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Finds on your Doorstep – 6000 years of life in Hibaldstow - finds recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme Database (search for finds.org.uk) – by Martin Foreman, Finds Liaison Officer for North

The Neolithic period 4000-2350 BC (17 records)

Stone Age finds from Hibaldstow have been discovered by farmers, and incidentally by others during their search for later relics. They comprise two categories. The most numerous are flint tools, mainly used for domestic processing of animal products. Many bear surface patina arising from long contact with a chalky environment; some of these may have been brought in with chalk from the Wolds at a later date. The others are probably earlier: an arrowhead was either for hunting or war; while four magnificent Neolithic polished stone axes were prestigious weapons, made of exotic materials fetched from distant western mountains.

Greenstone axes from Langdale, Cumbria were found north of Hibaldstow village; a rough-textured version perhaps of Cornish stone was found to the south. Three are pristine, which might suggest not only that they were cared for during their working lives, but also that they were deposited with deep respect. A date around 2900-2100 BC is suggested for such objects, which were to influence the forms of the very first metal axes.

Superb greenstone axe and a fragment Highly polished axe Rough’n’tough? Leaf arrowhead NLM-E0588E NLM-9EF038 NLM-25A9A3 NLM-E0DAE4 NLM-95AFB9

Flint implements are either economically formed with the minimum necessary working, or finely finished by overall scaled retouch. These are features of flint-working in the later Neolithic period (2500-2350 BC).

Flint knife Scrapers: the first swiftly made and the others more carefully scaled Debitage NLM-9BE126 NLM-8C5FD1 NLM-8C1F14 NLM-26AFD4 NLM-2612D2 NLM-4C6004

The Bronze and Iron Ages 2350 BC – AD 43 (8 records)

Neolithic finds relate to a community under Big Men whose authority was represented by big (and stone- weighted) sticks. Metalwork presented gleaming new ways to display status. The earliest from Hibaldstow is a razor (1800-1500 BC), whose owner was perhaps additionally distinguished by a novel haircut. A metal axe represents the cohort at the command of such rulers: certainly metalsmiths, but also craftsmen who could use the new tools to work wood into hitherto unimaginably complex or striking forms. Late Iron Age coins here were all exotic to Lincolnshire; and most important for the far-flung contacts they may represent. 2

Bronze razor Flanged axe-head and part of a spearhead Coin of the Iceni NLM-EF1AB4 NLM1085 LVPL772 NLM-6CC997

The Roman period AD 43 - 410 (159 records)

Roman Hibaldstow is associated with , that military road carved cross-country from Lincoln to the by AD 70. Early Roman finds are numerous a kilometre or so to the east, where the site of a Roman fort is masked by modern Hibaldstow. Later activity, undiminished in intensity, continued here, though finds to the south, near Gainsthorpe, show an early focus whose flourishing may also be closely related to the road. The road passed through further waystations which came into (archaeological) view from the 2nd century. Roadside material culture drew on further-flung tribal regions to which the road connected.

Plainer brooches are often found where Roman soldiers were stationed or frequent visitors. Those with springs follow British craft tradition; hinged brooches looked much the same but were cheaper to make.

Hinged Colchester derivative brooches with moulded decoration Versions with enamel trim NLM-CAD228 NLM-90CDD9 NLM-E3FED2 NLM-D88433 NLM-0DEFD1 NLM-BFF825 NLM-7AEB

Bow and fantail brooches were a Corieltauvian type, as was the East Midlands enamelled headstud brooch: both are encountered most frequently in those parts of the East Midlands thought of as the tribal heartland.

Bow and fantail brooches: four complete and fragmentary examples Headstud brooch NLM-9F8E63 NLM-7B8360 NLM-E0A1D5 NLM-3E6936 NLM1087

The rearward hook to retain a spring was a feature of Iceni brooches, marking contact with that tribe before AD 61, or a post-Boudiccan diaspora thereafter. Dragonesque and trumpet brooches were Brigantian forms.

Brooches of Iceni style perhaps from East Anglia Brigantian brooches from Yorkshire NLM-0E70EB NLM-95D053* NLM-3E7CA5 NLM-7B4101 NLM-864AB2 NLM-6A7B37 NLM-19BF06

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Plate brooches are later. Some designs may copy shield blazons, and they were usually enamelled. A few types may be of Continental origin (no. 4), or gilt badges of office (5), or were worn by cult members (6).

Plate brooches: no. 2 is a local variant, and no. 4 has an iron pin Badge of office & cult lapel pin? NLM-3E5853 NLM-1A3991 NLM-9F6E67 NLM-6A79B3 NLM-0E923B NLM-95DE16*

*These two brooches, dated to the 1st century and the 2nd or early 3rd century respectively, both come from a small concentration of finds from near Gainsthorpe. This group is further considered below (see page 3).

The Roman period AD 43 - 410 (continued)

Roman roads were built by the Army along strategic lines of communication, though such routes were often of pre-existing importance. They also linked to ports and landing places on navigable rivers: large cargoes would travel more swiftly and safely by water. Roads facilitated transportation, but often as the first or final stages of much longer journeys. Few objects were lost very close to the road – if they were, chances of rediscovery were good. The closest concentration of finds is near Gainsthorpe, 300 meters to the west, and represents activity contingent upon its course rather than coincidentally situated nearby. Brooches from here appear above (on page 2*).

Gainsthorpe finds include coins, fragments perhaps from the late Roman kit worn by the regional militia, and a steelyard weight. Might these mark a police station, or a tax office where dry goods were weighed? Later legend remembers this site as a nest of robbers which was eventually cleared out by infuriated locals!

Coins paid troops. A nail cleaner bears a doodled peacock (for Juno), perhaps made from a strap end. NLM-959DDA NLM-E55AE1 NLM-9875B7 NLM-E5B327 NLM-AC7F37 NLM-E57DB5 NLM-ED23EA NLM-98EBFF

Across the road from Gainsthorpe, further finds recall the style of military belt fittings. The second may be from a Celtic-style tankard handle, but the horse or dolphin form was favoured for soldiers’ equipment.

NLM-6B81B0 NLM-EAEE40

Other objects found near Ermine Street include a finger ring inscribed TOT, for the god Toutatis (familiar to Asterix readers, but in Lincolnshire patron-god of the Corieltauvi), dress fasteners, coins and an amphora.

Celtic and Roman ways on the road: fittings of Celtic style meet Roman coins, drinks and customs LIN-9413A1 NLM-C97131 NLM-D7E5C3 NLM-4C07A3 NLM-69FAC8 NLM-907CF3 NLM1090 4

Objects from near Hibaldstow: native costume sat alongside Roman literacy in this place. A lucky winged phallus and a gold coin suggest soldiers and officials were based here from the 1st century to the late 4th.

Celtic style fasteners Soft furnishings and writing Charm, & gold coin worth a year’s pay NLM-865F92 NLM-DB9D62 NLM-0193B0 NLM-797456 NLM-071070 NLM-5BDB14 NLM-598885

Money, money, money… There are 89 Roman coins reported from Hibaldstow, spanning the period from the invasion of Britain under Claudius in AD 43 to the reign of Magnus Maximus (383-388). Magnus was the last Roman ruler to make a deep impression on the minds of Britons – and the latest represented by coins at Hibaldstow, by a gold solidus with little sign of wear. He may have invited Irish barbarians as mercenaries into Western Britain, and found his way into inscriptions, royal genealogies and, finally, legend in Wales.

The Early Medieval period AD 410-1066 (24 records)

The mercenary solution to public order was taken up in eastern Britain. Anglo-Saxons were recruited from across the North Sea to prop up the rule of late or sub-Roman tyrants. Fragments from graves of women buried according to Germanic custom are ill-located finds from Hibaldstow. Hibaldstow means Hygebald’s burial place. Hygebald was a Northumbrian missionary, and, from this base, Ermine Street helped him spread the Gospel. His stone coffin was reportedly found in the church, and finds of the Christian English come from Hibaldstow. The English called Roman roads Herepath or army track. Viking Armies trod them with equal ease.

Early Anglo-Saxon finds are from the clothed burials of at least three adult women buried according to Anglian custom. Poor reporting leaves it uncertain whether there were many more graves, and, if so, where.

Large brooch fragment Clasps to close long close-fitting sleeves Girdle hanger worn at the waist NLM-A81975 NLM-A45353 NLM-A463D5 NLM-A84012

A Christian English presence is marked by objects found near Hibaldstow, and also further to the west. They include dress fittings, but also a spatula for work with parchment, and a drachm weight for precious metals.

Mount fragment, two strap ends, a hooked tag, and hairpin fragment Spatula and small weight NLM-E571C7 NLM-0F4A06 NLM-BB49D3 NLM-A74573 NLM-E1CB73 NLM-2C6AB6 NLM-A824D0

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Strap ends of Winchester Style may have been lost by Saxon or Dane, but a Mercian silver penny is pierced, perhaps checked by a Viking who distrusted coins. Pyramidal bells are linked to Viking settlers elsewhere, and trefoil brooches to their womenfolk. The latter was found by the road, other finds nearer Hibaldstow.

Strap end and fragment Pierced silver penny and Viking bell Arm from trefoil brooch NLM-5E6993 NLM-419320 NLM-7DF3F7 NLM-872FA3 NLM-6AFAC0

The Danelaw remained saturated in Scandinavian influence long after English rule was re-imposed, and exotic styles were followed. The Danish king Canute would take over as a viable going concern.

English penny Urnes style handle mount and Ringerike fitting Coin brooch and beast head buckle NLM-C86164 NLM-876836 NLM-3CD626 NLM-874B54 NLM-A47915

The Medieval period 1066-1500 (133 records)

Coins show economic activity between the reigns of Stephen and Henry VII (1135-1509), and include two Scottish and one Irish issues. Dress accessories span much the same period, while various forms of lead weight show late medieval dealing in small quantities of commodities. As Hibaldstow is named for its local saint, an abundance of pilgrim souvenirs seems apt. These, however, were probably brought back from pilgrim holidays, with Walsingham in Norfolk perhaps a favourite destination. Ermine Street was a route leading through Lincoln to East Anglia, well-trodden for millenia, though there is less horse-gear than might be expected from such a well-connected place.

Nearly half of the silver coins are cut fractions used as small change for daily purchases. Edwardian issues of 1279-1310 are less common than usual, though money was always changing hands in a roadside village.

Farthings of Stephen and Henry II, and halfpennies of Henry III Scots pennies NLM-3F60D3 NLM-E59EB9 NLM-F21A57 NLM-96A546 NLM-855906 NLM-3CE962 LVPL771 NLM-81E1B2

Later medieval weights suggest small quantities of goods were more often sold than large. There was an apparent preference for rather small standing weights - or these were also convenient to tie on a fishing line.

NLM-8C96D9 NLM-F20FB3 NLM-843135 NLM-E1E6D4 NLM-DBC922 NLM-875914 NLM-DB9207 Shield-shaped weights look official; a holed weight could also be used as a poise on a steelyard balance 6

A pilgrim flask (no. 1) with letter H might stand for Hygebald – though Henry VI (or M for Mary) are much more likely. A Calvary fragment is from Bermondsey. Mirrors could be used to ‘capture’ images of a shrine.

NLM-6BA294 NLM-840B25 NLM-2692F5 NLM-620217 NLM-8446A3 NLM-84BF84 Pilgrim ampullae - souvenir flasks for holy fluids Openwork badge fragments Mirror case

Despite its position on a major land route, Hibaldstow produces no more horse equipment than any other rural settlement. Fragments of daggers recall that everyone carried small arms in medieval times.

NLM-D80AA4 NLM-268A66 NLM-864730 NLM-274F76 NLM-986384 NLM-43DF20 NLM-2AFE11 Harness pendants, no. 3 with the leopards of England Spur and harness ring Dagger fragments

The Medieval period 1066-1500 (continued)

Medieval dress accessories may suggest an intensification of activity at Hibaldstow – or increased traffic on Ermine Street – after about 1350. It might be expected that the Black Death, which killed between one third and one half of the population, would have resulted in less material being deposited. This unexpected abundance may hint at the increasing mobility of later medieval people. This occurred despite landowners trying to tighten feudal obligations tying peasants to the land. A strap end retains woven cloth from a textile strap, illustrating the sumptuary laws which restricted the materials of clothing worn by the lesser sort.

Medieval buckles apparently include more later types than early, although Ermine Street was busy throughout the medieval period. This was also the case at neighbouring Cadney, the parish to the east.

Buckle plates and frames, ordered from early to late; later styles of buckle were more common here NLM-91120A NLM-2CAF14 NLM-D98523 NLM-D90812 NLM-D8F837 NLM-0D79C0 NLM-9F5C49 NLM-171B11 NLM-3F7853

Strap ends are related by their function to buckles, and a predominance of later composite forms made by specialist workshops in towns tends to confirm that an apparent bias towards later dress accessories is real.

Strap ends, most of composite forms suggesting a later date; no. 3 retains woven textile from its strap NLM-962455 NLM-9618A3 NLM-960B34 NLM-DBCE43 NLM-6A6524 NLM-2550F7 NLM-D85F54 NLM-834D33

Mounts attached to leather include decorative or lettered pieces, and plainer bars intended to stiffen a strap. Separate rivets indicate a medieval date: later mounts would be cast with long pointed prongs attached. 7

Medieval mounts for leatherwork: the first is darkened by polish; two letters are incised on the last NLM-95B929 NLM-3F5481 NLM-DB5684 NLM-EAFE66 NLM-3A5424 NLM-73FFB3 NLM-9C68A0

Seal Matrices suggest literacy or commercial activity. The second illustrated here is blank, showing that a standard form awaited the owner’s name and emblem to be added. Jettons were used to calculate sums on a chequer board; casket keys suggest the secure storage of small items, cash or documents was important.

Seal matrices Jettons from England and France Casket keys NLM-BFE072 NLM-C6D852 NLM-7E3F01 NLM-E42F27 NLM-543A62 NLM-DBB437 NLM-A4AFC3 NLM-DB3C06

The Post-Medieval period 1500-1900 (169 records)

Over a third of the post-medieval objects from Hibaldstow are dated to the period 1500-1650. Coins include no issues of Henry VIII but increasing numbers of Elizabeth and thereafter, again a feature of coins from neighbouring Cadney. There is an odd shortage of some dress fasteners: post-medieval buckles – often a common category – are almost absent. Lead shot are not reported but there are two iron cannon balls perhaps lost by passing forces during the English Civil War (1642-1649). Some items relate to the wearing of swords, though they are as likely to come from formal dress as from military use.

Post-medieval silver coins include more issues of multiple values, reflecting inflation and debasement of the currency under Henry VIII. From the 17th century, smaller denominations were issued as base metal tokens.

Silver coins from Elizabeth I to William III; sixpences of William are usually found bent as keepsakes NLM-2CE951 NLM-869FC6 NLM-098A30 NLM-BB4ED6 NLM-96D4E6 NLM-E9F134 NLM-163633 NLM-90E8C6

From the reign of Charles II (1660-1685), officially milled copper alloy coins served as small change, in forms and sizes which would remain familiar in Great Britain until Decimalisation in the late 20th century.

Milled brass farthing tokens span reigns from the later Stuarts to the Hanoverian or Georgian kings NLM-61C09D NLM-0AFD28 NLM-90D8DD NLM-0F8DF5 NLM-9EF134 NLM-65CC12 NLM-65DB85

Iron cannonballs for a Serpentine and a Saker may have been lost by an army on the march. Stout plain fittings may be for military use, though flimsier versions were probably for swords used as dress accessories. 8

DENO-B9E891 NLM-B77B7E NLM-260843 NLM-CAC605 NLM-8CBE66 NLM-848B87 NLM-D866B2 Iron cannonballs and gun flint Fittings to hang swords from a belt or baldric

Dress hooks or hooked tags are dated to 1500-1600, but exactly how they were used remains uncertain. The mass-produced designs allude to Biblical themes, Classical forms, and heraldic shields, knots or symbols.

Tags allude to John the Baptist, heraldic knot badges and shields, or cross & floral motifs... but why? NLM-0F1CA7 NLM-DB9B41 NLM-3AD180 NLM-6A4072 NLM-3F5262 NLM-846274