (Locker 1995). Detailed information on the þsh consumption by the monks at Table 8 provides summarised counts of the Westminster Abbey during the later medieval numbers of identiþed specimens present period are available from documentary (NISP) for each of the represented species, sources, in the form of the surviving with comparison against the data collected by Kitchener’s day-books dating from 1495 to Jones (1976) from the Misericorde sub-vault 1525, which have been researched by Harvey at Westminster Abbey and the earlier (mid- (1995, 46—51). This report also considers the 11th century) assemblage from the Dorter excavated þsh bone assemblages from other undercroft at Westminster Abbey (Locker London monastic sites. 1995), as well as the assemblages recovered from two other later London monastic sites Methods and Materials (discussed below). Overall, vertebrae predominate in the Retrieval of the vast majority (99.7%) of the Dean’s Yard assemblage (forming 89.6% þsh bones resulted from the wet-sieving of of the total NISP) with noticeably a much bulk soil samples and only a very few (0.3%) smaller quantity of cranial elements, apart of the specimens had been hand-collected from the otic bullae of herrings (NISP = 23). during the excavation of these same deposits A complete listing (in spreadsheet format) of — illustrating just how important sieved soil the sets of recorded anatomical distributions samples are in ensuring maximum recovery (skeletal elements) for each species by phase/ of biological evidence. context/sample forms part of the site archive. The Dean’s Yard specimens were examined The analysis reveals that the late 12th- under low power (x10 magniþcation) using a and 13th-century deposits at Dean’s Yard Motic binocular microscope. Identiþcations included bones from a wide range of þsh, of the Cyprinidae (roach, chub and barbal) representing marine, migratory and estuar- pharyngeal bones/teeth were made using ine, and freshwater species. Marine species the author’s comparative collections and clearly form the greatest proportion of with reference to Wheeler (1978), Libois the recovered remains, predominated by and Hallet-Libois (1988) and Radu (2005, herring, whiting and plaice. Of the migrat- 62—3). Bone elements of plaice (Pleuronectes ory and estuarine category, freshwater eel platessa) and ÿounder (Platichthys ÿesus) was the most common component, with were distinguished using the criteria of smelt second in importance. Although pike Wouters et al (2007) and also compared predominate the freshwater category, there against modern reference material. Other was also a number of cyprinids, and although species identiþcations were based on the represented by a single dermal scute Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 121
Table 8. Summarised counts of the identiþed þsh bone elements/fragments from Westminster Abbey (Dorter undercroft: Locker 1 5 Misericorde sub-vault: Jones 1 76), St Mary Graces, Tower Hill (Locker 211) and Greyfriars, City of London (Locker 1 85) (all assemblages comprise combined sieved and hand-collected specimens)
Site Westminster Dean’s Yard Misericorde St Mary Graces, Greyfriars, Abbey sub-vault Tower Hill City of London Dorter undercroft Period mid 11th late 12th/early late 12th/early 13th 14th late 15th (century) 13th Religious Order Benedictine Benedictine Benedictine Cistercian Friars Minor (Greyfriars) Marine Herring 2903 715 91 108 65 Cod 48 11 11 78 10 Whiting 791 51 68 84 28 Haddock 19 41523 Hake 13 Gadoid 47 41 3 6 Garþsh 35 Mackerel 43 21 Sprat 304 25 Plaice 185 50 8 14 Sole 3 13 Turbot 3 Brill/turbot 8 Flatþsh (plaice/ ÿounder) 1205 31 66 36 Flatþsh indeterm 33 Conger eel 10 1 1 John Dory 1 Thornback ray (roker) 329 12 2 3 1 Ray 231 Elasmobranch 99 1 9 3 Tub gurnard 17 1 3 Grey gurnard 1 Gurnard (sp indet) 87 2 2 TLG mullet 35 Mullet 1 subtotal 6116 924 292 629 162 Migratory and estuarine Sea bass 3 2 5 Flounder 53 3 4 122 Paw B. Jorgensen
Table 8 (cont.). Summarised counts of the identiþed þsh bone elements/fragments
Site Westminster Dean’s Yard Misericorde St Mary Graces, Greyfriars, Abbey sub-vault Tower Hill City of London Dorter undercroft Period mid 11th late 12th/early late 12th/early 13th 14th late 15th (century) 13th Religious Order Benedictine Benedictine Benedictine Cistercian Friars Minor (Greyfriars) Salmon 1 1 Trout 1 Salmonid 78 1 4 Sturgeon 16 1 2 Smelt 1608 25 3 97 8 Freshwater eel 561 87 28 830 36 Shad (sp indet) 1 subtotal 2320 120 43 928 48 Freshwater Pike 195 12 4 2 Perch 2 Roach 42 2 10 4 Chub 1 1 Tench 5 1 Barbel 4 2 Dace 27 1 Dace/chub 74 3 Bream 4 Cyprinid 643 29 12 9 subtotal 995 48 16 25 5 Total 9431 1092 351 1582 215
(context [115]), the presence of sturgeon is concordance in the occurrence of the main particularly noteworthy (as discussed below). species identiþed and especially in respect Despite the marked difference in sizes of of the calculated relative frequencies of the the two assemblages from Dean’s Yard and the three categories: marine, migratory and Misericorde sub-vault, there is a remarkable estuarine, and freshwater (Table 9).
Table . Frequencies of the categories of þsh species in the Dean’s Yard and Misericorde sub-vault (Jones 1 76) assemblages
Site Marine Migratory and estuarine Freshwater %% % Dean’s Yard 84.6 11.0 4.4 Misericorde sub-vault 83.2 12.2 4.6 Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 123
Sizes of the Fish monastic establishments that possessed them (see Bond 1992, 9—10). The freshwater þsh Measurements taken on two cod bone eaten by the monks of Westminster Abbey elements enabled reconstructed total lengths therefore must have largely been river-caught (TL) to be calculated using a regression and purchased, probably at considerable cost. formulae (Wheeler & Jones 1976) as follows: As discussed by Dyer (2000, 101), the larger Context 119 premaxilla TL = 72.2cm and good-quality freshwater þsh, such as pike, Context 124 dentary TL = 41.5cm were expensive luxuries in the Middle Ages. A mature pike cost 2s to 3s, equivalent to a Context [123] yielded four pike vertebrae skilled craftsman’s weekly wage, and even a (same þsh) comparable in size with a modern single chub could command as much as 7d to specimen of TL 45.7cm (author’s collection); 8d (Dyer 2000, 109). Other luxury species at this value falls within the size range for mature that period included salmon. In 1372 Abbot pike (40—100cm) (Newdick 1979, 40). A very Litlyngton of Westminster Abbey is noted as large sea bass was represented from context having paid the very large sum of 21s 2d for [123] by two articulating caudal vertebrae, two fresh Thames salmon to be included in a one chopped through transversely, evidence feast he organised for the monks during Holy of the removal of the tail prior to cooking/ Week (Peplow & Peplow 1988, 55). Given the serving at the table. Among the bones of high cost of þsh such as pike and salmon, and plaice from context [123] was an os anale the rarity in the availability of other highly from a large adult þsh; other bones of ÿatþsh prized luxury þsh such as sturgeon, it is from the site are notably much smaller understandable that these sorts of þsh were and recognised as derived from immature eaten almost exclusively at major feasts. The individuals (possibly supplied by estuarine staple þsh consumed by the Westminster Abbey þsheries of the Thames). There was a large monks were therefore the comparatively grey gurnard maxilla from context [124] cheaper marine species, purchased fresh with a proximal breadth (Bp) measuring or in preserved form from the London þsh 7.2mm, which may be compared against a Bp market (Harvey 1995, 47). During the 12th of 3.9mm in a modern grey gurnard of total and 13th centuries at Westminster Abbey the length (TL) 39cm (author’s collection). archaeological evidence shows that herring was the predominant marine þsh, followed Interpretation and Discussion of the Fish Bone by whiting (Table 8). At Westminster Abbey, Assemblage herring was also the prime food þsh during the mid-11th century (31% of the bones from As already discussed by Jones (1976, 176), the Dorter undercroft) (Locker 1995; 2001, the Westminster Abbey monks during the 198), but towards the end of the medieval late 12th and 13th centuries clearly con- period the Westminster Abbey Kitchener’s sumed a wide variety of þsh, which were day-books reveal that the frequency of con- probably caught in the River Thames, its sumption of herring had declined, and it was estuary and the southern North Sea using a only generally eaten ‘at lent, and again in variety of þshing equipment such as kiddles the autumn, when fresh herring were easily (permanent shore-line þsh traps), surface obtained in the London markets’ (Harvey nets, hooks and lines, and seine nets. There 1995, 49). Substituting for herring during is documentary evidence for the existence the other times of the year were cod and of a þsh pond at Westminster Abbey, in the related species. This temporal dietary shift inþrmary garden, during the early 14th cent- away from herring with a greater emphasis on ury (Harvey 1995, 90), which would have cod and whiting at monastic establishments been a source of freshwater þsh (such as was perhaps commencing as early as the 14th roach, tench and other cyprinids). However, century, as suggested by the archaeological it is now generally accepted that such þsh evidence from the Cistercian monastery of St ponds would not have been as productive or Mary Graces, Tower Hill (Table 8) (Locker as reliable a source of fresh þsh as previously 2001, 197; 2011, 165—6). believed by historians and, therefore, only Judging by the þsh bone evidence from the played a minor role in provisioning the Dorter undercroft, the monks of Westminster 124 Paw B. Jorgensen
Abbey in the mid-11th century appear to to their health and well-being: Harvey (1995, have enjoyed a much richer diet than their 71) suggested the Westminster Abbey monks counterparts did during the 12th and 13th were ‘surely on average rather obese’. This centuries. With respect to the freshwater observation has been borne out by recent species, in the Dorter undercroft assemblage studies of the excavated burials from three there was a very wide range of cyprinid monastic sites in London (Merton Priory, species (six: roach, chub, tench, barbel, dace Bermondsey Abbey and the Abbey of St Mary and bream) compared with the three species Graces, Tower Hill), which revealed clear (roach, chub and barbel) in the samples from skeletal evidence that monks were almost Dean’s Yard. While the overall frequency þve times as likely to develop obesity-related of cyprinids formed 8.5%/total NISP in the joint diseases as their secular counterparts Dorter undercroft assemblage compared (Patrick 2005; Waldron 1985). with 3.3% in the combined Dean’s Yard and Misericorde sub-vault assemblages. Pike, an Charred Plant Macrofossils and Wood expensive þsh (see above), featured with Charcoal greater frequency in the Dorter undercroft assemblage (2.1%) (Locker 1995) compared Lucy Allott with the Dean’s Yard/Misericorde sub-vault Introduction and Methodology combined assemblage (1.1%). The other signature species associated with expensive, Samples recovered from the Phase 4 ditch high-status dining (salmon and sturgeon) [120] and hearth [129] produced small also are represented in notably higher fre- quantities of charred macrobotanical re- quencies in the Dorter undercroft, mid-11th- mains and moderate assemblages of wood century assemblage, and garþsh and mullet charcoal. This report provides an overview add to the variety of marine þsh eaten (these of the botanical remains recovered and þsh are absent in the 12th- and 13th-century characterises the evidence for fuel use. The assemblages). results are presented in Table 10. The dietary regimes for London’s monastic Five bulk samples were processed by ÿotation establishments in the þnal decades before using 1mm and 300 micron mesh sizes. Flots their dissolution are somewhat unclear on were measured, weighed and viewed under a the scanty, presently available archaeological stereozoom microscope at magniþcations of evidence. Although a relatively small sample, 7—45x. Wood charcoal fragments present in the þsh bone assemblage recovered from a each of the samples were fractured following well at the Greyfriars, City of London, which standardised procedures (Gale & Cutler 2000) was backþlled during the late 15th century and viewed using both a stereozoom Leica (Armitage & West 1985, 107), suggests E=4D microscope at 8—45x magniþcations that the friars’ diet at this establishment, (for preliminary sorting) and an incident just prior to its dissolution, comprised a light Olympus BHMJ microscope at 50, 100, somewhat limited range of þsh. There was 200 and 400x magniþcations (for taxonomic a predominance of the cheaper species identiþcations). Macrobotanical remains and and notable absence of those species (pike, charcoal were identiþed through comparison salmon, sturgeon, John Dory) associated with modern reference material held at the with high-status dining (Table 8), and viewed Institute of Archaeology, University College together with the evidence provided by the London and with specimens documented in other excavated food remains (mammal reference manuals (Cappers et al 2006; Hather and bird bones) presents a picture of rather 2000; Jacomet 2006; NIAB 2004; Schoch et al frugal fare (Locker 1985; West 1985, 119— 2004; Schweingruber 1990). Nomenclature 20). This rather economical diet contrasts used follows Stace (1997). markedly with that enjoyed by London’s monastic institutions in earlier times, and Results, Interpretation and Discussion especially with the evident upper-class, over indulgent diet of the privileged monks at Ditch [120], Samples 2—4 Westminster Abbey. Their gluttonous life- style, however, would have come at a price Samples were taken from three slots dug Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 125
Table 1. Summary of charred macrobotanical remains and wood charcoal from ditch [12] and hearth [12 ], Phase 4
Feature Ditch [120] Hearth [129] Sample no. 2 3 4 5 6 Context [119] [123] [124] [127] [128] Flot volume (ml) 10 12 11 3 22 Charred crops Triticum sp bread/club wheat caryopses + Avena sp oat caryopses + Indet Cerealia indeterminate cereal caryopses + + + Pisum/Vicia/Lathyrus sp pea/vetch/tare +
Charred weed/wild taxa Silene/Stellaria sp campion/stitchwort + Ranunculus repens/bulbosus/acris buttercup + Asteraceae daisy family + Poaceae grasses +
indeterminate charred plant Indet CPR remains + + +
Wood charcoal identiþcations Quercus sp oak ++++++++ Fagus sylvatica beech + + + + Ligustrum/ Lonicera sp wild privet/honeysuckle + Maloideae hawthorn/apple/whitebeam + rw Prunus sp wild cherry/sloe + rw
Key: + = 0—10; ++ = 11—50; rw = round wood through ditch [120]. The western slot identiþed in both deposits with some wild revealed a single deposit, [124], containing privet/honeysuckle (Ligustrum/Lonicera sp) small quantities of wood charcoal in which also recorded in [123]. oak (Quercus sp), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and The signiþcant quantity of wood charcoal Maloideae taxa (a group which includes present in the later þlls of this feature hawthorn/apple/whitebeam) were recorded. are almost certainly secondary deposits In the middle slot, the upper þll, [123], of charcoal. It is possible that charcoal produced a small assemblage of charred accumulated in the ditch gradually. However, cereal grains including some that are the restricted range of taxa recorded and consistent with bread/club wheat (Triticum the moderately good level of preservation sp). In the eastern slot of the ditch, the is perhaps more consistent with discrete single þll, [119], also contained poorly episodes of deposition. The primary origin preserved cereal grains including some wild of the charcoal is unknown, although it or cultivated oat (Avena sp), pea or bean could have been cleared from features fragments and occasional weeds that may be such as the hearth, discussed below. The of arable origin. Oak and beech wood were restricted assemblages therefore imply that 126 Paw B. Jorgensen a limited range of woody taxa were used for these deposits sloped down to +0.64m OD. fuel and, with the exception of honeysuckle Some 40m further east in Trench 2 (Fig 2), which may have been present as a climber on natural gravel was recorded at 2.92m OD, larger trees, each of the taxa recorded would showing that the original land surface of have provided good fuel wood. Wood from Thorney Island in this locality sloped from oak and beech trees could also have been east to west. The build-up of ÿuvial sands and used as structural timbers. gravels at Dean’s Yard was interrupted by the deposition of a clayey sand, and similar Hearth Feature [129], Samples 5 and 6 deposits have been observed at the north end of the island (ibid, 10). To the north, A clay-rich deposit, [128], at the base of along Broad Sanctuary (Fig 2), natural clay hearth [129] produced a small assemblage was also observed at a height of +1.61m OD of oak wood charcoal as well as poorly (Jorgensen 2008). These observations show preserved cereal caryopses, grass seed and that the natural topography of Thorney a buttercup (Ranunculus sp) seed. Charcoal Island sloped very gently from Broad fragments were also scarce in a small circular Sanctuary southwards to Dean’s Yard. More patch of red-brown burnt ground, [127], recent observations at the Cellarium, to the overlying the clay-rich deposit, although oak, east of Dean’s Yard, revealed natural clay at beech and wild cherry/sloe (Prunus sp) were +1.40m OD (Jorgensen in prep), conþrming identiþed in this context. the prevailing east to west slope of the Charred botanical remains from this feat- natural deposits in this locality. ure provide little indication of its function. Although interpreted as a hearth, this is primarily based on its form, the presence of Phase 1: Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age burnt animal bone as well as charring and (c.3300—1500 BC) staining of the adjoining soil. The scarcity A single ÿint ÿake recovered from the top of charcoal in the samples suggests that this of the natural gravels is the only evidence feature was cleaned of large remnants of for human activity during this period. Other fuel debris with only small ÿecks of charcoal sites, particularly those excavated during the remaining, when it went out of use. Jubilee Line extension in the 1990s, yielded evidence of activity on Thorney Island DISCUSSION OF THE SITE SEQUENCE starting in the Late Neolithic period and AT DEAN’S YARD AND ITS ASSEMBLAGE continuing into the early part of the Bronze Natural Topography Age (Thomas et al 2006, 25).
It is believed that Westminster Abbey is Phase 2: Late Iron Age/Early Roman situated on the highest point of Thorney (c.400 BC—AD 200) Island, which is made up mainly of sands and gravels overlying Eocene London Clay, with This phase was represented by a single a top height of c.2m OD (Thomas et al 2006, pit (Fig 4). It has been postulated that the 10, þg 4). Dean’s Yard lies to the west of the level of the river rose from about -0.50m abbey (Fig 1) on ground that is thought OD during the early þrst millennium BC to to slope to the west and the south down to approximately 0.00m OD by the end of this the River Tyburn. A topographical map of millennium, which would have signiþcantly Thorney Island produced from borehole reduced the area available for occupation data and stratigraphic data gathered during during this period. It has further been previous work shows that the site was situated suggested that areas above +1.00m OD, that on the western side of Thorney Island and is the area of the later abbey church and that the top of the natural sands in the claustral buildings, would have been the most vicinity of Trench 1 should have occurred suitable for occupation (Thomas et al 2006, at approximately +1.00m OD (ibid, 10—11, 31). The contemporary land surface around þg 4). While natural deposits in the western this pit would have been at c.0.80m OD. It part of Trench 1, reached +0.92m OD, in the therefore would have been within the marshy eastern part of the trench the top surface of perimeter of the island and would certainly Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 127 have been prone to ÿooding. Therefore, it is While to date the only evidence for Middle likely that the pit reÿects ephemeral use of Saxon activity on Thorney Island is in the the low-lying western periphery of Thorney form of residual material recovered during Island. previous investigations as well as chance A total of 9kg of reused Early Roman þnds along the Thames, the sheer quantity ceramic building material was recovered of material recovered suggests that a minster during the excavation. Most of this material existed on the island during the Middle was recovered from the earliest phases of Saxon period (Thomas et al 2006, 46). This medieval land reclamation (see Hayward may also explain the presence of a possible above). Sherds of residual Roman pottery royal hall at the Treasury Green site, as some and a variety of building materials have Anglo-Saxon royal sites seem to have been previously been discovered nearby at the deliberately situated next to minsters (Cowie Dorter undercroft (Gofþn & Crowley 1995, 2004, 208). 97—9; Waugh 1995, 80) and 20 Dean’s Yard The presence of the Late Saxon sherd is (Platts 1976, 159). More recently, Roman reÿective of activity occurring from around building material has also been found at the time of the refounding of the abbey by the Cellarium excavation (K Hayward, pers St Dunstan and its subsequent rebuilding by comm 2010). Across Thorney Island Roman Edward the Confessor. þnds, especially building material, have been found on many sites and a number of poss- Phases 3 and 4: Late 12th/Early 13th ible Roman features have been recorded. Century (c.1150—1230) Antiquarian observations of possible Roman remains discovered beneath Westminster Previous excavations on Thorney Island Abbey, including the pilae of a potential hypo- have recorded episodes of ÿooding during caust, together with the discovery of a large the later 11th century. On the higher amount of residual Roman building material parts of the island this is seen in the form indicates that a high-status Roman building of the deposition (in some areas) of over lies under the abbey (Thomas et al 2006, 35—9). a metre of silts. This ÿuvial material was While it is possible that some of the recorded during excavations in the Dorter residual Roman building material recovered undercroft (Mills 1995, 72), the Misericorde locally may have come from a large Roman undercroft (Black 1976, 142) and on some structure on the site of Westminster Abbey, of the sites investigated during the Jubilee other origins for this material have been Line extension (Thomas et al 2006, 47). The suggested. Some of it may have been shipped absence of 11th-century ÿuvial deposits from upstream from Londinium during the Saxon the site may be due to its location along the period for use in the construction of Edward western edge of the island, as on many of the Confessor’s church. This phase of church the archaeological sites situated along the is known to have incorporated reused Roman periphery of the island there is a recorded building material into the fabric of its walls hiatus in the sedimentary sequence until (Thomas et al 2006, 38). approximately 1200. It has been suggested that the absence of earlier deposits on these Saxon (c.AD 600—1050) sites is due to erosion caused by the 11th- century ÿoods (ibid, 56). The low tide mark Evidence of Saxon activity consisted of of the River Tyburn during the 11th century two residual sherds of Middle and Late has been estimated to have been between Saxon pottery. Of all the sites excavated 0.55m and 0.85m OD, while the high tide on Thorney Island to date, the Dorter mark may have been as high as 1.77m OD undercroft (Blackmore 1995) has yielded the (Sloane et al 1995, 362). If these þgures largest quantity of Middle Saxon material. are broadly correct then the low-lying area The excavation within the Misericorde of Dean’s Yard would have been prone to undercroft (Black 1976) at 20 Dean’s Yard ÿooding and this might explain the absence and the investigation at 17 Dean’s Yard of deposits pre-dating the 12th century. By (Murray 2003) have also revealed Middle the 12th century it appears that the land Saxon material (Fig 2). surface of the Dean’s Yard area stood at a 128 Paw B. Jorgensen maximum height of c.1.35m OD. is possible that the dumping that occurred Along Broad Sanctuary, to the north of the during this period was a by-product of site, the 11th- to 12th-century land surface this rebuilding. This material contained must have been situated somewhere between fragments of ashlar and mouldings, together the top of the natural clay at 1.71m OD with large quantities of peg and bat tiles and the base of the 13th- or 14th-century and Westminster ÿoor tiles (see Hayward reclamation dumps at 2.20m OD (Jorgensen above). Curiously there was a lack of deposits 2008, 13—14). The late 11th-century land conclusively dating to the 14th century surface of the Dorter undercroft site to on site despite the major building projects the east was c.3.50m OD (Mills 1995, 76). undertaken by Abbot Litlyngton within the Further west, roughly midway between the immediate vicinity (see ‘Archaeological and Dorter and the trench in Dean’s Yard, by the Historical Background’ above). Perhaps south-west corner of the late 11th-century by the 14th century this area had been refectory, the ground level during the transformed into a yard, which might have construction of this building stood at c.3.30m prevented any further dumping of waste OD (Jorgensen in prep). This demonstrates materials. that the land surface of this locality sloped both from north to south and also from east Phase 6: 15th Century (1400—1500) to west, towards Black Ditch, which ran along the western boundary of what is now Dean’s The beginning of the 15th century saw Yard. the demolition of some of the columns of The structural remains from Phase 4 the Romanesque church and new marble consisted of an external hearth and a ditch columns were erected in their place (Tatton- (Fig 5). It seems that this ditch drained Brown 1995, 176). Interestingly, the material westwards towards the southern branch of dumped in Dean’s Yard during this period the Tyburn. It also was used for the disposal contained a relatively large assemblage of late of rubbish from the abbey, as it contained 10th- to late 11th-century pottery. Therefore, a large quantity of animal and þsh bones, it is possible that some of the material much of which could have originated from deposited on site during this period was the the nearby kitchens. This faunal assemblage spoil from the excavation of the foundations is somewhat atypical as it has a relatively for the new column bases. After the raising of high frequency of young pigs, which might the ground level several postholes were dug be explained by the presence of a piggery (Fig 8). These posts may represent several (see Rielly above). This piggery was probably phases of timber fencing delineating part of located near the southern parts of the Dean’s Yard. By the close of the century the present Dean’s Yard, in the vicinity of the posts had apparently been removed and the abbey’s farm. It is uncertain exactly what area subjected to further dumping. function the area later known as Dean’s Yard served during the 12th and 13th centuries. Medieval Finds and Faunal Assemblages However, it is possible that this area was part of the abbey farm, until the construction of The pottery consisted of utilitarian types the brewery and bakery in the southern part with south Hertfordshire-type grey wares of the yard during the 14th century, which and shelly-sandy ware providing the kitchen might explain the presence of so many pig and storage wares for the abbey, whilst the bones. tablewares were provided by the London- type wares. However, the presence of a Phase 5: Mid- to Late 13th Century possible aquamanile fragment (Fig 14.2), (c.1230—1300) which was used to wash hands during formal meals, is indicative of high-status dining The rebuilding of the abbey church started within the abbey (see Jarrett above). The in c.1245 (see ‘Archaeological and Historical discarded medieval building materials Background’ above). This involved the recovered from the site included various demolition of a large part of the earlier types of ÿoor tiles: Westminster, Penn and church to make room for the new one. It some imported Flemish examples. Rooþng Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 129 material consisted of both peg and bat yard through Blackstole Tower to the east- tiles. There was a wide variety of stonework south-east (Figs 2 and 9). The remains of two including mouldings, ashlar and paving postholes along the southern side of the path fragments (see Hayward above). All of these might suggest that its route was delineated building materials were presumably derived by a fence. from the abbey and its ancillary buildings. A number of the medieval small þnds from Phase 8: Late 16th Century (c.1570—1600) the site may have originated from the abbey’s kitchens. These included an iron ÿesh hook, By the close of the 16th century the ground
Fig 21. The abbey and its precincts by Johannes Kip, 171 , orientated with south at the top (scale 1:125) (WAM 24877 o Dean and Chapter of Westminster)
of material continued within this area of century a brick-lined well was constructed the yard (Fig 3). The fence posts appear to within the courtyard (Fig 12). This well went have been periodically replaced, although out of use and was backþlled with rubbish no major alteration to the alignment of during the 18th century. It is possible the fence seems to have occurred (cf Figs that the well was backþlled as part of the 11 and 12). During the second half of the programme to enlarge the yard proposed Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 131
Fig 22. View of Dean’s Yard by Capon, 1815 (London Topographical Society 1 23Þ4 reproduced by permission of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster) in 1756 by Dr Markham, headmaster of Beauvais white ware with green glaze, central Westminster School. This resulted in the Italian maiolica, Dutch slip and sgrafþto demolition of the former monastic granary wares and Raeren and Siegburg German and brewhouse, both located along what was stonewares which reÿect the inÿuence of then the southern perimeter of the yard. The the Renaissance and demand for quality and demolition material from these buildings showier table and drinking wares (Gaimster was spread across the yard and more material 1999). Home-produced Cistercian ware was brought in to level up the area (Tanner and early Surrey-Hampshire border ware 1923, 7, 9). This practice corresponds with may also have been intended to meet this the pattern of soil dumping recorded in demand for high-quality drinking wares. Trench 1, which continued until the þnal These drinking vessels may have come from enlargement of the yard during the mid-19th the abbey refectory and the grammar school. century. A brick-lined drainage and sewage The small þnds consisted of a wide range of culvert was installed under Dean’s Yard in artefacts, including a buckle, fragments of response to the cholera epidemic of 1848—9 armour, horse equipment, a book clasp, a (Rodwell 2009, 2). lead weight and nine tiny wound wire objects possibly part of an ornate wire-work head- Post-Medieval Finds and Faunal Assemblages dress (Figs 17 and 18). The post-medieval faunal remains showed a similar range of The post-medieval þnds reÿect the status of species to that of the medieval, including those inhabitants of the abbey and Dean’s chicken, geese and fallow deer, although Yard. The pottery included a wide range there was a smaller proportion of pigs. One of both imported and home-produced new trend was the consumption of calves as wares. The imported pottery included veal. 132 Paw B. Jorgensen
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Archaeological Reports (International Series) 533, Oxford The work was commissioned by J Murphy and Armitage, P L, & West, B, 1985 ‘Faunal evidence Sons Ltd on behalf of EDF Energy and the from a late medieval garden well of the þeldwork was carried out by Pre-Construct Greyfriars, London’ Trans London Middlesex Archaeology Ltd and monitored by Professor Archaeol Soc 36, 107—36 Warwick Rodwell on behalf of the Dean and Atkinson, A D, & Oswald, A, 1969 ‘London clay tobacco pipes’ J Brit Archaeol Ass 3rd series, 32, Chapter of the Collegiate Church of St Peter 171—227 at Westminster. The þeldwork was managed Barlow, F, 1970 Edward the Confessor, London by Chris Mayo and the post-excavation by Biddle, M, (ed) 1990 2bject and Economy in Jon Butler, who edited this report. The Medieval Winchester: Artefacts from Medieval illustrations were produced by Jennifer Winchester Winchester Studies 7, ii, Oxford Simonson and the þnds illustrations by Helen Bishop, B, 2010 ‘Lithics assessment’ in P Jorgen- Davies. Roy Stephenson of the Museum of sen Assessment of an Archaeological Excavation in London is thanked for generously giving the 1orthwest Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster permission to reproduce the photograph of Abbey, City of Westminster, London Pre-Construct the head-dress. Archaeology unpub report Black, G, 1976 ‘Excavations in the sub-vault [email protected] of the Misericorde at Westminster Abbey, February to May, 1975’ Trans London Middlesex Archaeol Soc 27, 135—78 NOTES Black, G, 1977 ‘Redevelopment of 20 Dean’s 1 MOLA Resource Library, www.mola.org.uk/ Yard, Westminster Abbey’ Trans London resource-library (accessed 4 December 2015). Middlesex Archaeol Soc 28, 190—210 Blackmore, L, 1988 ‘The pottery’ in R Cowie, 2 MOLA Resource Library, www.mola.org.uk/ R L Whytehead & L Blackmore ‘Two Middle resource-library (accessed 4 December 2015). 3 Saxon occupation sites at Jubilee Hall and Stone fabric codes (see Table 2) were agreed 21—22 Maiden Lane’ Trans London Middlesex in liaison with Ian Betts and Sue Pringle; full list Archaeol Soc 39, 81—110 available from the author, updated December Blackmore, L, 1995 ‘The Middle Saxon pottery’ 2011. in Mills 1995, 80 4 A soft þne even grained sandstone or lime- Blackmore, L, & Pearce, J, 2010 A Dated Type stone, with an open porous texture that enables Series of London Medieval Pottery: Part 5, Shelly- the rock to be worked or carved in any direction Sandy Ware and the Greyware Industries MOLA (Leary 1989; Stanier 2000; Sutherland 2003). Monograph Series 49, London 5 Westminster Abbey Muniment Collection, Blake, H, 1999 ‘De nomine Jhesu: an Italian WAM 24879. export ware and the origin of Renaissance maiolica pottery making in the Low Countries’ BIBLIOGRAPHY in D Gaimster Maiolica in the 1orth: The Archaeology of Tin-Glazed Earthenware in 1orth- Albarella, U, 1997 ‘Size, power, wool and veal: West Europe c.15Þ16 British Museum zooarchaeological evidence for late medieval Occasional Paper 122, London, 23—56 innovations’ in G De Boe & F Verhaeghe (eds) Bond, F, 1909 Westminster Abbey, London Environment and Subsistence in Medieval Europe Bond, J, 1992 ‘The þsh ponds of Eynsham Papers of the ‘Medieval Europe Brugge 1997’ Abbey’ J Eynsham Hist Group 9, 3—17 Conference 9, Zellik, 19—30 Boyer, P, 2011 The Sanctuary and Dean’s Yard, Albarella, U, 2003 ‘Tawyers, tanners, horn trade Westminster Abbey, City of Westminster, SW1P 3PA: and the mystery of the missing goat’ in P An Archaeological Watching Brief During Gas Main Murphy & E J Wiltshire (eds) The Environmental Replacement Work Pre-Construct Archaeology Archaeology of Industry Symposia of the unpub report Association for Environmental Archaeology Brooks, N, 1992 ‘The career of St Dunstan’ in N 20, Oxford, 71—86 Ramsay, M Sparks & T Tatton-Brown (eds) St Dun- Allan, J P, 1984 Medieval and Post-Medieval Finds stan His Life, Times and Cult, Woodbridge, 1—23 from Exeter, 1 71Þ8 Exeter Archaeological Burch, M, Trevail, P, & Keene, D, 2011 The Report 3, Exeter Development of Early Medieval and Later Poultry Amorosi, T, 1989 A Postcranial Guide to Domestic and Cheapside: Excavations at 1 Poultry and 1eo-1atal and Juvenile Mammals: The Identif- Vicinity, City of London MOLA Monograph ication and Ageing of 2ld World Species British Series 38, London Excavations in the North-West Corner of Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey 133
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