LAND AT CLACKERS BROOK EAST MELKSHAM WILTSHIRE
Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design
for CgMs Consulting on behalf of Brookbanks Consulting and clients
CA Project: 9107 CA Report: 11034
February 2012
Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
CONTENTS
SUMMARY...... 6
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 7
Location ...... 7 Archaeological background...... 7
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 8
3. METHODOLOGY...... 9
4. RESULTS ...... 11
Fieldwork summary...... 11 Period 1 (Neolithic/Early Bronze Age) ...... 11 Period 2 (later prehistoric to early medieval period) ...... 11 Period 3 (11th to 13th centuries)...... 12 Period 4 (post-medieval)...... 13 Stratigraphic Record: factual data...... 14 Stratigraphic record: statement of potential ...... 14 Artefactual record: factual data ...... 15 Artefactual record: statement of potential ...... 16 Biological record: factual data...... 17 Biological record: statement of potential ...... 19
5. SUMMARY STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL...... 20
6. STORAGE AND CURATION ...... 21
7. UPDATED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 21
8. PUBLICATION ...... 24
Publication synopsis ...... 24
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9. PROJECT TEAM ...... 26
10. TASK LIST ...... 27
11. TIMETABLE ...... 28
13. REFERENCES ...... 29
APPENDIX 1: STRATIGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT BY JÖRN SCHUSTER AND PETER DAVENPORT...... 32
APPENDIX 2: POTTERY BY ANGELA AGGUJARO ...... 33
APPENDIX 3: METALWORK AND WORKED BONE BY ED MCSLOY...... 37
APPENDIX 4: WORKED FLINT BY ED MCSLOY...... 40
APPENDIX 5: OTHER FINDS BY ED MCSLOY ...... 41
APPENDIX 6: METALLURGICAL RESIDUES BY DAVID DUNGWORTH...... 43
APPENDIX 7: HUMAN REMAINS BY JONNY GEBER...... 48
APPENDIX 8: ANIMAL BONES BY JONNY GEBER ...... 50
APPENDIX 9: PLANT MACROFOSSIL AND CHARCOAL REMAINS BY SARAH COBAIN ...... 55
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000) Fig. 2 Site location plan, showing areas of excavation and archaeological features (1:2,000) Fig. 3 Plan of Area 1 (1:500) Fig. 4 Plan of Area 2A (1:250) Fig. 5 Plan of Areas 2B and 2C (1:500) Fig. 6 Sample excavation across linear hollow 1009 and ditch 1035, looking west Fig. 7 Section of linear hollow 1009 and ditch 1035 (1:50) Fig. 8 The barbed-and-tanged arrow head in situ in animal burial pit 1268. Scale 0.2m Fig. 9 The inhumation in Area 2B. Scale 1m Fig. 10 The heavily burnt pit 1127, three-quarters excavated. Scale 1m Fig. 11 Scoop 1133 with stone blocks. Scales 1m
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SUMMARY
Site Name: Clackers Brook Location: East Melksham, Wiltshire NGR: TS 9188 6382 Type: Excavation Date: March to August 2010 Planning Reference: 04/01895/OUTES Location of archive: To be deposited with Wiltshire Heritage Museum Site Code: CBM10
A programme of archaeological investigation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in April and July to August 2010 at Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire. Three areas were excavated across the development area, split into five stripped areas in all. The great majority of features excavated were of the 11th to 13th centuries, with evidence of iron production and probably ironworking. There was no clear evidence of domestic occupation, perhaps because the site had been heavily truncated. An animal burial with a barbed-and- tanged flint arrowhead suggests Early Bronze Age activity. A single human inhumation contained a medieval potsherd, but this is considered most likely to be intrusive and the burial to be of Roman or early medieval date.
This document presents a quantification and assessment of the evidence recovered from the excavation. It considers the evidence collectively in its local, regional and national context, and presents an updated project design for a programme of post-excavation analysis to bring the results to appropriate publication.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 During March/April and July/August 2010 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological excavation of two areas of land (Areas 1 and 2) at Clackers Brook, (centred on NGR: TS 9188 6382; Fig. 1). The programme of archaeological work was undertaken at the request of CgMs Consulting (on behalf of Brookbanks Consulting and clients) as a condition of planning consent granted by West Wiltshire District Council (WWDC) for residential development (04/01895/OUTES). There was no formal brief but, following discussions between CgMs and Susan Farr (Assistant Archaeologist at Wiltshire County Council Archaeological Service) a detailed Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) was produced by CgMs (2007). The WSI was subsequently approved by WWDC acting on Ms Farr’s advice. The fieldwork also followed the Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Field Evaluation issued by the Institute of Field Archaeologists (2008), Statement of Standards and Practices Appropriate for Archaeological Fieldwork in Wiltshire (WCC 1995), the Management of Archaeological Projects 2 (English Heritage 1991), and the Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project Manager’s Guide (EH 2006). It was monitored through site visits by Melanie Pomeroy-Kellinger, David Vaughan and Claire King of Wiltshire Council Archaeology Service.
Location 1.2 The site is located immediately east of the edge of the built up area of Melksham (Fig. 1). It lies at between 35 and 40m AOD, with the ground level dropping away to the south. Area 1 is located on the north-west side and the highest part of the site, in an area of former arable farmland. Area 2 is located to either side of a tributary stream to the north of Clackers Brook close to Little Snarlton Farm (Fig. 2).
1.3 The underlying geology of the area is mapped as Oxford Clay of the Upper Jurassic period (BGS 1990).
1.4 The site had been arable, but had been left fallow at the time of excavation.
Archaeological background 1.5 The archaeological potential of the site is summarised in an Environmental Impact Assessment (Dawson 2004). In summary, geophysical survey (GSB 2004) and trial trenching evaluation carried out in 2004 (OA 2004) revealed evidence for linear boundaries and ironworking (probably smelting), both of probable medieval date.
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Two areas of archaeological potential were identified from the geophysical survey, in the north-west corner of the site (Area 1), and at the eastern end (Area 2), where hollows, a wall foundation and floor/yard surfaces were also identified during the trial trench evaluation (Fig. 2 and 4).
1.6 A post-medieval wall and associated stone slab flooring in evaluation trench 1 in the north-east corner of the site (Fig. 4, Area 2A) was interpreted as evidence for a building or farmyard animal pen which could have been associated with a nearby farm. Hollows and ditches of post-medieval date were interpreted as evidence of management of fields.
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
2.1 The aim of the excavation was to mitigate the effects of development upon below- ground archaeological deposits by establishing the nature, function, character and date of the areas of archaeological activity identified during trial trenching and geophysical survey, and to place this evidence in its environmental and cultural setting.
2.2 The objectives of the excavation were laid out in the WSI (CgMs 2007) as follows:
Area 1: i) Record any archaeological remains threatened by destruction. ii) Establish the date range of any deposits encountered. iii) Define the character and nature of any deposits encountered. iv) Establish the relationship of any deposits to other archaeological evidence in the area. v) Relate the site to other comparable sites at a regional level. vi) Recover palaeo-environmental remains to determine local environmental conditions.
Area 2: i) Record any archaeological remains threatened by destruction but with specific emphasis on: ii) recording archaeological remains related to the development of the ironworking area;
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iii) establishing the date range of deposits encountered; iv) defining the character and nature of the deposits; v) establish the relationship of the deposits to other features in the area. v) In post fieldwork analysis, relate the site to other comparable sites at a regional level. vi) Recover palaeoenvironmental remains to determine local environmental conditions.
2.3 Specific objectives for the project assumed that the evidence of ironworking revealed during trial trenching and geophysical survey related to the medieval period. More specific objectives from the WSI were to understand: the character of the ironworking area based on ceramics, artefactual waste and structural components; temporal development: anticipated to be during the medieval period, the sequence of development were identified as a significant objective with excavations and sampling strategies designed to distinguish between episodes of activity; dating: recognised as a difficult aspect of medieval archaeology from this period particular emphasis was to be placed on the recovery of artefactual remains and sampling for scientific dating; structure: the material discovered in the trial trenching has been described as the remains of ironworking activity and associated structural elements, particular emphasis, therefore, was to be placed on identifying the structure of the ironworking area as well as some indication of the relationship of the site to the nearby tributary stream to the north of Clackers Brook and the relationship of this evidence to settlement evidence.
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Area 1 excavation was undertaken in August 2010. This comprised the excavation of two 10m by 10m trenches (Areas 1A and 1B; Fig. 2), targeting two linear anomalies identified by earlier geophysical survey and cropmarks, and called A and B in the WSI (CgMs 2010). Area 1A was later extended to the north-west, to investigate an area of burning at the edge of the original excavation area, at the request of David Vaughan of Wiltshire Council Archaeology Service. Area 2, totalling just over 1.5ha, was excavated in three discrete sectors. Area 2A, to the north of the
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tributary stream, was excavated in March/April 2010, followed by Areas 2B and 2C in July/August 2010 (Fig. 2). Areas 2B and 2C (known as Area 3 in the preceding WSI) were initially to be a single area, but were separated due to a requirement to maintain a safety zone either side of overhead powerlines. Also at the request of David Vaughan, Area 2B was extended 25m in a westward direction to check for the south-westward continuation of archaeological features. In each area fieldwork commenced with the removal of topsoil and subsoil from the excavation area by mechanical excavator with a toothless grading bucket, under archaeological supervision.
3.2 The archaeological features thus exposed were hand-excavated to the bottom of archaeological stratigraphy, in accordance with the sampling percentages set out in the WSI (CgMs 2007). All features were planned and recorded in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual (CA 2007), and surveyed in accordance with CA Technical Manual 4: Survey Manual (CA 2009). All artefacts recovered from the excavation were retained in accordance with CA Technical Manual 3: Treatment of finds immediately after excavation (CA 1995).
3.3 Artefacts and ecofacts were collected by hand and retained. Unstratified animal bones and modern material were not collected. Stratified animal bone was scanned to determine the species present, the state of preservation, to identify evidence for butchery, and assess the potential for further analysis.
3.4 Deposits were assessed for their palaeoenvironmental potential and sampled appropriately in accordance with CA Technical Manual 2: The taking of samples for palaeoenvironmental and palaeoeconomic analysis from archaeological sites (CA 2003). Bulk environmental samples of a minimum of 40 litres were taken for flotation from appropriate contexts with a potential for the recovery of charcoal and carbonised plant remains. In addition, monolith and column samples were taken from ditch 1035, and grave samples from inhumation 1246. The sampling strategy and subsequent processing conformed with Guidelines for Environmental Archaeology (EH 2002).
3.5 The archive and artefacts from the evaluation are currently held by CA at their offices in Kemble. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner the site archive (including artefacts) will be deposited with Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
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4. RESULTS
Fieldwork summary 4.1 This section provides an overview of the excavation results; detailed summaries of the recorded contexts, finds and environmental samples (biological evidence) are to be found in appendices 1 to 9 respectively.
4.2 In contrast to a cobbled yard surface and associated wall found in evaluation trench 1 (north-east corner of Area 2A; Fig. 4), there was no vertical stratigraphy left on the site, other than that in the cut features, and a limited amount of intercutting. The broad and extremely shallow ‘ditch’ or linear hollow in Area 2A (1009, over 6.5m across) overlay a smaller ditch with a right-angled bend (1035), and this was the most striking relationship on the site (Figs 4 and 7). Preliminary phasing has overwhelmingly depended on associated finds. The cut features show that the site had been subject to considerable truncation, presumably by ploughing, and examples of features more than 0.2m in depth were rare: many are shallower. Given this shallow depth, contamination by later material must be considered a possibility, however the consistency of the dateable pottery suggests that this is both rare and potentially identifiable.
4.3 Preliminary phasing of the site features has identified four phases of activity, outlined below.
Period 1 (Neolithic/Early Bronze Age) 4.4 A shallow sub-circular pit was excavated within Area 1A (1268). It contained the articulated leg bones of a deer, in apparent association with a barbed-and-tanged flint arrowhead of typologically Late Neolithic/Bronze Age date (Figs 3 and 8). The arrowhead was in very good condition and is unlikely to have been redeposited.
Period 2 (later prehistoric to early medieval period) 4.5 The lower half of a supine inhumation burial was found in Area 2B, aligned north- west/south-east (1244). It was associated with a sherd of 12th to 14th-century pottery, and some probable industrial waste but, given the disturbance of the context and its isolation, it seems more probable that, unless it was a clandestine burial, the finds were intrusive and that the burial is to be dated from the late Iron Age/Roman to early medieval periods (Figs 5 and 9).
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Period 3 (11th to 13th centuries) 4.6 This period has been consistently dated to the 11th to 13th centuries from the pottery finds. While it may be possible to distinguish subphases upon further analysis, as some pottery has an overlapping and slightly later date-range (13th to 14th centuries), currently the pottery evidence indicates that the overwhelming majority of fills belonged to this period. Features dated to this period include pits, postholes and linear features. Apart from features in Area 1A, these were concentrated to the south of the tributary stream (Areas 2B and 2C, Figs 4-6).
4.7 Stratigraphic relationships between features were rare. In Area 2B, gully 1316 crossed pits 1251 and 1287, but the relationship could not be determined. These features (except pit 1287, which was without finds) produced pottery of 11th to 13th- century date. The majority of the ditches in Areas 2B and C ran more or less orthogonal to the tributary stream, thus following the direction of the natural drainage of the area.
4.8 In Areas 2B and 2C, the non-linear features occurred in distinct concentrations. These were at the southern corner of Area 2B; in the central area of Area 2B, just north of the central part of Area 2C, and in the southern end of Area 2C (Figs 4-6). The latter two may just have been eastern extensions of those in Area 2B. The features were all extremely shallow, rarely more than 0.13m deep, and were generally around 1m in diameter.
4.9 One feature in the central part of Area 2B, was a shallow pit (1127), interpreted as a hearth/oven, with deep discolouration (reddening) from heavy burning around its edges. The presence of possible ironworking debris, burnt clay, and evidence of recutting and reworking of the pit, suggested an industrial function (Figs 5 and 10). Probable bloomery slag, charcoal and burnt clay pieces were found in feature fills across the site, although evidence of heating in situ elsewhere was limited: for example, gully 1177. There was a certain concentration of slag in the area around hearth/oven 1127 and to the north of it, while the burnt clay had a more dispersed distribution.
4.10 Two ditches, 1108 and the slightly curved 1071, in the centre and north of Area 2C respectively, were on a different alignment from the general group of ditches crossing the site south-east to north-west (see below). Both produced pottery of 11th to 13th-century date. Both were shallow like the rest of the features, although ditch
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1108 reached a depth of 0.25m at one point. A shorter gully, 1174, in this area also shared this alignment (Fig. 5).
4.11 No masonry structures were found, although a shallow scoop in Area 2B (1133) contained a substantial scatter of stone blocks (Fig. 11).
Period 4 (post-medieval) 4.12 This period produced pottery of 16th to 18th-century date and later, if not in very large quantities. North of the tributary stream in Area 2A, the broad and extremely shallow ditch/linear hollow 1009 overlay post-medieval ditch 1035 (Figs 4 and 7). Ditch 1009 produced a sherd dated to the mid to late 13th century but also some post-medieval pottery. Its profile suggests a track or hollow-way as much as a ditch, but it did end in a distinct round-ended terminal. Under it was a narrow, L-shaped ditch (1035). It contained post-medieval pottery, some specifically dated to the 16th to 18th centuries. It also contained ironworking slag and charcoal residues, and a monolith sample was taken (sample 1002). Unsurprisingly, both ditches contained residual medieval pottery. Even though Pit 1012 (0.86m in diameter), sealed by hillwash 1008, contained a residual sherd of medieval pottery, the overall similarity of the plant remains retrieved from the pit and ditches 1009 and 1035 and hillwash 1008 suggest that it dates to the post-medieval period.
4.13 The numerous linear features running south-east to north-west were presumably the furrows of ridge-and-furrow cultivation, which probably continued into the post- medieval centuries. It is noticeable that the features of Period 3 in the southern part of Area 2B seem to share this alignment (Fig. 5). Only one relationship of one of these furrows with another feature was identified; it seems probable that furrow 1411 cut feature 1413.
4.14 Stone walls and possible stone floors found during the earlier evaluation (OA 2004), the further evaluation of which was an objective of the excavation, were not apparent in this most recent phase of work. Considering that the ground levels in this area of Area 2A were at heights AOD comparable to those observed during the evaluation, it is possible that these layers were destroyed by agricultural activity after the evaluation.
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Stratigraphic Record: factual data 4.15 Following the completion of the excavation an ordered, indexed, and internally consistent site archive was compiled in accordance with specifications presented in the Management of Archaeological Projects (EH 1991). A database of all contextual and artefactual evidence was compiled and cross-referenced to spot-dating. In light of the lack of stratigraphic relationships on the site, no site matrix has been compiled. The excavation comprises the following records:
Context sheets 426 Plans (1:10, 1:20, 1:100) 24 Sections (1:10, 1:20) 164 Sample sheets 36 Monochrome Films 8 Colour slide Films 8 Digital photos 465 Digital survey 1
4.16 The survival and intelligibility of the site stratigraphy was poor. Archaeological remains survived as very shallow negative features. There were almost no stratigraphic relationships, largely due to lack of intercutting and to truncation from cultivation. Despite this paucity of stratigraphic relationships, most features have been assigned a preliminary period, based on the relatively large amount of datable pottery recovered.
Stratigraphic record: statement of potential 4.17 While the stratigraphic record forms a complete record of the archaeological features uncovered, the relative lack of inter-relationships between these features, and the limitations of the dating evidence available from other datasets, limits the potential for fully elucidating the function and development of the site. However, a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution of features, further integration of the artefactual dating evidence, together with analysis of the concentration of ironworking debris in certain areas is highly likely to have interpretative value. The refined sequence will then serve as the spatial and temporal framework within which other artefactual and biological evidence can be understood.
4.18 Of the 426 contexts recorded, those provisionally assigned to the modern and post- medieval periods do not warrant further analysis, which is recommended for the remaining 399 prehistoric and medieval contexts.
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Artefactual record: factual data 4.19 All finds collected during the excavation have been cleaned, marked, quantified and catalogued by context. All metalwork has been x-rayed and stabilised where appropriate.
Type Category Count Weight (kg) Pottery Roman 10 0.142 medieval 2298 14.352 Post-medieval/modern 62 0.604 Total 2360 14.956 Metals Iron 15 - Copper alloy 2 - Worked bone Object 1 - Flint Tools 2 - other 6 - Metallurgical residues - 67.3 Coin Roman 1 - Brick/tile all 42 5.97 Fired Clay all 21 1.238 Glass all 6 65 Clay pipe all 3 2
Pottery (Appendix 2) 4.20 The large bulk of the 2360 sherds of pottery date to the medieval period. Most comprise unglazed coarsewares of local origin. Dating is for the most part broad, in the 11th to 13th centuries range. Refinement of context level dating is possible in some instances from decorated sherds which suggests activity in the later 11th or 12th centuries and from later medieval jug types. Romano-British material is small in quantity and probably all re-deposited. The post-medieval/modern pottery suggests limited activity in this period, with most material dating to the 18th century or later.
Metal and worked bone (Appendix 3) 4.21 A small number of metal and worked bone items were recovered. The objects of iron are mainly fragmentary and few are dateable closely. A horseshoe and horseshoe nail, together with a possible arrowhead and length of chain are among the medieval finds. A single worked bone object, a double-ended tool, possibly relating to weaving or textile working, was identified and probably dates to the 11th or 12th centuries.
Worked flint (Appendix 4) 4.22 Small quantities of prehistoric worked flint were recovered, the majority clearly re- deposited in later deposits. A single tool, a barbed-and-tanged arrowhead of Early
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Bronze Age type, is of note. This was recovered from isolated feature (pit 1268) in Trench 1A, in association with articulated remains of a red deer.
Other finds (Appendix 5) 4.23 Very small quantities of other artefact categories were recovered, comprising a single Late Roman coin, ceramic building material, fired or burnt clay, vessel/window glass, burnt stone and clay tobacco pipe. The Roman coin was an unstratified find and among a background scatter of material of this date from the site. The fired clay includes probable structural material (burnt daub or similar) and material which might relate to industrial (metallurgical) activity recorded from the site. The brick/tile, clay pipe and glass are largely or wholly of post-medieval date.
Metallurgical residues (Appendix 6) 4.24 The slag and other industrial material recovered include only those generated during the working of iron; no evidence for the working of non-ferrous metals was detected. The iron-working slags identified included those which can be positively linked to the primary production (smelting) of iron. The evidence for the secondary working (smithing) of the metal is less certain.
Artefactual record: statement of potential Pottery 4.25 The medieval pottery is moderately large and of some interest regionally, there being few comparable published groups from this area. The pottery also represents the primary means of dating for a site with significant evidence for ironworking. Although largely composed of unglazed utilitarian wares, the assemblage exhibits a relatively high degree of variability, suggesting supply from several local/regional sources. A report characterising the medieval assemblage and addressing issues of pottery source and dating should be prepared for publication. The Roman and post- medieval pottery groups are small in size and present no potential for analysis. A short note recording the presence of the Roman material should be included in the published report.
Metal and worked bone 4.26 The metal finds are limited in range and contain few intrinsically dateable objects. The level of recording undertaken as part of this assessment is considered sufficient for the purposes of the archive, and publication of this material is not warranted. The worked bone object is of some interest as suggestive of craft (textiles) use, not
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otherwise evidenced at this site. A description of this object, together with a drawing or photograph should be included in any publication.
Worked flint 4.27 The barbed-and-tanged arrowhead from pit 1268 is of interest as potential evidence for prehistoric hunting. Its significance would be greater should an Early Bronze Age date be confirmed by absolute means, and radiocarbon dating is therefore urged for. The arrowhead (Ra. 8) should be drawn for publication and a catalogue description prepared.
Other finds 4.28 None of the other artefactual categories as described (Appendix 5) are of any significance relative to the site or in wider terms, and no further analysis or reporting is considered necessary.
Metallurgical residues 4.29 The assemblage of slag includes material which clearly indicates the smelting of iron from iron ores. The presence of iron ore, gromp (fragments of bloom) and tap slag can only be explained in terms of iron smelting. East Melksham is therefore one of only a handful of iron smelting sites in the region and so is of clear regional importance. No contemporary (11th to 13th centuries) iron smelting sites are known in the region and very few of this date are known nationally. Despite the severe truncation which has removed a proportion of the archaeological stratigraphy, and the rather ambiguous nature of some of the slag (see below), the evidence for iron smelting at East Melksham has the potential to make a significant contribution at a national level to medieval iron manufacture. Analysis is therefore recommended to include examination of spatial and temporal (phase-based) patterning and scientific examination of slags to confirm or determine process. A selection of 20 samples, which should include ore, tap slag plano-convex cakes (smithing hearth bottoms) and non-diagnostic slag, should be examined to determine their chemical and mineralogical composition and microstructure. The results of the spatial and chronological analyses and the scientific investigation should be integrated within a report.
Biological record: factual data 4.30 All ecofacts recovered from the excavation have been cleaned, marked, quantified and catalogued by context. A total of 19 bulk samples were taken for the recovery of
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environmental remains. A 20-litre sub-sample of each environmental sample taken was processed for the purposes of this assessment.
Type Category Count Human Bone Inhumation burial 1 Animal Bone fragments 135 Samples Environmental 19
Human bone (Appendix 7) 4.31 Human bones on the site was represented by one single inhumation burial (Sk 1244; Fig. 9), preliminarily dated to the Late Iron Age/Roman to early medieval period. The skeleton was poorly preserved, and was found lying in a supine position aligned north-west/south-east. It had been truncated, and the upper half of the skeleton was missing.
Animal bone (Appendix 8) 4.32 A total of 135 fragments of animal bone (1,109g) was recovered from 47 contexts. The majority of the material derives from medieval contexts but also includes bones from prehistoric to modern contexts. The bone assemblage was predominately hand collected. Following the excavation, the bones were washed, dried and labelled within a controlled laboratory environment.
Plant macrofossil and charcoal remains (Appendix 9) 4.33 Charcoal and plant macrofossils were submitted for assessment from 19 flots taken from medieval ditches, a deer burial, an inhumation and a hillwash deposit. The plant macrofossils and charcoal were recovered in small to moderate quantities and very well preserved in all samples. The plant macrofossils from all of the flots were assessed. Cultivated species were represented by oats (Avena spp), barley (Hordeum vulgare), bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum) with moderate quantities of cereal chaff including oat paleas, bread wheat rachis, culm node, rachis and straw. Weeds associated with an arable environment included thorow-wax (Bupleurum rotundifolium), vetches/vetchlings (Vicia spp/Lathyrus spp), Brome (Bromus spp) and greater plantain (Plantago major). Weeds associated with a disturbed environment including fat hen (Chenopodium album), fool’s parsley (Aethusa cynapium), mustard/cabbage/charlock (Brassica spp/Sinapsis spp) and dock spp (Rumex spp). Weeds associated with a grassland environment included black medick (Medicago lupulina) and buttercup (Ranunculus
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repens). Plants associated with a marshland/damp environment included fool’s- water-cress (Apium nodiflorum) and sedge (Carex spp). Plant macrofossils indicative of a scrub/woodland environment included elder (Sambucus nigra), hazelnut (Corylus avellana), plum (Prunus domestica), raspberry (Rubus ideaus) and bracken (Pteridium spp). There was also a fragment of carbonised twine/string in sample 1011 (context 1058). The charcoal exhibited a narrow range of taxa including identifications of large quantities of oak (Quercus petraea/robur) and smaller amounts of alder/hazel (Alnus glutinosa/Corylus avellana), hawthorn/rowan/ crab apple (Maloideae spp – Crateagus monogyna, Sorbus spp/Malus sylvestris) and blackthorn/sloe (Prunus spinosa).
Biological record: statement of potential Human bone 4.34 Considering the potentially early date of the inhumation burial, it represents an important archaeological find. Despite the fact that the human remains are very fragmented and poorly preserved, the assessment of the skeleton has indicated a potential in a detailed palaeopathological analysis of the bones, provided that a radiocarbon date can be obtained. This will aid to furthering our knowledge and understanding of human living conditions and health in the past.
Animal bone 4.35 The main potential in the animal bone assemblage is noted in the medieval material. The bones are very poorly preserved, with virtually no metric analytical potential. Due to the fragmentary nature of the assemblage, and the relatively small size of the sample, there is limited value in any comparative study with contemporary bone assemblages. However, bones identifiable to species and skeletal element will contribute to our knowledge of species representation and the nature of the disposed animal bone material. The prehistoric animal burial with associated arrowhead has the potential to inform our understanding of prehistoric hunting practices.
Plant macrofossil and charcoal remains 4.36 Any of the carbonised cereal remains and fragments of identifiable charcoal (with the exception of oak) would be suitable for radiocarbon dating. Medieval Pit 1127 is significant as it potentially represents a charcoal production pit. Full analysis of one sample from the clay lining 1234 of pit 1127 would allow an indication which fuel was being utilised on the site and whether the woodland was being managed through coppicing, as well as providing an indication of other species that may have been
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hand collected locally. Additionally, there were moderate quantities of carbonised cereal grains and chaff recovered from post-medieval features which have the potential to contribute to our understanding of crop cultivation and processing during this period.
5. SUMMARY STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL
5.1 The potential for further analysis and understanding of the site as a whole, and of the various individual datasets within it, can be judged when the artefactual and biological data are combined with the stratigraphic record. This potential varies both between types of data and between the chronological periods represented.
5.2 The animal burial with associated flint arrowhead is a significant and rare find and has the potential to enhance understanding of the exploitation of game from the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age. Radiocarbon dating of the animal burial will establish an independent date for the burial itself as well as the associated arrowhead.
5.3 Depending on the exact date of the partial inhumation burial, for which a radiocarbon date is proposed, further analysis of the skeleton has the potential to contribute significant data about prehistoric pathological conditions and enhance our knowledge of prehistoric health and living conditions in Wiltshire and Britain. A theoretically possible medieval or post-medieval date would additionally raise the question of why the individual had not been buried in a formal churchyard.
5.4 The date range of the main activity on the site is relatively closely bracketed as mid 11th to 13th century, although there is not likely to be much scope for closer dating of any features within that time span, as there are no well-sealed contexts in a stratified sequence. The clear evidence for iron smelting and the wide spread of pottery on site suggests the excavation area included an ironworking site and that there was settlement nearby. No sign was found of buildings on site; however, the truncation of features has probably removed floors, any surface traces of timber buildings and all but the deepest postholes.
5.5 The charcoal assemblage has the potential to enhance understanding of the use and the management of natural resources for fuel required for the pyrotechnical process carried out on site. Given the proximity of the site to an area in the eastern
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part of the parish of Melksham that is recorded as having been Royal forest in the medieval period further research into the sourcing of the charcoal has the potential to contribute to our understanding of local forest usage rights, and this should be combined with targeted documentary research. Furthermore, the charcoal assemblage has the potential to provide suitable radiocarbon samples for the dating of selected features.
5.6 The medieval pottery assemblage exhibits a relatively high degree of variability, suggesting supply from several local and/or regional sources. Analysis of the pottery, therefore, has the potential to make a significant contribution to the understanding of patterns of economic influence and trade in the medieval period at the site and the wider region. While no further analysis is proposed for the bone tool, a possible textile working implement, this object may be indicative of a further strand of activity at the site.
5.7 The potential of the site to inform our understanding of ironworking, and especially smelting, in the area in this early period is of regional and national significance and, in conjunction with the artefactual and environmental evidence, will contribute to knowledge of economic development in the high medieval period in Wiltshire and the wider region.
6. STORAGE AND CURATION
6.1 The archive is currently held at CA offices, Kemble, whilst post-excavation work proceeds. The site archive and artefactual collection will, with the agreement of the legal landowner, be deposited with the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, which has agreed in principle to accept the complete archive upon completion of the project.
7. UPDATED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
7.1 Based on the full and detailed record of the site it has not been possible to elucidate fully the form, function and status of the archaeology on the site. Thus it remains uncertain whether the site was within or at the fringes of a settlement. It was, however, possible to establish the chronology and phasing for the majority of the excavated features, and to compile information which forms the basis of a fully detailed report for publication. Some of the detailed objectives related to an
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enhanced understanding of the phasing of the medieval features outlined will not be achievable to the degree suggested in the WSI due to the limited number of stratigraphic relationships. Further analysis of the results is now required to prepare a publication draft, and in order to achieve this the following updated objectives have been set out:
Objective 1: Establish as fully as possible the date range of deposits encountered and improve the understanding of the temporal development of the activity on site. The dating evidence from the site is good but not very fine grained. The analysis of finds should provide a robust overall date range. Two samples should be submitted for radiocarbon dating in order to realise the full research potential of the prehistoric animal burial and the possibly late prehistoric to early medieval inhumation burial. Evidence for multiple phases of ironworking activity in the medieval period may be forthcoming in the analysis phase. The evidence as assessed does not seem likely to support a very strong vertical periodisation, but based on the pottery assemblage it may it may be possible to differentiate temporal foci of activity. To support the dating interpretation, one suitable radiocarbon sample should be investigated from charcoal pits related to iron production.
Objective 2: Define the character and nature of the deposits encountered. No clear structural remains were discovered in the excavation, with the exception of the possible hearth base. The analysis will attempt to locate this in the context of the spread of dateable metalworking debris. The relationship of the site to the tributary stream to the north of Clackers Brook is not well established by the excavated evidence, not least because the excavated features either side were of different levels of intensity and extent. However, the excavation did seem to indicate the different nature of activity (as reflected in different kinds of excavated features) on each side of the brook and this will be further investigated in the analysis phase.
Objective 3: Characterise as far as possible the ironworking area based on metallurgical residues, ceramics and structural components. There is clear evidence in the assemblage of primary iron production while the indicators for smithing are less clear. Given the scarcity of known medieval iron production sites (Webster 2008, 288, research aim 38g) the analysis of the assemblage will make a significant contribution to our understanding of medieval iron and steel making, and the range of iron making ‘in relation to both continental
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developments and to patterns of secular and monastic control and capital’ identified as research topics in the research framework for archaeometallurgy (Bayley et al. 2008, 68). A selection of 20 samples, which should include ore, tap slag, plano- convex cakes (smithing hearth bottoms) and non-diagnostic slag, will be examined to determine their chemical and mineralogical composition and microstructure in order to fully understand the character of the ironworking.
Objective 4: Analyse palaeo-environmental remains to determine local environmental conditions and resources. The plant macrofossil assemblage comprises species commonly grown as food crops during the medieval period, and together with weed seeds and cereal chaff are indicative of processing waste. Analysis of one targeted sample from a medieval charcoal production pit will give a clearer indication as to whether the oak woodland was being managed through coppicing and also an indication of other species that may have been hand collected locally to use as kindling, or whether waste material was being brought in from outside to use as kindling material. Analysis of one targeted sample from a post-medieval context containing various cereal remains, finds of bracken fronds and carbonised string as well as elder seeds and hazelnut shells may indicate that this material was used as kindling and provide information about crop-processing methods. Given the paucity of recorded sites with examples of post-medieval crop processing remains (Straker 2008, 211), this intrinsically significant sample is recommended for analysis even though it cannot be related to settlement/industrial activity in the vicinity.
Objective 5: Put the evidence from the site into a local and regional context. The medieval iron working evidence from Clackers Brook represents an important addition to our understanding of the medieval economy of Melksham and the wider region. It is a precursor of the iron industry which is attested since the middle of the 19th century with the iron ore extraction at nearby Seend, although the existence of the iron ore field itself was already described by Aubrey in 1666 (VCH 1953). Further analysis of the raw material and slag from the site might allow to confirm the working hypothesis that the ore was sourced from the Seend field and thereby contributing significantly to advance understanding of ‘chronology and organisation of the industries and their associated settlements’ as identified in the regional research framework (Webster 2008, 288 research aim 38, esp. h).
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8. PUBLICATION
8.1 The results from this excavation are of considerable regional significance and merit publication; it is proposed that a full report be published in a suitable regional journal (eg. WANHM).
Publication synopsis 8.2 A synopsis of the proposed report is presented below:
A medieval iron production site at Clackers Brook, Melksham: excavations in 2010 by Jörn Schuster and David Dungworth
Abstract Brief summary of main findings of the project 200 words Introduction Project background, archaeological background, topography, geology 500 words Excavation Results Chronological discussion of the major phases and features of the site 1500 words The Finds Pottery (Ed McSloy) 2000 words Other Artefacts (Ed McSloy) 200 words Metallurgical analysis and online appendix (David Dungworth) 3500 words Human remains (Jonny Geber) 750 words Animal remains (Jonny Geber) 300 words Plant macrofossil and charcoal remains (Sarah Cobain) 1000 words Radiocarbon Dating (Sarah Cobain) 200 words Discussion Prehistoric 500 words Medieval 1000 words Acknowledgements & Bibliography 1000 words
Subtotal 12650 words (c. 18 pages)
Illustrations: Location of site 1 page Site plan with phasing 1 page Neolithic/Early Bronze Age deer with flint arrowhead 0.5 page
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Pit 1127 0.5 page Pottery 2 pages Pin beater 0.25 page Subtotal c. 5 pages
Tables: Pottery: 1.5 pages Metallurgical analysis 2 pages Charcoal and charred plant remains 0.5 page Subtotal 4 pages
Total Publication Estimate: c. 28 pages
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9. PROJECT TEAM
9.1 The post-excavation and publication programme will be under the management of Dr Jörn Schuster FSA MIfA (Post-excavation Manager: PXM), who will co-ordinate the work of the following personnel:
Peter Davenport FSA MIfA (Senior Project Officer: SPO): Post-excavation phasing, draft report preparation, research and archive.
Ed McSloy MIfA (Finds Officer: FO): Specialist report preparation and liaison, post-excavation phasing.
Sarah Cobain AIfA (Environmental Officer (Archaeobotanist): EO): Specialist report preparation and liaison, plant macrofossil and charcoal remains.
Jonny Geber MIAI (Environmental Officer (Osteologist): EO) Specialist report preparation and liaison, human and animal remains.
Peter Moore (Senior Illustrator: SI): Production of all site plans, sections and artefact drawings.
9.2 Contributions by the following external consultants will be managed by the Finds Officer:
Dr David Dungworth: metallurgical analysis Karen Barker (Antiquities Conservation): metalwork conservation
9.2 Contributions by the following external consultants will be managed by the Environmental Officer (Archaeobotanist):
SUERC: radiocarbon dating
9.3 The final publication report will be edited and refereed internally by CA senior project management.
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10. TASK LIST
DURATION/ TASK PERSONNEL FEE Stratigraphic Analysis SPO 3 days FO 1 day Research, comparanda Senior Author 3 days Pottery Analysis and report FO 5 days Illustration SI 3.5 days Metallurgical remains Analysis and report Specialist FEE Other artefacts Report preparation FO 1 day Illustration SI 0.5 day Human remains Analysis and report EO 1.5 days Animal remains Analysis and report EO 2 days Palaeoenvironmental analysis Charcoal analysis identifications EO 0.75 days Plant macrofossils identifications EO 0.75 days Analysis reporting EO 2 days Radiocarbon dating and 15N isotopic analysis Analysis (3 samples) SUERC FEE Report preparation EO 1 day Preparation of publication report Abstract and introduction Senior Author 0.5 day Illustration SI 0.25 day Excavation results SPO 3 days Illustration SI 0.5 day Compilation of specialist reports, tables etc. Senior Author 2 days Discussion, conclusions Senior Author 3 days Illustration SI 1 day Acknowledgements, bibliography Senior Author 0.5 day Project Management PXM 3 days Submission to external referees Editing PXM 3 days QA HoP 1 day Revisions SPO 1 day SUBMISSION OF PUBLICATION TEXT Archive Research archive completion PO 1 day FO 1 day Microfilm FEE Deposition FEE Publication Printing WANH FEE
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11. TIMETABLE
11.1 For a publication project, CA would normally aim to have completed a publication draft within one year of approval of the updated publication project design. A detailed programme will be produced on approval of the updated publication project design.
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13. REFERENCES
Anderberg A.-L. 1994 Atlas of Seeds: Part 4, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Uddevalla, Risbergs, Tryckeri AB
Arcini, C. 1999 Health and disease in early Lund Lund, Lund University
Berggren, G. 1981 Atlas of Seeds: Part 3, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Arlöv, Berlings
BGS (British Geological Survey) 1990 Sheet 255, Bath
Bayley, J., Dungworth, D. and Paynter, S. 2001 Archaeometallurgy Swindon, English Heritage
Bayley, J., Crossley, D.W., and Ponting, M. 2008 Metals and metalworking: a research framework for archaeometallurgy, HMS Occasional Publication 6, London, Historical Metallurgy Society
Bradley, R. 1978 The prehistoric settlement of Britain London, Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd
Bryant, V. 2004 ‘Medieval and early post-medieval pottery’ in Dalwood, H. and Edwards, R. 2004, 281–339
CgMs 2007 Written Scheme of Investigation for Excavation, Recording and Analysis Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire. Typescript report
Clark, J. 1995 The Medieval Horse and its Equipment c.1150 c.1450 Medieval Finds from Excavations in London, 5, London, The Stationary Office
Cappers, R.T.J., Bekker R.M., and, Jans, J.E.A. 2006 Digital seed atlas of the Netherlands, Groningen Archaeological Studies 4, Eelde, Barkhuis Publishing, Online version, www.seedatlas.nl
Cutler, D.F. and Gale, R. 2000 Plants in archaeology – identification manual of artefacts of plant origin from Europe and the Mediterranean Kew, Westbury Scientific Publishing
Davenport, P. 1999, Archaeology in Bath: Excavations 1984–1989, Brit. Archaeol. Rep. Brit. Ser. 284, Oxford
Dalwood, H. and Edwards, R. 2002 Excavations at Deansway, Worcester 1988–1989, Romano–British small town to late medieval city, CBA Research Rep 139, York
Dawson, M. 2004 Environmental Impact Assessment, Chapter 5, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Assets
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Day, R. and Gale, W.K.V. 1981 ‘Wiltshire iron: 1855 to 1949’, Historical Metallurgy 15, 18– 38
Egan, G. and Pritchard, F. 1997 Dress Accessories c.1150 c.1450 Medieval Finds from Excavations in London, 3, London, The Stationary Office
EH (English Heritage) 2002 Environmental archaeology. A guide to the theory and practice of methods, from sampling and recovery to post-excavation, Centre for Archaeology Guidelines, London, English Heritage
EH (English Heritage) 2004 Human Bones from Archaeological Sites. Guidelines for producing assessment documents and analytical reports Centre for Archaeology Guidelines, Swindon, English Heritage
Fulford, M.G. and Allen, J.R.L. 1991 ‘Iron making at the Chesters Villa, Woolaston, Gloucestershire: survey and excavation 1987–1991’, Britannia 22, 159–215
Goodall, I.H. 1980 Ironwork in medieval Britain: An Archaeological Study University College, Cardiff: Unpublished PhD thesis
Green, H.S. 1980 The Flint Arrowheads of the British Isles BAR British Series 75, Oxford, British Archaeological Reports
Haslam, J. 1980 'A middle Saxon iron-smelting site at Ramsbury, Wilts.', Medieval Archaeol. 24, 1–68
Heller, I., Kienast, F., Schoch, W., Schweingruber, F.H. 2004 Wood anatomy of Central European species, Online version, www.woodanatomy.ch
Jackson, J.G. (ed.) 1862 Topographical Collections of John Aubrey Devizes, The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society
McCarthy, M. R. 1974 ‘The medieval kilns on Nash Hill, Lacock, Wiltshire’, Wiltshire Archaeol. Natur. Hist. Soc. 69, 97–160
MacGregor, A. 1985 Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn London and Sydney, Croom Helm
Mellor, M. 1994 ‘A synthesis of Middle and Late Saxon, medieval and early post-medieval pottery in the Oxford Region’, Oxoniensia 59, 16–217
Milward, J., Manning, A., Mepham, L. and Stevens, C.J. 2010 ‘Medieval remains at Pennings Road and St Andrews Road, Tidworth’, Wiltshire Archaeol. Natur. Hist. Mag. 103, 181–5
Pearce, J. and Vince, A. 1988 A Dated Type-Series of London Medieval Pottery. Part 4: Surrey Whitewares London, London and Middlesex Archaeol. Soc.
30 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
Ponsford, M.W. 1991 ‘Dendrological dates from Dundas Wharf, Bristol and the dating of Ham Green and other medieval pottery’, in Lewis (ed.) 1991, Custom and Ceramics: essays presented to Kenneth Barton Bristol, Wickham, 81–103
OA (Oxford Archaeology) 2004 Land at Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report. Typescript report
Roberts, C. and Cox, M. 2003 Health and disease in Britain. From prehistory to the present day. Stroud, Sutton Publishing Ltd
Stace, C. 1997 A New British Flora Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Straker, V. 2008 Post-medieval to modern environmental background in Webster, C.J. (ed.) 2008, 209-212
Thomas, J. 1991 Rethinking the Neolithic, New Studies in Archaeology, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Tomber, R. and Dore, J. 1998 The National Roman Fabric Reference Collection: a handbook London, Museum of London Archaeology Service
VCH (Victoria County History) 1953 'Parishes: Melksham', in Pugh, R.B. and E. Crittall (ed) A History of the County of Wiltshire: Volume 7, 91–121
Vince, A. 1999 ‘The Saxon and medieval pottery’, in Davenport 1999, 81–85
Watts, L. and Rahtz, P. 1985 Mary-le-Port, Bristol: Excavations 1962/3, City of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery Monograph 7, Bristol
Webster, C.J. (ed.) 2008 The archaeology of south west England. South West Archaeological Research Framework: resource assessment and research agenda. Taunton, Somerset Heritage Service
Wheeler, E.A., Baas, P. and Gasson, P.E. (eds) 1989 IAWA List of Microscopic Features for Hardwood Identification, IAWA Bulletin ns 10, 219–332
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APPENDIX 1: STRATIGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT BY JÖRN SCHUSTER AND PETER DAVENPORT
A total of 426 contexts were recorded during the excavations at Clackers Brook, assigned to periods as detailed below:
Provisional period Total ?prehistoric 3 Medieval 328 Post-med 11 Modern 16 Natural or uncertain 68 Total 426
Despite the poor survival of most archaeological contexts and the limited number of stratigraphic relationships, most contexts could be assigned to preliminary periods based on the relatively large amount of pottery recovered from them. Some of the context identifications will need to be critically re- evaluated during analysis as some of the largest assemblages of metallurgical residues were retrieved from features discounted as natural.
Quantification and recommendations for further analysis Further analysis is proposed for the prehistoric to medieval and natural or uncertain contexts. The remaining contexts of post-medieval and modern date do not merit further work. Further analysis is therefore proposed for 399 contexts.
Stratigraphic analysis: 3 days (SPO) Illustration: 1 day (SI)
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APPENDIX 2: POTTERY BY ANGELA AGGUJARO
Introduction and methodology A moderately large assemblage of pottery was recovered, totalling 2370 sherds and weighing c.15 kg. (10.64 EVEs = estimated vessel equivalent). The assemblage largely dates to the medieval period; with small numbers of sherds dating to the Romano-British and post-medieval periods.
The pottery assemblage is in a fragmentary state with a mean sherd weight of 6.3 g. Some sherds are much abraded and the glaze is not always well-preserved. Several sherds however exhibit traces of sooting and/or burnt food residues.
Pottery was recovered from 118 separate contexts with quantities ranging from single sherds up to a maximum of 379 from deposit 1252 (fill of pit 1251). The majority of the pottery (1026 sherds, 43.3%) was recovered from pits, including post-holes and scoop features. The remainder comes from ditches and gullies, totalling 907 sherds (38.3%); subsoil and topsoil deposits (203 sherds, 8.5%). A minor part comes from natural deposits and one sherd from a grave. In addition a quantity of unstratified material, totalling 144 sherds, was also considered for this analysis.
For the purposes of assessment the assemblage was sorted by fabric per context and quantified by sherd count, weight and rim EVE total. A restricted level of research has been undertaken to consider the assemblage in its local or regional context.
Roman Fabric description: DOR BB1: Dorset Black-Burnished ware (total count 1; total weight 10g) (Tomber and Dore 1998, 127) ROM GW: Roman Greyware (total count 2; total weight 26g.; total EVE 0.06) ROM LOC OX: Roman Local Oxidized (total count 4; total weight 23g) ROM SVW: Roman Severn Valley ware (total count 3; total weight 83g) (Tomber and Dore 1998, 148).
Ten sherds (weighing 142g) of the Romano-British period were recovered from seven deposits. The fabrics identified were local oxidized ware, including sherds in Severn Valley ware, greyware and one sherd in Dorset Black Burnished ware. All these sherds are residual within groups of later date. Only one form was identifiable, and it consists of the base of a strainer in local oxidized fabric, unfortunately recovered unstratified.
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Medieval Fabric description: BATH A: micaceous limestone and sparse quartz fabric (total count 22; total weight 218g; total EVEs 0.51) (Ponsford 1991, 137) LC NH: Lacock Nash Hill, sandy ware typically with glaze (total count 53; total weight 402g; total EVEs 0.51) (McCarthy 1976, 106–126) MED FQ: flint and quartz-tempered fabric (total count 48; total weight 295g; total EVEs 0.41) MED FQm: micaceous flint and quartz-tempered fabric (total count 18; total weight 276g; total EVEs 0.25) MED FV: vesicular flint-tempered fabric like earlier to late medieval East Wiltshire ware (Mellor et al 1994, 100–106) (total count 9; total weight 162g; total EVEs 0.48) MED LS: limestone-tempered fabric (total count 226; total weight 1700g; total EVEs 0.82) MED LS Q: limestone and quartz-tempered fabric (total count 283; total weight 1506g; total EVEs 0.37) MED LSf: Minety ware: fine calcareous gravel-tempered fabric (total count 36; total weight 211g; total EVEs 0.11) MED LSf glaz: Minety ware: fine calcareous gravel-tempered with glaze (total count 3; total weight 162g; total EVEs 0.22) MED Q glaz: quartz-tempered glazed fabric. Lacock/Nash Hill? (total count 9; total weight 50g) MED Qc: coarse quartz-tempered fabric. Lacock/Nash Hill? (total count 1035; total weight 5959g; total EVEs 4.55) MED Qf: fine quartz-tempered fabric. Lacock/Nash Hill coarsewares? (total count 500; total weight 2972g; total EVEs 1.97) MED Rock: rock-tempered fabric (total count 38; total weight 366g; total EVEs 0.15) MED SQm: sandy micaceous quartz-tempered fabric (total count 11; total weight 56g; total EVEs 0.06)
The majority of the pottery recovered during the archaeological excavation is dated to the medieval period, probably spanning to the 11th to early 14th centuries. The medieval group represents 96.6 % of the total assemblage by count (2290 sherds). The total EVEs value is 10.58. The assemblage composition is shown above. The large majority comprises unglazed coarseware types, probably of relatively local manufacture. Most abundant are coarser quartz-tempered types, which almost certainly include products from the Lacock Nash Hill kilns, located less than 10km distant (McCarthy 1974). Jugs from this source are also represented (deposits 1007, 1178, 1283 and 1420) although glazed wares are overall uncommon. Perhaps surprisingly Minety wares (MED LSf), typically a very widespread and common north Wiltshire type, are relatively sparsely represented .
The majority of the forms identified consist of mainly unglazed jars, mostly with everted rims. Some variation in rim morphology was recorded among the jars including incidence of thumbing to the upper surface of the rim. An interned dish/’west country vessel’ was noted from deposit 1087. Other forms
34 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology noted were jugs, occurring among the glazed wares (Lacock Nash Hill type). Some jugs exhibits decoration such as knife slash and applied thumbed strips. One jug is unusual in featuring a scored looped motif cutting through the glaze and slip in a sgraffito fashion. Of note are two sherds recovered from deposit 1252, in ‘Bath A’ fabric type and in limestone and quartz-tempered fabric, which exhibits a ‘basket pattern’ stamped decoration. This decoration was noted previously from other medieval assemblages from excavations at Bath (Vince 1999, 81–83) and Bristol (Watts and Rahtz 1985, 149, fig. 78).
Dating The large bulk of the assemblage is made up of unglazed coarsewares; types with long periods of currency, spanning the 11th to 13h/early 14th centuries. Dating for most groups which are made up of these types is necessarily broad. It is unclear whether the variations in rim morphology described above might relate to chronology and it is unlikely that the site’s internal chronology will resolve this. Some refinement of chronology is possible from the rare stamped decoration (layer 1252) for which dated parallels belong to the later 11th or 12th centuries. Selected ware types including Minety Ware (MED LSf), thought to date after c. 1150, and certain glazed jugs (after c. 1250) also help to refine the context-level dating where present. The dating of Lacock Nash Hill wares, present here as jug type LC NH and, probably, among the unglazed sandy coarsewares Med Qc/f, is poorly understood. It is very likely that pottery production was ongoing well before the establishment of the well-known tile kilns c. 1290/1300 (McCarthy 1974, 100–101).
Post-medieval pottery
Fabric description: GE: glazed earthenware (total count 19; total weight 153g.) ESW: English Stoneware (total count 3; total weight 45g.) Porcelain: (total count 1; total weight 9g.) RWW: Refined whiteware (total count 6; total weight 18g.) SGE: Somerset glazed earthenware (total count 17; total weight 233g.) SSE: Somerset sgraffito earthenware (total count 7; total weight 72g.) SYSW: Staffordshire/Bristol yellow slipped ware (total count 1; total weight 3g.) TUDOR G: Tudor green (total count 1; total weight 4g.) (Pearce and Vince 1988) UE: unglazed earthenware (total count 3; total weight 54g.) WSGS: white salt-glazed stoneware (total count 4; total weight 13g.)
A quantity of post-medieval pottery was noted from ten deposits totalling 62 sherds. For this group a restricted recording method was undertaken. The group was sorted by fabrics type count and weight, without listing the forms and calculating the EVEs. The fabrics that were recorded are mainly dateable to the 18th to 19th centuries, with a few sherds, including three sherds in Tudor green glazed ware, dated to the earlier post-medieval period (15th to 16th centuries)
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Statement of potential and recommendations for further analysis
The medieval pottery is moderately large and of some interest regionally, there being few comparable published groups from this area. The pottery represents the primary means of dating for a site with significant evidence for iron smelting activity. Although largely composed of unglazed utilitarian wares, the assemblage exhibits a relatively high degree of variability, suggesting supply from several local/regional sources. Most abundant are the coarser quartz-tempered types which are certain to include Lacock/Nash Hill wares and probably related wares with earlier ancestry. The composition shows some overlap with Bath assemblages (Vince 1979), although the representation of ‘Bath A’ type micaeous coarsewares is surprisingly small, considering this type’s supposed west Wiltshire origins. The Roman and post-medieval pottery groups are small in size and present no potential for analysis. A short note recording the presence of the Roman material should be included in any eventual published report.
The level of recording undertaken for the assessment is sufficient for the archive and to facilitate full analysis/publication. A report characterising the assemblage and addressing issues of pottery source and dating should be prepared for publication. Examination of samples from the Lacock/Nash Hill pottery kilns stored at the Wiltshire Heritage museum (Devizes) should be undertaken to help confirm the source of coarseware types. Selected vessels/rim forms should be illustrated, with a focus on the larger and better-dated context groups from deposits 1252, 1092 and 1226.
Summary Library research/examine Lacock Nash Hill samples 2.5 days (FO) Report writing 2.5 days (FO) Illustration (up to 20 vessels) 3.5 days (SI)
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APPENDIX 3: METALWORK AND WORKED BONE BY ED MCSLOY
A total of 16 items of metal and worked bone was recorded (Table 1). All of the metal objects have been x-rayed to assist with identification and for archive purposes (x-ray plate XRK11/60). The metal finds are typically heavily corroded and brittle. No ‘active’ corrosion has been observed and this material appears to be currently stable.
The metal and worked bone finds are set out in Table 1. Over half of the objects are from unphased deposits, including 5 items from subsoil 1061. The range is narrow and few items are in themselves dateable.
An object of copper alloy (Registered artefact 1) is listed as from natural substrate deposit 1062. The presence of medieval pottery from this deposit must mean that the deposit has been disturbed or is incorrectly assigned. Ra. 1 consists of a number of small wire rings (c. 5mm diam.) The links appear to be butted rather than riveted and use as a fine chain, similar to those described as possible dress accessories from London (Egan and Pritchard 1991, 318–20), is possible.
Little among the ironwork is noteworthy; horseshoe Ra. 9 is complete and six (three to each branch) rectangular and tapering nail-holes can be made out from the x-radiograph. Ra. 9 is characteristic of Clark’s Type 4 shoes, the form which was common from later medieval (late 13th to 15th century) phases from London (Clark 1995). A horseshoe nail from pit 1340 (fill 1341) is of fiddle key type intended for use with shoes with deep oval or rectangular countersinkings (Clark’s type 2 or 3 shoes) and thus probably dating before c. 1400. Other iron items of note are a buckle with D-shaped frame from subsoil 1061 for which there are medieval parallels (Goodall 1980, figs 127–8); a fragmentary socketed object from scoop 1133 (fill 1134), which may be a portion of an arrowhead; and a bar fragment with decorative twisting from pit 1085 (fill 1086). Such ‘decoration’ can be seen with a number of artefact classes in the medieval and other periods.
The single worked bone object was recovered from pit 1251 (fill 1252), a feature containing pottery dating to the 11th to 12th centuries. It consists of three joining portions from an implement probably adapted from a large mammal long-bone. The form of object; 107mm in length, flattened oval in section and tapering at each end and is basically similar to objects described by MacGregor (1985, 189) with Late Anglo-Saxon or Viking period associations and with a use relating to weaving or textiles. The object described exhibits polish from use of the kind commonly seen with weaving tools.
Statement of potential and recommendations for further analysis The metal finds are limited in range and contain few intrinsically dateable objects. The level of recording undertaken as part of this assessment is considered sufficient for the purposes of the
37 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology archive and publication of this material is not warranted. The assemblage is currently stable and no investigative or remedial conservation is recommended.
The worked bone object is of some interest as suggestive of craft (textiles) use, not otherwise evidenced at this site. A description of this object, together with a drawing or photograph should be included in any publication.
Summary
Catalogue description 1 hour (FO) Illustration 2 hours (SI)
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Table 1: metal and worked bone summary Context Period Material Class Description Weight (g) Comments Ra No. X-ray no 1016 med Cu al. fragment/waste 16 - XRK11/60 1062 - Cu al. object fine chain from wire 1 1 XRK11/60 rings; 5mm diam 1061 - Fe object L-shaped 87 - XRK11/60 bracket/fitting 1061 - Fe strip riveted 10 - XRK11/60 1061 - Fe sheet 30 - XRK11/60 1061 - Fe nail 16 - XRK11/60 1061 - Fe buckle D-shaped 24 - XRK11/60 1086 med? Fe bar with twist flesh hook? 48 - XRK11/60 1134 med Fe object socketed object 11 2 pieces - XRK11/60 1174 - Fe nail shaft 1 - XRK11/60 1220 med? Fe nail shaft 1 - XRK11/60 1237 med Fe object buckle frame? 13 - XRK11/60 1284 med Fe nail 15 - XRK11/60 1288 - Fe horseshoe 171 9 XRK11/60 1341 med Fe nail horseshoe nail? 4 - XRK11/60 1252 med bone object weaving tool? 5 polished - double-ended from use
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APPENDIX 4: WORKED FLINT BY ED MCSLOY
A total of 8 pieces of worked flint (45 grams) was recovered, including three which were unstratified. Of the ‘stratified’ pieces, all but arrowhead Ra. 8 occur from medieval or later dated deposits and can be considered to be re-deposited. The arrowhead was recovered in association with red deer ‘burial’ 1268 (fill 1262), an isolated feature located in Trench 1A and provisionally considered as an early prehistoric deposit.
Arrowhead Ra. 8 is of barbed and tanged type; a projectile form known to date to the Early Bronze Age period, including the ‘Beaker’ phase (c. 2500 to 1500 BC). It may be further classified as of ‘Sutton type’ (Green 1980), based on its small size; and as ‘non-fancy’, based on areas of its surfaces being free from secondary working. It is of unpatinated grey brown flint and is undamaged apart from a small breakage to the tip. Its recovery in association with a red deer skeleton makes it at least possible that Ra. 8 is closely contemporary and the cause of this animal’s death.
The re-deposited group comprises mainly unutilised flakes which feature varying degrees of breakage or ‘rolling’. Raw material is dark grey or brown flint and most pieces feature light patination. Two pieces preserve areas of thick chalky cortex, suggesting that these at least originated from primary (chalk) sources. There is only one further piece which exhibits secondary working; a probable piercer (Ra. 6) which features an area of abrupt re-touch to one side of its distal end. Besides the arrowhead, none of the flint is dateable with confidence, although the piercer is a tool form common from the Early Bronze Age.
Statement of potential and recommendations for further analysis
Barbed and tanged arrowhead Ra. 8 may be a noteworthy find as rare evidence for prehistoric hunting. Its significance would be greater should an Early Bronze Age date be confirmed by absolute means, and radiocarbon dating is therefore urged for (articulating) bone from this deposit or a paired sample from any carbonised material which might be present. Ra. 8 should be drawn for publication and a catalogue description prepared.
The re-deposited worked flint is of very limited significance and does not warrant publication. Recording undertaken to date is sufficient for the purposes of the archive and no further work is recommended.
Summary
Catalogue description/summary report 0.5 day (FO) Illustration 0.25 day (SI)
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APPENDIX 5: OTHER FINDS BY ED MCSLOY
Coin A single copper-alloy coin (Registered artefact 5) was recovered as an unstratified find. Ra. 5 is corroded and currently illegible, and identification as a Late Roman nummus (AE4) is based on the x- radiograph image (Plate XRC11/60). Ra. 5 is poorly preserved and as an unstratified find is of little significance with regard to the site and its dating. In view of this, investigative conservation or description for publication of this item are not recommended.
Glass A total of six fragments of glass (65g), all of post-medieval or modern date was recovered from two deposits. Featureless pale greenish window glass fragments were identified from deposits 1010 and 1061. Two fragments of dark green glass probably from a cylindrical wine/spirits bottle of probable 18th or 19th century type were present from deposit 1061, together with a clear vessel fragment of moulded modern type. None of this material merits any further analysis or publication.
Ceramic building material A total of 42 fragments of ceramic building material weighing 597g was recovered from five deposits. The largest group of 36 fragments from subsoil deposit 1061 comprises curving fragments and probably represents portions of a ceramic (land) drain of modern type. The remainder comprises small fragments, typically in a hard, pale orange sandy fabric which include fragments of flat roof tile (deposits 1010, 1179) and brick (deposit 1010). None of this material exhibits recordable features and all is dateable only broadly to the late medieval to post-medieval periods. None merits any further analysis.
Fired/burnt clay A total of 21 fragments of ceramic building material weighing 1238g was recovered from five deposits. The majority comprises featureless and amorphous fragments for which the original mode of use is unclear. Several different ‘fabrics’ appear present, including with organic and flint inclusions present in some instances. Some larger fragments from deposit 1184 (‘void’/unphased) feature smoothed surfaces and wattle impressions, suggesting these may structural, perhaps burnt daub or perhaps from hearth/furnace structures or domestic ovens. Fragments from deposit 1187 (‘void’/unphased) exhibits highly burnt/vitrified surfaces, suggesting an association with industrial (possibly metallurgical related) processes. Although potentially of some interest in the interpretation of the site’s industrial use, the fired/burnt clay largely derives from unphased deposits and is of little analytical value. This being the case no further analysis or reporting is recommended.
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Clay tobacco pipe Three fragments of clay tobacco pipe were recorded from two deposits (1061 and 1074). All are stem fragments, unmarked and broadly dateable c. 1550 to 1900. None of this material merits any further analysis.
Stone Quantities of stone amounting to 29 fragments (2969g) were recovered from eight deposits. Sandstone and shelly limestone, all potentially of relatively local origin, are represented. A proportion is burnt; however, none appears to represent building/roofing stone or utilised ‘objects’. None of this material merits any further analysis.
42 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
APPENDIX 6: METALLURGICAL RESIDUES BY DAVID DUNGWORTH
Summary The slag and related industrial material from Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire, was assessed to identify the nature and significance of the metal industry which generated the assemblage. The types of slag and other industrial material examined include only those generated during the working of iron; no evidence for the working of non-ferrous metals was detected. The iron- working slags identified included those which can be positively linked to the primary production (smelting) of iron. The evidence for the secondary working (smithing) of the metal is less certain.
The identification of iron smelting is of particular importance given the virtual absence of any contemporary evidence for iron smelting in the county. The assemblage is of high regional significance and has the potential to provide information on medieval iron manufacture of national significance.
Methodology The entire assemblage of slag and related material recovered during the archaeological excavations at Clackers Brook, East Melksham was examined visually following standard methodologies set out in the English Heritage guidelines (Bayley et al. 2001). Additional information to assist with identification of material types and their significance was drawn from the datasheets produced by the Historical Metallurgy Society (http://www.hist-met.org/datasheets.html).
All of the material was examined visually to determine surface morphology and, where possible, the internal texture of individual pieces of slag. This has allowed most of the pieces to be assigned to one of the standard slag types (e.g. Bayley et al. 2001). For some types (in particular the plano convex cakes) it was possible to suggest a degree of completeness for individual pieces. Some pieces of slag were too fragmentary and/or too obscured by surface concretions to allow a definite identification of their type and so the process which might have generated them. Most of these pieces have been assigned to a non-diagnostic category. All of the slag within each type has been weighed (to the nearest gram) for each context; no attempt has been made to count or weigh individual fragments.
The types of slag and related material identified are now described in more detail. An ore is any rock which contains sufficient metal that was deliberately gathered and smelted in order to extract that metal. Whether or not a particular rock has been regarded as an ore may have changed over time depending on a range of social, economic and technical factors. Tap slag is a highly distinctive form of smelting slag (i.e. primary production of the metal from ore) which resembles lava flows. The slag would be tapped (released) from the furnace while molten; it would flow across the ground in front of the furnace until it solidified. Thus, tap slag is usually present as sheets with a rough under surface and a smooth but rippled upper surface. During the manufacture of bloomery iron, small pieces of metal (frequently referred to as gromp) become separated from the bloom and are incorporated in the waste materials. These can usually be identified by their relatively strong magnetism and, if corroded,
43 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology extensive cracking. Almost all furnaces (used for smelting) and hearths (used for smithing) were made from clay which in places would be vitrified (partially melted) due to the intense heat they were exposed to. It is not usually possible to make a distinction between furnace (smelting) and hearth (smithing) based on the small fragments of vitrified ceramic lining that usually survive. The most diagnostic evidence for iron smithing comprises small (<5mm) flakes and spheres of hammerscale. The flakes are the oxidised surface of the iron which becomes detached, especially during forging, while the spheres are formed during welding. Smithing hearth bottoms are plano-convex slag cakes or lumps which have formed inside the blacksmith’s hearth during the secondary working of iron. Smithing hearth bottoms are formed by the reaction between the surface of the iron heated in the hearth (hammerscale) and a wide range of other materials (including some or all of the following: ash from the fuel, clay from the hearth, slag inclusions from the iron and sand used as a flux during welding). Most iron-working slag assemblages contain a high proportion of material which cannot be assigned to a particular morphological category, and so cannot be linked to a particular process. Such non-diagnostic iron-working slag may consist of small lumps of slag which is often fragmented and so conveys little information about the original size, shape or surface morphology of the slag. Fuel ash slag is the vitrified remains of ash from burning wood and other vegetable materials (not coal). In most smelting furnaces where the fuel was mixed with the ore the fuel ash would be incorporated in the smelting slag. Fuel ash slag therefore cannot usually be associated with any metallurgical process. It clearly indicates that wood (or other fuel) fires had achieved high temperatures (>800°C) but that these were probably not connected with any metallurgical operation.
Results The visual examination revealed that 67.3kg of slag and other industrial residues were recovered from 73 contexts. The single most abundant type of material comprised plano-convex cakes of slag which have been classified as smithing hearth bottoms (Table 1). It is striking that a large number of complete smithing hearth bottoms were recovered and that many of these were rather larger than is usual (i.e. >2kg). It is possible that these cakes have been misidentified and that they are actually furnace bottoms (i.e. smelting slags) rather than smithing slags.
The second most abundant slag type comprises non-diagnostic material; as mentioned above, this type of slag indicates the working or iron but cannot usually be used to identify a particular process (i.e. smelting or smithing). Nevertheless, a significant proportion of the non-diagnostic iron-working slag comprises relatively large and dense fragments. The size and density of these non-diagnostic slags suggests that at least some may have been generated during iron smelting rather than smithing.
The third most abundant slag comprises tap slag. This type of slag is so distinctive that there can be no doubt that some iron smelting has taken place within the immediate area of the excavation. The relatively modest proportion of tap slag suggests that the iron smelting may not have taken place within the area excavated. Given the positive identification of smelting slags, the relatively large and
44 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology dense smithing hearth bottoms and non-diagnostic iron-working slags takes on even more significance. The identification of iron smelting is further strengthened by the identification of ore and gromp.
A relatively substantial quantity of fuel ash slag was recovered. The fuel ash slag from this site appears to contain a relatively high proportion of clay. This material is not of metallurgical origin and may include a proportion of vitrified daub or similar material. Most of the fuel ash slag came from just three contexts (1185, 1186 and 1187); however, there is little information currently available about these contexts. The total quantity of vitrified ceramic lining recovered is rather small but this is perhaps not surprising given the degree of truncation to which the stratigraphy has been subjected.
Residues from 13 soil samples were submitted for assessment. In most cases the residues comprised fired clay and/or natural ferruginous particles, although small fragments of iron-working slag were present in some of these samples. It is striking that no flake or spheroidal hammerscale was present in any of these samples. While the truncation of the stratigraphy will have had some impact on the survival of hammerscale, its complete absence suggests that little or no iron smithing took place within the areas excavated.
Eleven contexts contain 78% of all of the slag. These are described in more detail below. 1237: 9.8kg including probable gromp. Fill of ditch 1236, C11-13. Area 2c. 1179: The most slag from a single context (8.2kg), includes probable gromp and 3.1kg tap slag. The description of this context is not currently available, but spot dated to C11-13? 1080: 6.1kg, including large smithing hearths bottoms. Fill of ditch 1079, C11-13. Area 2c. 1094: 5.7kg including four large and complete smithing hearths bottoms (one >2kg). Fill of natural ?feature or base of ?truncated pit. 1134: 5.3kg including 0.8kg tap slag. Fill of scoop 1133, C13–14. Area 2b. 1214: 4.4kg including large smithing hearths bottoms (one >2kg). Fill of ditch 1213, C11–14. Area 2c. 1248: 4.1kg including large smithing hearths bottoms. Fill of ditch/elongated pit 1247, C11–13. Area 2b. 1285: 2.9kg. Fill of ditch 1284, C11–13. Area 2b. 1309: 2.1kg including 0.7kg tap slag. Fill of pit 1308, C11–13. Area 2b. 1138: 2.0kg. Fill of 1137, C11–13. Area 2b. 1086: 1.8kg. Top fill of pit 1085, C11–13. Area 2c. Notwithstanding the incomplete information relating to some of the contexts, most of the iron-working evidence was recovered from Areas 2b (21.8kg) and 2c (26.5kg).
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Table 1. Slag by type and weight
Type Weight Smithing hearth bottoms 31.1kg Non-diagnostic iron-working slag 25.6kg Tap slag 6.8kg Fuel ash slag 1.9kg Ore 0.9kg Vitrified ceramic lining 0.6kg Gromp 0.3kg Total 67.3kg
Significance/potential The assemblage of slag from East Melksham includes material which clearly indicates the smelting of iron from iron ores. The presence of iron ore, gromp (fragments of bloom) and tap slag can only be explained in terms of iron smelting. This is somewhat unexpected as there is relatively little evidence for iron smelting in Wiltshire. The only other site within the county with significant evidence for iron smelting is at Ramsbury (45km to the east) during the middle Saxon period (Haslam 1980).
The closest iron ore deposits to Melksham can be found in the Greensand which outcrops just 3km to the east and southeast at Seend. This ore deposit was described in the 17th century (Jackson 1862, 302), but is not known to have been exploited until the middle of the 19th century (VCH 1953). More than 150,000 tons of brown hematite were extracted in the 19th century and quarrying continued at various times into the second half of the 20th century (Day 1981).
East Melksham is therefore one of only a handful of iron smelting sites in the region and so is of clear regional importance. No contemporary (11th to 13th centuries) iron smelting sites are known in the region and very few of this date are known nationally. Despite the severe truncation which has removed a proportion of the archaeological stratigraphy and the rather ambiguous nature of some of the slag (see below), the evidence for iron smelting at East Melksham has the potential to make a significant contribution at a national level to medieval iron manufacture.
There are aspects of the slag assemblage which could not be fully explored and resolved during this assessment. The most significant of these concerns the correct identification of iron smithing. A substantial proportion of the East Melksham assemblage comprises plano-convex cakes of the form that are usually identified as smithing hearth bottoms. These are somewhat larger than usual (a few >2kg) and it is possible that some of these are furnace bottoms, that is a form of smelting slag that was not tapped from the furnace. Some iron smelting slag assemblages have been characterised as comprising furnace bottoms and tap slag (e.g. Fulford and Allen 1991). The procedures employed in this kind of iron smelting technology are not well understood. The relatively large size and density of some of the non-diagnostic slag (and the absence of hammerscale) reinforces the suspicion that the smithing hearth bottoms may actually be related to iron smelting.
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The assemblage has the potential to provide further significant insights into the nature of the iron- working process carried out as well as the wider social and economic importance of this industry. The material should be examined spatially to try and locate any foci for iron working. This will require some context descriptions to be carefully checked. The limited vertical stratigraphy suggests that any analysis of changes in iron working over time are unlikely to meet with great success. The scientific examination of a sample of material will be able to identify the nature of the raw materials used (in particular the iron ore) and will provide a basis to better understand the nature of the iron smelting process. An important goal will be the confirmation of the process(es) which generated the plano- convex cakes (smithing hearth bottoms?).
Recommendations for Analysis The spatial distribution of industrial material should be examined in detail once context records have been checked. If pottery allows a degree of phasing, the industrial material should be analysed to determine if there are any significant chronological changes. The context records should be examined for those contexts which produced the most fuel ash slag to try and provide an explanation for this material. A selection of material should be studied using a range of scientific techniques. This work would aim to characterise particular categories of material and confirm where possible the identification of particular processes. A selection of 20 samples, which should include ore, tap slag plano-convex cakes (smithing hearth bottoms) and non-diagnostic slag, should be examined to determine their chemical and mineralogical composition and microstructure. This should be achieved using optical and electron microscopy (polished samples), chemical analysis (X-ray analyser attached to an electron microscope) and X-ray diffraction of powdered samples. The results of the spatial and chronological analyses and the scientific investigation should be integrated within a report which would be of the order of 5000 words.
Summary of proposed further work
Spatial analysis 1 day Chronological analysis 0.5 day Sample selection and preparation (sawing, embedding, polishing, powder, etc) 2.5 days Microstructure (OM and SEM) 1 day Chemical analysis (SEM-EDS) 2 days Mineralogical analysis (XRD) 2 days Report writing 5 days Total 14 days
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APPENDIX 7: HUMAN REMAINS BY JONNY GEBER
Introduction One poorly preserved inhumation burial was discovered during the archaeological excavations at Clackers Brook in East Melksham, Wiltshire. The skeleton was lying supine and had been severely truncated, with the upper half of the skeleton missing. The burial is preliminarily dated to the Late Iron Age/Roman to early medieval period.
Methodology Following the archaeological excavation, the remains were washed, dried, labelled and bagged within a controlled laboratory environment. For the purpose of this report, the remains were thereafter briefly assessed, with the objective to determine the potential in a detailed osteological and palaeopathological analysis (EH 2004).
Material The skeleton was very poorly preserved and had suffered extensively from post-depositional fragmentation and truncation. What remained was distal portions of the ulnae and radii, fragments of the carpals, metacarpals and phalanges of both hands, fragments of the femora, tibiae and fibulae and some foot bone fragments. Neither sex nor age-at-death was possible to determine, other than that the remains comprise those of an adult individual (> 18 years). The bones were too fragmented to allow for any estimation of living stature.
Pathology Despite the fact that the remains were fragmented and poorly preserved, patches of inactive sclerotic periosteal bony reactions were noted on the lateral and interosseus surfaces of the diaphyses of the right tibia and fibula. Periostitis is an inflammation of the periosteum of the bone and can be the reflection of a bony reaction to disease processes such as metabolic disorders and infections (Arcini 1999). Due to the fact that the pathology was not noted on the left sided elements, it appears likely that the aetiology in this case is due to a localised infection of the right lower leg, possibly due to direct trauma. Further detailed palaeopathological analysis of the remains may, however, amend this preliminary diagnosis.
Research potential and recommendations for further analysis Considering the potentially early date of this burial, it represents an important archaeological find. Despite the fact that the human remains are very fragmented and poorly preserved, the assessment of the skeleton has indicated a potential in a detailed palaeopathological analysis of the bones. The presence of skeletal pathologies such as periostitis are relatively rare in prehistoric skeletons (Roberts and Cox 2003), and the observation of this particular bony reaction in this skeleton will further
48 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology enhance our knowledge of prehistoric health and living conditions in Wiltshire and Britain should this skeleton date to the Late Iron Age.
It is hence recommended that a full and detailed osteological and palaeopathological analysis is carried out on the human skeleton found during the archaeological excavation at Clackers Brook, East Melksham.
Due to the unclear date of the burial, it is recommended that a radiocarbon date is obtained from a long bone fragment. It is also recommended that the additional nitrogen isotopic value is obtained (15N), which in combination with the 13C value (which is always obtained from a standard radiocarbon date) allow for an interpretation of the diet of this particular individual.
Summary of proposed further work It is estimated that it will take 1.5 days to analyse and produce a report on the human skeleton from Clackers Brook, East Melksham, with the following breakdown:
Bone analysis 0.5 day Research 0.5 day Report writing 0.5 day
Recommended additional expenses include:
Radiocarbon date Fee 15N isotopic analysis Fee
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APPENDIX 8: ANIMAL BONES BY JONNY GEBER
Introduction This assessment report is considering the animal bones recovered during the archaeological excavation at Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire (CMB10).
The bones were recovered from four phases of activity (Table 1), with the majority dating to the medieval period (11-13th centuries AD). The archaeology of the site revealed multiple uses, which included burial, settlement and industry.
Table 1. Quantity of the disarticulated animal bone assemblage from Clackers Brook, East Melksham, by phase. Abbreviation: NISP = Number of Identified Specimens, Indet. = indeterminable Phase NISP Weight (g) Overall preservation ?Prehistoric 32 32 Poor Medieval 216 1,429 Moderate ?Medieval/post-medieval 40 33 Poor ?Post-medieval 1 1 Poor Modern 15 98 Moderate Indet. 135 1,109 Poor
The aims and objectives of this report are to quantify the osteological assemblage, present a brief summary of preliminary osteological findings, and give recommendations and suggestions for future work, as well as assessing the scientific potential and significance of the bone material (see EH 2002).
Methodology The bone assemblage was predominately hand collected, and therefore represents a certain bias towards larger and medium sized species. Following the excavation, the bones were washed, dried and labelled within a controlled laboratory environment.
For the purpose of assessing the scientific potential of the bone material, each bone sample was quantified by weight and refitted fragment counts (NISP), animal species were identified when possible, and the number of specimens available for measurements and age and sex estimation was recorded. Additionally, any fragments displaying pathological lesions, or slaughter/butchery marks, or evidence of burning and animal gnawing were noted and quantified (Table 2).
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Material The total assemblage weighed 3,730g, and comprised 439 fragments of distarticulated bone and the poorly preserved remains of the hind limb bones of a deer (1267). Animal bones were recovered from 47 contexts, of which the majority date to the medieval period (Table 1).
Disarticulated animal bones The preservation of the bone assemblage varied from poor to moderate, and the material was severely fragmented. The prehistoric bone sample was all recovered from one context (1262), and comprised of 31 unidentifiable fragments of poorly preserved bones.
Animal bones were recovered from 33 medieval features, and were dominated by cattle and caprovines (sheep/goat). Only five pig bones and four horse bones, and one sole red deer tooth, were also identified in these features. Twenty teeth and epiphyseal bone portions available for age estimations were present, and 14 measurable bones were also noted. No bones displayed evidence of butchery or gnaw marks; however, this is likely to be due to poor bone preservation. No bones displayed any visible pathological lesions.
Four features (1066, 1203, 1214, 1216) of unclear medieval/post-medieval date contained a total of 33 fragments of animal bone, of which only one fragment could be identified as caprovine and one as pig.
One feature of probable post-medieval date (1074) contained an unidentifiable animal bone, and one context of modern date (1001) contained 15 moderately well preserved fragments of bone, of which thirteen could be identified as cattle and two as caprovine.
The overall anatomical distribution of the identified skeletal elements indicates that both primary butchery waste and kitchen waste is represented in the material. The only butchery marks noted were identified on the first segment of a cattle sacrum found in undated context 1061. The bone displayed axial saw marks through the left wing and through the centre of the body, and would therefore be suggesting a post-medieval or modern date of this particular feature.
Articulated deer (Cervus sp.) skeletal elements The posterior limb elements of a deer (1267) were found in articulation within a prehistoric pit (1268). In association with the remains was a flint arrowhead, which typologically dates to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age.
The bones were very poorly preserved and severely fragmented, but nevertheless identifiable as deer. It is anticipated that further and more detailed analysis will be able to confirm the species; however, based on size, they can preliminarily be identified as red deer (Cervus elaphus). Identifiable
51 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology elements included condyle fragments of a femur, parts of a distal left tibia, a right calcaneus and astragalus, left and right tarsal bones and metatarsal fragments. The total bone weight was 1,028g.
Should the flint arrow head be associated with the hunting and killing of this animal, and cut marks noted on the remains, this would be a significant find as the physical evidence of game from the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age is scarce in the archaeological record (Bradley 1978, 86; Thomas 1991, 21).
Research potential The main potential in the Clackers Brook, East Melksham, animal bone assemblage is noted in the medieval material which constitutes the largest proportion of the remains. The bones are very poorly preserved, with virtually no metric and taphonomic potential. However, bones identifiable to species and skeletal element will contribute to our knowledge of species representation and the nature of the disposed animal bone material.
Due to the fragmentary nature of the assemblage, and the relatively small size of the sample, there is limited value in any comparative study with contemporary bone assemblages.
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Table 2. Summary table of the bone assemblage (fragment count) from Clackers Brook, East Melksham, by phase. Abbreviations: S/G = caprovine (sheep/goat), Indet. = indeterminable Phase Species identified Bone availability Taphonomy Pathology Cattle S/G Pig Horse Deer Indet. Metrics Ageing Sexing Butchery Burnt Gnaw ?Prehistoric 0 0 0 0 0 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Medieval 27 14 5 4 1 165 14 20 0 0 0 0 0 ?Medieval/post-medieval 0 1 1 0 0 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ?Post-medieval 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Modern 13 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 Indet. 10 5 1 1 0 118 5 8 0 1 1 0 0
Total: 50 22 7 5 1 346 20 30 0 1 1 0 0
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Recommendations It is recommended that only bones from securely dated contexts are considered for full analysis. As the presumed prehistoric bone material was of such small quantity, and unidentifiable, it is recommended that they do not undergo any further analysis.
It is recommended that the medieval material is made subject to a detailed analysis, with a focus on the identification of species and skeletal elements, to be presented in a summary table and explained briefly in a short paragraph for the final publication.
It is recommended that the deer skeleton is made subject to a thorough and detailed analysis, for the purpose of a definite identification of species and possible slaughter/butcher marks.
At this initial stage, it is not foreseen that any additional isotopic or aDNA study should be required. However, the animal bones represent a set of reference data of local significance for isotopic and trace element analyses in the human remains discovered on the site, and may be utilized for that purpose.
No species of particular interest for the periods was identified during the assessment, which would warrant a radiocarbon date.
Estimated time budget required It is estimated that it will take 2 days to analyse and produce a report on the animal bones from Clackers Brook, East Melksham, with the following breakdown:
Bone analysis 1 day Research 0.5 day Report writing 0.5 day TOTAL 2 days
54 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
APPENDIX 9: PLANT MACROFOSSIL AND CHARCOAL REMAINS BY SARAH COBAIN
Introduction A total of 19 bulk soil samples were retrieved for plant macrofossil and charcoal assessment taken from a Neolithic/Early Bronze Age animal burial, 11th-13th century medieval ditches, pits, inhumation and post-medieval ditch, hill wash deposit and pit located across the site. The aim of this assessment is to determine the type, preservation and quantity of plant macrofossil and charcoal remains recovered and use this to assess the potential of these remains to provide evidence of socio- economic activities being undertaken on the site (crop husbandry, diet, living conditions of communities, exploitation of woodlands for fuel, woodland management), and to infer the composition of the local flora and woodlands.
Methodology Following flotation (CA Technical Manual No 2), the residue was dried and sorted by eye, the floated material scanned and seeds identified using a low power stereo-microscope (Brunel MX1) at magnifications of x10 to x40. Identifications were carried out with reference to images and descriptions by Cappers et al. (2006), Berggren (1981) and Anderberg (1994). Nomenclature follows Stace (1997).
A selection of charcoal fragments were fractured by hand to reveal the wood anatomy on radial, tangential and transverse planes. The pieces were then supported in a sand bath and identified under an epi-illuminating microscope (Brunel SP400) at magnifications from x40 to x400. Identifications were carried out with reference to images and descriptions by Cutler and Gale (2000) and Heller et al. (2004) and Wheeler et al. (1989). Nomenclature of species follows Stace (1997).
Potential for further analysis are graded on scale A, B, C and D (Tables 1 and 2) A = High potential - well preserved or frequent material B = Good potential. Identifiable remains are present in reasonable quantities. C = Plant macrofossil/charcoal remains scarce or poorly preserved. Not recommended for further analysis D = No or unidentifiable plant macrofossil or charcoal remains. Not recommended for further analysis
Results
The results are presented in tabular form (Tables 1 and 2) and are discussed below. SS refers to the Soil Sample number
55 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
Period 1 (Neolithic/Early Bronze Age) Area 1a One sample was retrieved from fill 1262 of animal burial 1268 (SS 1028). There were no plant macrofossils recovered and a single piece of poorly preserved sessile/pedunculate oak (Quercus petraea/robur) charcoal was identified. Since no plant remains of any significance or abundance were identified no further plant macrofossil or charcoal work is recommended.
Period 3 (11th to 13th centuries) Area 2b The lower fill 1252 of pit 1251 (SS 1029) contained a single free threshing wheat (Triticum aestivum) cereal grain and modern dock (Rumex spp), fat hen (Chenopodium album) and raspberry (Rubus ideaus) seeds. The charcoal recovered consisted of oak, hawthorn/rowan/crab apple (Crateagus monogyna/Sorbus spp/Malus sylvestris) and blackthorn/sloe (Prunus spinosa). The low volume of plant remains means this sample is not suitable for full plant macrofossil analysis. The charcoal would however be suitable for full analysis.
Fill 1246 of grave 1244 (SS 1030, 1031, 1036) contained no plant macrofossil remains and a single poorly preserved fragment of sessile/pedunculate oak charcoal. None of these samples are recommended for full analysis. Three fills (1165, 1234 and 1233) were retrieved from pit 1127 (SS 1032, 1033, 1034 respectively). None of these fills contained plant macrofossil remains. Fill 1165 and 1233 did not contain any charcoal fragments, fill 1234 contained oak charcoal fragments. No further plant macrofossil or charcoal work is recommended on this feature with the exception of the charcoal from fill 1234 which warrants full analysis.
The fill 1329 (SS 1036) from ditch 1328 contained no plant macrofossil remains. The charcoal from this feature consisted of hawthorn/rowan/crab apple and oak. Neither the charcoal nor the plant macrofossils from this feature are recommended for full analysis.
Area 2c Pit 1067 (SS1015) contained carbonised hazelnut shells, indeterminate carbonised cereal grain, carbonised domestic plum (Prunus domestica) pip and carbonised vetch/vetchlings seeds and alder/hazel, hawthorn/rowan/crab apple and oak charcoal fragments. The plant macrofossil assemblage is well preserved and is recommended for full analysis. The charcoal assemblage whilst of good preservation is small and does not warrant further analysis. Ditch 1065 (SS 1016) contained modern fat hen and common chickweed (Stellaria media) seeds. There was no charcoal retrieved from this feature. No further work is recommended on this sample.
56 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
Period 4 (post-medieval) Area 2a Six fills (1011, 1055, 1056, 1057, 1058, 1059) were sampled from ditch 1035 (SS 1007, 1009, 1012, 1014, 1011, 1013 respectively). These fills contained a similar assemblage of species consisting of carbonised free threshing wheat, emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum), oat (Avena spp) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) cereal grains, carbonised cereal chaff including straw, culm nodes, rachis fragments, carbonised bracken fronds and spines (Pteridium spp), brome (Bromus spp), dock spp, mustard/cabbage/charlock (Brassica spp/Sinapsis spp), fool’s parsley (Aethusa cynapium), fool’s- water-cress (Apium nodiflorum), vetches/vetchlings (Vicia spp/Lathyrus spp), fat hen, black medick (Medicago lupulina), buttercup (Ranunculus spp), sedge (Carex spp), elder (Sambucus nigra), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) seeds and hazelnut (Corylus avellana) shells. The charcoal recovered consisted of oak and alder/hazel (Alnus glutinosa/Corylus avellana). Fill 1058 also contained a fragment of carbonised string.
Pit 1012 (SS 1001) contained carbonised bread wheat and oat cereal grains, carbonised thorough- wax (Bupleurum rotundifolium), bracken fronds, brome, dock, mustard/cabbage/ charlock, fool’s parsley and vetch/vetchlings seeds and alder/hazel, oak hardwood and oak twig charcoal. Hill wash deposit 1008 (SS 1004) sealed pit 1012 and contained carbonised bread wheat and oat cereal grains, carbonised cereal chaff including glume base, rachis and culm nodes and carbonised bracken fronds, brome, fat hen, mustard/cabbage/charlock and vetch/vetchlings seeds and oak charcoal. The well preserved plant macrofossil and charcoal assemblages from pit 1012 would be suitable for full analysis. Although deposit 1008 is rich and well preserved, the uncertain origin of the material in the deposit means it is not suitable for full analysis.
Discussion
The carbonised plant remains from medieval activity at East Melksham were recovered in small to moderate quantities and were very well preserved across the site. There were some modern plant macrofossils identified in samples across the site, most likely incorporated into the features by bioturbation. However since these were recovered in small quantities, it is not thought that they represent a significant risk of contamination.
Period 1 (Neolithic/Early Bronze Age) Area 1a As there were no plant macrofossils and only a single fragment of poorly preserved oak charcoal from animal burial 1268 no further work is recommended.
57 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
Period 3 (11th to 13th centuries) Area 2b Fill 1252 of pit 1251 (SS 1029) contained a single free threshing wheat grain, however the paucity of remains means no further work is recommended. Grave 1244, pit 1127 and ditch 1328 contained no plant macrofossil material, therefore no work is recommended.
There was a relatively narrow assemblage of charcoal identified dominated by oak with occasional alder/hazel, hawthorn/rowan/crab apple and blackthorn fragment present. There was one large feature (pit 1127) with intense in situ burning present. This feature itself appeared very truncated and contained little charcoal; however, it is the correct shape and size for a charcoal production pit. Oak was commonly used to produce charcoal, as whilst it is an excellent fuel as a wood, it has an even higher calorific value as charcoal (Cutler and Gale, 2000, 205). Logs were piled up in charcoal production pits and then covered with damp straw and hay. A hole would be left in the top for kindling material to be thrown in which was subsequently sealed when the oak was alight. It would then be left for several days to smoulder until the charcoal was produced. Full analysis of the clay lining 1234 of pit 1127 (Table 1) would allow an indication as to whether the oak woodland was being managed through coppicing and also an indication of other species that may have been hand collected locally to use as kindling. As the range of species here is so narrow, it is likely species are being deliberately selected for industrial purposes, therefore there is limited scope for characterising the local woodland resource in this area during the medieval period.
Area 2c The finds from the site indicate that one activity being carried out on site was metal production. There was however a moderate quantity of carbonised plant macrofossil remains recovered from pit 1067 which included hazelnut, cereal grain, domestic plum and vetch/vetchlings which may indicate food waste. If remaining available soil from pit 1067 is processed full analysis will give a clearer indication as to what foodstuffs were being consumed on site, perhaps whilst other industrial activities were being carried out. Ditch 1065 contained only modern plant macrofossil material therefore no further work is recommended.
Period 4 (post-medieval) Area 2a The main crops identified from ditch 1035, pit 1012 and hill wash deposit 1008 consisted of oats, barley, rye, emmer wheat and free threshing wheat which are all typical species cultivated during the post-medieval period. These cereal remains together with evidence of arable weed seeds (vetches/vetchlings, thorow-wax, ribwort plantain, brome, cleavers) and cereal chaff (straw, rachis fragments, glume bases and culm nodes) are indicative of cereal processing waste. The added find of bracken fronds and a fragment of carbonised string suggests this cereal waste may have been used as kindling for other burning activities. Although there is no other settlement/industrial activity to relate to this feature full analysis of basal fill 1059 of ditch 1035 (SS 1013) has been recommended to give a
58 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology clearer understanding of crop cultivation and processing that was being undertaken during the post- medieval period – a period for which there are few recorded sites with examples of post-medieval crop processing remains (Straker 2008, 211).
There were also elder seeds and hazelnut shells indicating a scrub/woodland environment nearby. These may have been exploited for food, although they could also have become carbonised from fruits/nuts left on branches when wood was used as fuel. Fat hen, fool’s parsley, mustard/cabbage/charlock and dock were also present and indicate a disturbed environment which would be expected in a settlement/industrial area. Black medick and buttercup indicate a grassland environment, which would be found in the periphery of the settlement/industrial area. These weed species are currently present in low volumes within this assessment, however further processing of soil from selected sample (Table 1) may provide evidence for these species being deliberately hand picked for kindling material. Marsh species such as fool’s water cress and sedge were also recovered, and most likely originated from the nearby River Avon.
The charcoal from ditch 1035, pit 1012 and hill wash deposit 1008 consisted dominantly of oak. Full analysis of the basal fill 1059 ditch 1035 (SS 1013) would allow an indication as to whether the oak woodland was being managed through coppicing and also an indication of other species that may have been hand collected locally to use as kindling. As the range of species here is so narrow, it is likely species are being deliberately selected for industrial purposes, therefore, as with the medieval period, there is limited scope for characterising the local woodland resource.
Any of the carbonised cereal remains and fragments of identifiable charcoal (with the exception of oak) would be suitable for radiocarbon dating.
Recommendations for further work
Charcoal analysis identifications 2 samples for full analysis 0.75 day – EO
Plant macrofossils identifications 2 samples for full analysis 0.75 day – EO
Analysis reporting Charcoal and plant macrofossil data entry, research and reporting 2 days – EO
59 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
Table 1: plant macrofossil assessment results
for Taxa Dating Period Sample Context ations for processed Comments Description Description Soil volume Flot volume Potential for Further work Further work Radiocarbon CPR Suitable Recommend-
Bracken frond ++ Looked at Brome + 50% of Dock spp + charcoal rich Silt, small stones Free threshing wheat + residue, Post- 1001 1013 Fill of pit 1012 10L 114ml Mustard/Cabbage/Charlock + Y more CPR A (20L soil remaining) No med Charcoal ++++ Oat + present Mollusc + Fool’s parsley + Thorough-wax + Vetch/Vetchlings + Bracken fronds ++ Looked at Brome + 50% of Culm node (chaff) + charcoal rich Fat hen + residue, Silt, modern roots Layer of charcoal flecked Post- Free threshing wheat + more CPR 1004 1008 10L 45ml Y A No clay/hillwash? med Mustard/Cabbage/Charlock + present Charcoal ++++ Oat + Rachis (chaff) + Spelt glume base (chaff) + Vetch/Vetchlings + Black medick + Looked at Bracken fronds ++++ 25% of Buttercup + charcoal rich Culm node (chaff) + residue, Dock + more CPR Silt, modern roots Post- Emmer wheat + present 1007 1011 Upper fill of ditch 1035 9L 48ml Y A No med Fat hen + Charcoal ++++ Gorse spines + Oat + Bread wheat rachis + Straw + Vetch/Vetchlings +
60 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology for Taxa Dating Period Sample Context ations for processed Comments Description Description Soil volume Flot volume Potential for Further work Further work Radiocarbon CPR Suitable Recommend-
Bracken fronds ++++ Looked at Black medick + 25% of Culm node (chaff) + charcoal rich Dock + residue, Emmer wheat + more CPR Fat hen + present Silt, modern roots Post- Mustard/Cabbage/Charlock + 1009 1055 Fill of ditch 1035 4L 32ml Y A No med Oat + Charcoal ++++ Rachis (chaff) + Rye rachis (chaff) + Sedge spp + Fool’s parsley + Straw + Vetch/Vetchlings + Black medick + Looked at Bracken fronds +++ 25% of Barley + charcoal rich Barley rachis (chaff) + residue, Bread wheat rachis (chaff) + more CPR Brome + present Culm node (chaff) ++ Fat hen + Silt, small stones Post- Fool’s-water-cress + 1011 1058 Fill of ditch 1035 2L 198ml Y A No med Free threshing wheat + Charcoal ++++ Free threshing wheat rachis (chaff) + Rachis (chaff) + Straw (chaff) ++ Oat ++ Vetch/Vetchlings ++
Fragment of carbonised string + Barley + Looked at Bracken fronds ++ 25% of Silt, small stones Buttercup spp + charcoal rich Post- 1012 1056 Fill of ditch 1035 2L 15ml Dock spp + Y residue, A No med Charcoal ++++ Oat + more CPR Mollusc + Rye rachis (chaff) + present Vetch/Vetchlings ++
61 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology for Taxa Dating Period Sample Context ations for processed Comments Description Description Soil volume Flot volume Potential for Further work Further work Radiocarbon CPR Suitable Recommend-
Black medick + Looked at Bracken fronds +++ 25% of Brome + charcoal rich Culm node (chaff) + residue, Dock + more CPR Silt, small stones Post- Elder + present 1013 1059 Basal fill of ditch 1035 2L 43ml Y A Yes med Free threshing wheat + Charcoal ++++ Oat + Oat palea (chaff) + Rachis (chaff) + Ribwort plantain + Vetchlings/Vetches ++ Bracken fronds ++ Looked at Culm node (chaff) + 25% of Dock + charcoal rich Silt, small stones Post- Hazelnut + residue, 1014 1057 Fill of ditch 1035 1L 8ml Y A No med Oat + more CPR Charcoal ++++ Rachis (chaff) + present Straw + Vetch/Vetchlings + Silt, small stones Hazelnut + Indeterminate grain + 1015 1068 Fill of pit 1067 Med 10L 8ml Y A Yes Charcoal ++ Domestic plum + Mollusc + Vetch/Vetchlings + Med/post Silt, sand, small stones, Common chickweed (modern) + 1016 1066 Fill of ditch 1065 10L 14ml N D No -med modern roots Fat hen (modern) ++ Silt, sand, small stones, modern roots 1028 1262 Fill of sheep burial 1268 ? 9L 11ml Nil N D No
Charcoal + Silt, sand, small stones, Dock spp (modern) + modern roots Fat hen (modern) + 1029 1252 Fill of pi 1251 Med 9L 15ml Y C No Free threshing wheat + Charcoal ++++ Raspberry (modern) + 1030 1246 Backfill of grave 1244 Med 2L N/A Charcoal + Nil N D No 1031 1246 Backfill of grave 1244 Med 1L N/A Nil N D No 1032 1165 Fill of rectangular pit 1127 Med 10L 13ml Silt, small stones, modern Nil N D No
62 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology for Taxa Dating Period Sample Context ations for processed Comments Description Description Soil volume Flot volume Potential for Further work Further work Radiocarbon CPR Suitable Recommend-
roots Silt, small stones, modern 1033 1234 Clay lining in pit 1127 Med 8L 8ml Nil N D No roots Basal fill of rectangular pit Silt, small stones, modern 1034 1233 Med 10L 8ml Nil N D No 1127 roots Silt, sand, small stones, modern roots
1035 1246 Backfill of grave 1244 Med 10L 20ml Nil N D No Charcoal + Human bone ++++ Mollusc + Silt, sand, small stones, modern roots 1036 1329 Fill of ditch 1328 Med 10L 59ml Nil N D No Charcoal +++ Bone +++
+ = 1-5 fragments ++ = 6-20 fragments +++ = 21-40 fragments ++++ = >40 fragments
Potential for further analysis are graded on scale A, B, C and D. A = High potential - well preserved or frequent material B = Good potential. Identifiable remains are present in reasonable quantities. C = Remains scarce or poorly preserved. Not recommended for further analysis D = No or unidentifiable charcoal remains. Not recommended for further analysis
63 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
Taxa List and habitat distribution
Family Species Common Name Habitat Code Adoxaceae Sambucus nigra Elder HSW Amaranthaceae Chenopodium album Fat hen D Apiaceae Aethusa cynapium Fool’s parsley D Apium nodiflorum Fool's-water-cress M Bupleurum rotundifolium Thorow-wax A Betulaceae Corylus avellana Hazelnut HSW Brassicaceae Brassica/Sinapsis spp Mustard/Cabbage/Charlock D Cyperaceae Carex spp Sedge M Dennstaedtiales Pteridium spp Bracken spp (fronds) HSW/D Fabaceae Vicia spp/Lathyrus spp Vetches/Vetchlings A Medicago lupulina Black medick G Poaceae Avena spp Oat E Avena spp Oat palea (chaff) E Bromus spp Brome A Hordeum vulgare Barley E Triticum aestivum Bread wheat E Triticum aestivum Bread wheat rachis (chaff) E Triticum dicoccum Emmer wheat E Poaceae Culm node (chaff) E Poaceae Rachis (chaff) E Poaceae Straw (chaff) E Plantaginaceae Plantago major Greater Plantain A Polygonaceae Rumex spp Dock spp D Rosaceae Rubus ideaus Raspberry HSW Prunus domestica Domestic plum HSW Ranunculaceae Ranunculus repens Buttercup G
HSW = hedgerow, scrub, woodland; D = disturbed; A = arable weeds; G = grassland; E = economic plants; M = marshland
64 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
Table 2: charcoal assessment results
Taxa work Period Dating Sample Context analysis Quantity Suitability processed ded for full For Further Further For Description Description Suitable for Soil volume Flot volume Recommen- Radiocarbon
Alder/hazel twig (1) Post- Silt, small stones Oak (2) 1001 1013 Fill of pit 1012 10L 114ml ++++ A Y No med Oak hw (6) Oak twig (1) Oak (4) Layer of charcoal Post- 1004 1008 10L 45ml Silt, modern roots Oak hw (5) ++++ A N No flecked clay/hillwash? med Oak sw (1) Post- Oak hw (6) 1007 1011 Upper fill of ditch 1035 9L 48ml Silt, modern roots ++++ A N No med Oak sw (4) Oak (3) Post- 1009 1055 Fill of ditch 1035 4L 32ml Silt, modern roots Oak hw (5) ++++ A N No med Oak sw (3) Post- Oak (5) 1011 1058 Fill of ditch 1035 2L 198ml Silt, small stones ++++ A N No med Oak sw (5) Post- 1012 1056 Fill of ditch 1035 2L 15ml Silt, small stones Oak hw (10) ++++ A N No med Alder/hazel twig (1) Oak (4) Post- 1013 1059 Fill of ditch 1035 2L 43ml Silt, small stones Oak hw (1) ++++ A Y Yes med Oak sw (2) Oak twig (2) Post- Oak (5) 1014 1057 Fill of ditch 1035 1L 8ml Silt, small stones ++++ A N No med Oak hw (6) Alder/hazel (1) Alder/hazel twig (1) Hawthorn/rowan/crab apple (3) 1015 1068 Fill of pit 1067 Med 10L 8ml Silt, small stones ++ D Y No Oak (1) Oak hw (2) Oak twig (1) Med/po Silt, sand, small stones, 1016 1066 Fill of ditch 1065 10L 14ml Nil D N No st-med modern roots Fill of sheep burial Silt, sand, small stones, Indeterminate (2) 1028 1262 ? 9L 11ml + D N No 1268 modern roots Oak (1)
65 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology Taxa work Dating Period Sample Context analysis Quantity Suitability processed ded for full For Further Further For Suitable for Description Description Soil volume Flot volume Recommen- Radiocarbon
Hawthorn/rowan/crab apple (4) Silt, sand, small stones, 1029 1252 Fill of pit 1251 Med 9L 15ml Oak hw (5) ++++ A Y No modern roots Prunus spinosa (1) 1030 1246 Backfill of grave 1244 Med 2L N/A Oak (1) + D N No 1031 1246 Backfill of grave 1244 Med 1L N/A Nil D N No Fill of rectangular pit Silt, small stones, modern 1032 1165 Med 10L 13ml Nil D N No 1127 roots Silt, small stones, modern Oak (6) 1033 1234 Clay lining in pit 1127 Med 8L 8ml +++ A N Yes roots Oak hw (4) Basal fill of rectangular Silt, small stones, modern 1034 1233 Med 10L 8ml Nil D N No pit 1127 roots Silt, sand, small stones, 1035 1246 Backfill of grave 1244 Med 10L 20ml Nil + (s) D N No modern roots Hawthorn/rowan/crab apple (2) Silt, sand, small stones, 1036 1329 Fill of ditch 1328 Med 10L 59ml Oak (5) +++ B Y No modern roots Oak hw (3)
+ = 1-5 fragments ++ = 6-20 fragments +++ = 21-40 fragments ++++ = >40 fragments (s) = most fragments too small to Identify
Potential for further analysis are graded on scale A, B, C and D. A = High potential - well preserved or frequent material B = Good potential. Identifiable remains are present in reasonable quantities. C = Charcoal remains scarce or poorly preserved. Not recommended for further analysis D = No or unidentifiable charcoal remains. Not recommended for further analysis
66 Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire: Post-Excavation and Updated Project Design © Cotswold Archaeology
Table 2 Taxa List
Family Species Common Name Betulaceae Alnus glutinosa/Corylus avellana Alder Fagaceae Quercus robur/petraea Sessile/pedunculate oak Maloideae spp (Crateagus Pomoideae monogyna/Sorbus spp/Malus Hawthown/rowan/ crab apple sylvestris) Rosaceae Prunus spinosa Blackthorn/sloe
67 N t 01285 771022 Cotswold f 01285 771033 Archaeology w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]
PROJECT TITLE Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire
FIGURE TITLE Site location plan Wiltshire 0 1km
FIGURE NO. Reproduced from the 2007 Ordnance Survey Explorer map with PROJECT NO. 9107 DATE 16-06-2011 the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller DRAWN BY JB REVISION 00 of Her Majesty's Stationery Office c Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeological Trust 100002109 APPROVED BY PJM SCALE@A4 1:25,000 1
6
Section AA 7
NW SE 37m AOD 1016 1017 linear hollow 1009 1018
ditch 1019 1035
0 5m
t 01285 771022 Cotswold f 01285 771033 6 Photograph of sample excavation across linear hollow Archaeology w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk 1009 and ditch 1035 in Area 2A, looking west e [email protected]
PROJECT TITLE 7 Section AA, south-west facing section of linear hollow Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire 1009 and ditch 1035 (1:50) FIGURE TITLE Photograph and section
PROJECT NO. 9107 DATE 16-06-2011 FIGURE NO. DRAWN BY JB REVISION 00 APPROVED BY PJM SCALE@A4 Section 1:50 6-7 8 The barbed-and-tanged arrowhead in situ in animal burial pit 1268 (scale 0.2m) 9 Inhumation burial in Area 2B (scale 1m)
Arrowhead
10 The heavily burnt pit 1127, three-quarters excavated (scale 1m) 11 Scoop 1133 with stone blocks (scales 1m)
t 01285 771022 Cotswold f 01285 771033 Archaeology w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]
PROJECT TITLE Clackers Brook, East Melksham, Wiltshire
FIGURE TITLE Photographs
PROJECT NO. 9107 DATE 20-06-2011 FIGURE NO. DRAWN BY JB REVISION 00 APPROVED BY PJM SCALE@A4 N/A 8-11