The Artefact Evidence
LIFE AND ECONOMY AT EARLY MEDIEVAL
FLIXBOROUGH
c . AD 600–1000
Edited by
D. H. Evans and Christopher Loveluck
EXCAVATIONS AT FLIXBOROUGH VOLUME 2 Oxbow Books
LIFE AND ECONOMY AT EARLY MEDIEVAL FLIXBOROUGH,
c. AD 600–1000
The Artefact Evidence
LIFE AND ECONOMY A T EARL Y MEDIEV AL FLIXBOROUGH c . AD 600–1000 D. H. Evans and Christopher Loveluck
Between 1989 and 1991, excavations adjacent to the abandoned medieval settlement of North Conesby, in the parish of Flixborough, North Lincolnshire, unearthed remains of an Anglo-Saxon settlement associated with one of the largest collections of artefacts and animal bones yet found on such a site. The Anglo- Saxon settlement was situated on a belt of windblown sand, overlooking the floodplain of the River Trent, eight kilometres south of the Humber estuary. Analysis has demonstrated that the excavated part of the settlement was occupied, or used for settlement-related activity, throughout what have been termed the
‘Mid’ and ‘Late’ Anglo-Saxon periods. In an unprecedented occupation sequence from an Anglo-Saxon rural settlement, six main periods of occupation have been identified, with additional sub-phases, dating from the seventh to the early eleventhcenturies; with a further period of activity, between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries AD.
Volume 2 presents a currently unique window onto the daily life of people living at an important rural settlement between the seventh and eleventh centuries AD in eastern England. It examines in detail the evidence from some 10,000 recorded finds, over 6,000 sherds of pottery, and many other residues and bulk finds, and illustrates these with 213 blocks of figures and 67 plates.
Humber Archaeology Partnership
2
Life and Economy at Early Medieval Flixborough, c. AD 600–1000:
The Artefact Evidence
EXCAVATIONS AT FLIXBOROUGH
Vol. 1 The Early Medieval Settlement Remains from Flixborough, Lincolnshire: The Occupation Sequence, c. AD 600–1000 by Christopher Loveluck and David Atkinson
Vol. 2 Life and Economy at Early Medieval Flixborough, c. AD 600–1000: The Artefact Evidence edited by D. H. Evans and Christopher Loveluck
Vol. 3 Farmers, Monks and Aristocrats: The Environmental Archaeology of Anglo-Saxon Flixborough by Keith Dobney, Deborah Jaques, James Barrett and Cluny Johnstone
Vol. 4 Rural Settlement, Lifestyles and Social Change in the Later First Millennium AD: Anglo-Saxon Flixborough in its Wider Context by Christopher Loveluck
Front cover:
top row: left: Gilt copper alloy disc-headed pin (no. 560; Rf 7835). (Bill Marsden, Humber Field Archaeology) middle: Fragmentary brass mount (no. 979; RF 14087). (Bill Marsden, Humber Field Archaeology)
right: Gilt- silver disc brooch with zoomorphic decoration (no. 25; RF 5467) (Bill Marsden, Humber Field Archaeology) bottom row: Antler single-sided ‘winged’ composite comb (no. 851; RF 6139). (Bill Marsden, Humber Field Archaeology)
background: various fi nds from the Flixborough site.
Back cover:
X-radiograph of the inscribed lead plaque (no. 1019; RF 1781), bearing the names of seven individuals, both male and female. (British Museum).
EXCAVATIONS AT FLIXBOROUGH VOL. 2
Life and Economy at Early Medieval Flixborough, c. AD 600–1000:
The Artefact Evidence
edited by
D. H. Evans and Christopher Loveluck
with contributions by
Marion M. Archibald, Paul Blinkhorn, Michelle P. Brown, Jane Cowgill, Rosemary Cramp, Brenda Dickinson, Peter Didsbury, Glynis Edwards
†, Vera I. Evison, Martin Foreman, Geoff Gaunt, Kay Hartley, John Hines,
Jennifer Jones, Christopher Loveluck, Peter Makey, Bill Marsden, Catherine Mortimer, Sonia O’Connor, T. P. O’Connor, Elisabeth Okasha, Patrick Ottaway, Ian Panter, Jonathan Parkhouse, Tim Pestell, Elizabeth J. E. Pirie
†, Nicola Rogers, Bryan Sitch, David Starley, Gabor Thomas, Alan Vince
†,
Penelope Walton Rogers, Lisa M. Wastling, Jacqui Watson, Jane Young and Susan M. Youngs
Principal Illustrators
Mike Frankland, Zoe Patterson, John Marshall, Rebecca Smith and Leslie Turner
OXBOW BOOKS
Oxbow Books, Oxford, UK
© Oxbow Books, Humber Archaeology Partnership and the authors 2009
ISBN 978-1-84217-310-7
A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library
This book is published with the aid of a grant from English Heritage.
English Heritage is now Historic England
This book is available to download from
https://books.casematepublishing.com/Life and Economy at Early Medieval Flixborough.pdf
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Life and economy at early medieval Flixborough, c. AD 600-1000 : the artefact evidence / edited by D.H.
Evans and Christopher Loveluck ; with contributions by Marion M. Archibald ... [et al.] ; principal illustra- tors,
Mike Frankland ... [et al.].
p. cm. -- (Excavations at Flixborough ; v. 2) Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-84217-310-7
1. Flixborough Site (England) 2. Lincolnshire (England)--Antiquities. 3. Excavations (Archaeology)-- England--Lincolnshire. 4. Anglo-Saxons--England--Lincolnshire--History--To 1500. 5. Lincolnshire
(England)--History--To 1500. I. Evans, D. H. II. Loveluck, Christopher. III. Archibald, Marion.
DA670.L7L54 2009 942.8’32--dc22
2009019288
Contents
List of Figures ...ix
List of Plates ...xiii
List of Contributors to the Flixborough Volumes ...xvi
Summary... xviii
Zusammenfassung ... xix
Résumé ...xx
Acknowledgements ...xxi
Preface and Introduction ...xxiii
1 DRESS AND PERSONAL ITEMS by Nicola Rogers, Patrick Ottaway, Gabor Thomas, Martin Foreman, Ian Panter, Susan M. Youngs, John Hines and Jennifer Jones, with contributions by Glynis Edwards†, Christopher Loveluck, Sonia O’Connor, T. P. O’Connor, Lisa M. Wastling and Jacqui Watson 1.1 Brooches – Nicola Rogers, John Hines, Patrick Ottaway, Jennifer Jones and Ian Panter ...1
1.2 Strap-ends – Gabor Thomas, with a contribution by Susan M. Youngs, Glynis Edwards† and Jacqui Watson ...7
1.3 The hooked tags – Gabor Thomas ...17
1.4 Buckles: Non-ferrous buckles and other belt fi ttings – Nicola Rogers, with contributions by Glynis Edwards† and Jacqui Watson ...22
Iron buckles and belt fi ttings – Patrick Ottaway ...26
1.5 Jewellery – Nicola Rogers, with a contribution by Lisa M. Wastling ...28
1.6 Toilet implements – Nicola Rogers, with contributions by Glynis Edwards†, Gabor Thomas and Jacqui Watson ...30
1.7 Medical items – Patrick Ottaway ...32
1.8 The pins – Nicola Rogers, with contributions by Sonia O’Connor, Patrick Ottaway and Ian Panter ...32
1.9 Tool-marks and fi nishing details on non-ferrous, surface-coated and inlaid objects, including dress items – Ian Panter, with contributions by Glynis Edwards† and Jacqui Watson ...79
1.10 Combs – Martin Foreman, with identifi cations of osseous materials by Sonia O’Connor and T. P. O’Connor ...82
2 CONSUMPTION OF LUXURIES: THE GLASS AND COPPER ALLOY VESSELS by Vera I. Evison, Catherine Mortimer, Nicola Rogers and Susan M. Youngs 2.1 Glass vessels – Vera I. Evison ... 103
2.2 Analysis of chemical compositions of the glass – Catherine Mortimer ...113
2.3 Copper alloy vessels and container mounts – Nicola Rogers, with a contribution by Susan M. Youngs ...115
3 ARTEFACTS RELATING TO SPECIALIST ACTIVITIES by Tim Pestell, Michelle P. Brown, Elisabeth Okasha, Patrick Ottaway and Nicola Rogers 3.1 Horse equipment – Patrick Ottaway ...122
3.2 Weapons and armour – Patrick Ottaway ...123
3.3 Writing and literacy-related items:
The styli – Tim Pestell ...123
A decorated silver plaque, possibly from a book cover – Nicola Rogers ...138
The inscribed objects – Michelle. P. Brown and Elisabeth Okasha, with catalogue entries by Nicola Rogers ...138
3.4 Possible liturgical objects: Iron bells and bell clappers – Patrick Ottaway ...141
4 BUILDING MATERIALS AND FITTINGS by Patrick Ottaway, Lisa M. Wastling and Rosemary Cramp, with contributions by Glynis Edwards†, Ian Panter and Jacqui Watson 4.1 Structural ironwork and fi ttings – Patrick Ottaway, with contributions by Lisa M. Wastling, Glynis Edwards†, Jacqui Watson and Ian Panter ...143
4.2 Structural fi red clay or daub – Lisa M. Wastling ...154
4.3 Window glass and lead cames – Rosemary Cramp ...159
4.4 Other building materials ... 164
5 DOMESTIC FITTINGS AND IMPLEMENTS by Patrick Ottaway, Lisa M. Wastling, Nicola Rogers, Martin Foreman and David Starley, with contributions from Glynis Edwards†, Geoff Gaunt, Jennifer Jones, Ian Panter and Jacqui Watson 5.1 Iron domestic fi xtures, fi ttings and implements – Patrick Ottaway, with contributions by Glynis Edwards†, Jacqui Watson and Ian Panter ...166
5.2 Iron locks and keys – Patrick Ottaway, with contributions by Glynis Edwards†, Jacqui Watson and Ian Panter ...187
5.3 Copper alloy keys – Nicola Rogers, with contributions by Glynis Edwards†, Jacqui Watson and Ian Panter ....193
5.4 Miscellaneous copper-alloy fi xtures and fi ttings – Nicola Rogers, with contributions by Glynis Edwards†, Jacqui Watson and Ian Panter ...196
5.5 Miscellaneous lead and lead alloy objects – Lisa M. Wastling ...201
5.6 Miscellaneous iron fi xtures and fi ttings: Knives – Patrick Ottaway, with contributions by Jennifer Jones, Glynis Edwards†, David Starley and Jacqui Watson ...203
Appendix 1. Metallographic examination of knife blades – David Starley...229
5.7 Bone and antler implements and utensils – Martin Foreman ...231
5.8 Hones and sharpening stones – Lisa M. Wastling, with a contribution by Geoff Gaunt ...236
A note on the geology of the hones – Geoff Gaunt ...237
5.9 Stone lamps – Lisa M. Wastling, with lithological identifi cations by Geoff Gaunt ...239
5.10 A possible carved chalk vessel – Lisa M. Wastling with lithological identifi cation by Geoff Gaunt ...243
6 CULTIVATION, CROP PROCESSING AND FOOD PROCUREMENT by Lisa M. Wastling and Patrick Ottaway, with contributions by Geoff Gaunt, Christopher Loveluck and Jonathan Parkhouse 6.1 Agricultural tools – Patrick Ottaway ...245
6.2 Querns – Lisa M. Wastling ...245
A note on the geology of the sandstone querns – Geoff Gaunt ...246
A note on the lava querns from Flixborough – Christopher Loveluck, based on identifi cations by Jonathan Parkhouse ...248
6.3 Evidence for fi shing and netting birds – Lisa M. Wastling ...249
Iron fi sh hooks – Patrick Ottaway ...252
7 WOODWORKING, THE TOOL HOARD AND ITS LEAD CONTAINERS by Patrick Ottaway and Jane Cowgill, with contributions by Glynis Edwards† and Jacqui Watson 7.1 Woodworking tools – Patrick Ottaway, with contributions by Glynis Edwards† and Jacqui Watson ...253
7.2 The Flixborough tool hoard – Patrick Ottaway ...256
7.3 The lead vessels housing the Flixborough tool hoard – Jane Cowgill...267
8 LEATHERWORKING
by Patrick Ottaway, with contributions by Glynis Edwards† and Jacqui Watson
8.1 Leatherworking tools – Patrick Ottaway ...278
9 TEXTILE PRODUCTION by Penelope Walton Rogers, with contributions by Geoff Gaunt, Christopher Loveluck, Patrick Ottaway, Ian Panter and Lisa M. Wastling 9.1 Introduction ... 281
9.2 Fibre processing ... 281
9.3 Spinning ... 283
A note on the geology of the stone spindle whorls – Geoff Gaunt ...285
9.4 Weaving ... 287
9.5 Cutting and stitching ... 296
Shears – Patrick Ottaway and Penelope Walton Rogers ...296
Needles – Penelope Walton Rogers, with investigative conservation by Ian Panter ...298
Rubbing stones – Lisa M. Wastling ...300
9.6 Summary ... 300
Selective catalogue ... 301
10 IRONWORKING by Patrick Ottaway, David Starley and Christopher Loveluck 10.1 Artefacts and objects relating to ironworking – Patrick Ottaway ...317
10.2 Ironworking debris and manufacturing processes – David Starley and Christopher Loveluck ...322
Visual examination of the slags and metalworking debris ... 323
Distribution of metalworking debris by period within the occupation sequence ... 324
Physico-chemical analysis of debris ... 324
11 NON-FERROUS METALWORKING by Lisa M. Wastling, Nicola Rogers and Catherine Mortimer 11.1 The crucible and mould fragments – Lisa M. Wastling ...329
11.2 Other fi red clay objects – Lisa M. Wastling ...334
11.3 Surface analysis of crucible and mould fragments – Catherine Mortimer ...335
11.4 Copper alloy manufacturing debris –Nicola Rogers ...335
11.5 Evidence for leadworking – Lisa M. Wastling ...337
12 THE ANGLO-SAXON POTTERY by Jane Young and Alan Vince†, with a contribution by Paul Blinkhorn 12.1 Introduction – Jane Young ...339
12.2 Early to Middle Anglo-Saxon handmade wares – Jane Young and Alan Vince†...345
12.2.1 Charnwood (CHARN) ... 346
12.2.2 Organic-tempered fabrics (ECHAF) ... 346
12.2.3 Iron-tempered fabrics (FE) ... 347
12.2.4 Sandstone-tempered fabrics (SST) ... 347
12.2.5 Local Anglo-Saxon fabrics (ESAXLOC) ... 348
12.2.6 Greensand-tempered fabrics (ESGS) ... 348
12.2.7 Sparry calcite-tempered fabrics (SPARC) ... 349
12.2.8 Anglo-Saxon non-local fabrics (ESAXX) ... 349
12.3 Middle Saxon wares – Jane Young and Alan Vince†, with a contribution by Paul Blinkhorn ... 349
12.3.1 Northern Maxey-type ware... 349
12.3.2 Other shell-tempered Middle Saxon fabrics... 356
12.3.3 Ipswich ware – Paul Blinkhorn ...357
12.3.4 Imported pottery from continental Europe – Alan Vince† ...364
12.4 The Late Saxon Pottery – Jane Young and Alan Vince† ...368
12.4.1 Lincoln Kiln-type shelly ware (LKT) ... 368
12.4.2 Torksey and Torksey-type ware ... 369
12.4.3 Other Late Saxon fabrics ... 370
12.5 The site pottery sequence ... 370
Pottery catalogue ... 373
12.6 The Anglo-Saxon pottery from Flixborough within the context of the East Midlands of England, AD 650–1000 – Alan Vince† and Jane Young ...392
12.6.1 Late 7th and early 8th century ... 392
12.6.2 The 8th century ... 393
12.6.3 The 9th to 11th centuries ... 397
13 THE ANGLO-SAXON COINS, MENSURATION WEIGHTS AND INGOTS by Marion M. Archibald, Elizabeth J. E. Pirie†, Lisa M. Wastling, Ian Panter and Nicola Rogers 13.1 The Anglo-Saxon and medieval coins from Flixborough – Marion M. Archibald ...402
The Northumbrian coins – Elizabeth J. E. Pirie† ...413
13.2 Investigative conservation of the sceattas and stycas – Ian Panter ...420
13.3 Silver ingot for bullion-based exchange – Nicola Rogers ...422
13.4 Lead and lead alloy mensuration weights – Lisa M. Wastling ...422
14 PREHISTORIC, ROMANO-BRITISH AND HIGH MEDIEVAL REMAINS by Lisa M. Wastling, Peter Makey, Peter Didsbury, Bryan Sitch, Nicola Rogers, Patrick Ottaway and Marion M. Archibald, with contributions by Brenda Dickinson, Geoff Gaunt and Kay Hartley 14.1 Prehistoric remains ... 425
14.1.1 Prehistoric lithic material – Peter Makey ...425
14.1.2 The hammer stone – Lisa M. Wastling, with lithological identifi cation by Geoff Gaunt ...430
14.1.3 Prehistoric pottery – Peter Didsbury ...431
14.1.4 The sling-shots – Lisa M. Wastling ...431
14.2 Romano-British remains ... 433
14.2.1 The Roman coins – Bryan Sitch ...433
14.2.2 The Romano-British pottery – Peter Didsbury, with contributions by Brenda Dickinson, Kay Hartley and Lisa M. Wastling ...437
14.2.3 The Romano-British ceramic building materials – Lisa M. Wastling ...440
14.2.4 A copper alloy penannular brooch – Nicola Rogers ...442
14.2.5 A Romano-British sculpted stone fragment – Lisa M. Wastling, with lithological identifi cation by Geoff Gaunt ...442
14.2.6 A stone pestle – Lisa M. Wastling, with lithological identifi cations by Geoff Gaunt ...443
14.2.7 The jet pin – Lisa M. Wastling ...443
14.3 High Medieval and later remains ... 443
14.3.1 Medieval and later pottery – Peter Didsbury ...444
14.3.2 Medieval and later non-ferrous metal objects – Nicola Rogers ...445
14.3.3 Medieval and later objects of iron – Patrick Ottaway ...447
14.3.4 A medieval lead alloy spoon fragment – Lisa M. Wastling ... 450
14.3.5 The medieval stone roof tile – Lisa M. Wastling, with lithological identifi cations by Geoff Gaunt ...450
14.3.6 Medieval and later coins – Marion M. Archibald ...450
BIBLIOGRAPHY ... 453
INDEX... ... 469
COLOUR PLATES ... 487
Chapter 1
1.1 Copper alloy and silver safety-pin brooches. Scale 1:1.
1.2 Great square-headed brooch, small-long brooch, disc brooch and annular brooch. Scale 1:1.
1.3 Iron brooches. Scale 1:1.
1.4 Copper alloy strap-ends. Scale 1:1.
1.5 Detail of decoration on strap end no. 66, RF 552.
Scale 2:1. [Drawing by Lisa Humphrey, British Museum]
1.6 Tin-plated iron strap-ends. Scale 1:1.
1.7 Copper alloy and silver hooked tags. Scale 1:1.
1.8 Iron hooked tags. Scale 1:1.
1.9 Copper alloy buckles and buckle plate. Scale 1:1.
1.10 Copper alloy suspension loops and suspension rings, and iron buckles and belt fi ttings. Scale 1:1.
1.11 Iron belt slide, silver and copper alloy fi nger-rings, arm-rings or bracelets, twisted wire ring, pendants, and a wooden bead. Scale 1:1.
1.12 Copper alloy tweezers and ear scoop, and an iron fl eam. Scale 1:1.
1.13 Non-ferrous pins by type.
1.14 Typed non-ferrous pins by type and period.
1.15 Iron pins by type.
1.16 All iron pins by period.
1.17 Bone pins by period.
1.18 Comparative dimensions of complete pins of Types 1–5.
1.19 Pin Types 1–3 and shank forms.
1.20 Pin types 4 and 5 and shank forms.
1.21 Non-ferrous pin types 1–5 by period.
1.22 Silver and gilt pins by period.
1.23 Copper alloy pins of Type 1. Scale 1:1.
1.24 Copper alloy pins of Type 2. Scale 1:1.
1.25 Copper alloy pins of Types 3 and 4. Scale 1:1.
1.26 Copper alloy pins of Types 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and LIN1.
Scale 1:1.
1.27 Copper alloy pins of Types LIN2 and 000, and a Type 09 shank. Scale 1:1.
1.28 Bone pins of Types B1 and B2. Scale 1:1.
1.29 Silver pins of Types 1, LIN2 and 000, and a possible pin head. Scale 1:1.
1.30 Iron pins of Types FE01, FE1, FE2, FE3, FE8, and FE000. Scale 1:1.
1.31 Bone and antler combs. Scale 1:1.
1.32 Bone and antler combs. Scale 1:1.
1.33 Bone and antler combs. Scale 1:1.
1.34 Bone and antler combs. Scale 1:1.
Chapter 2
2.1 Glass vessels. Scale 1:1.
2.2 Glass vessels. Scale 1:1. Fragments nos 892–3 and 897–8 are possibly all from the same bowl, and a reconstruction of this is offered in FIG. 2.4.
2.3 Glass vessel fragments and bead. Scale 1:1.
2.4 Reconstruction drawing of glass bowl. Scale 1:1.
2.5 Table showing chemical components of Flix- borough glasses (EDX analysis of Flixborough glasses, weight percent).
2.6 Copper alloy vessel patch, drop handle, container mounts, and champlevé-enamelled hanging bowl mount. Scale 1:1.
Chapter 3
3.1 Iron horse equipment, weapons and armour. Scale 1:2.
3.2 Class I and Class I/II styli in iron and copper alloy.
Scale 1:1.
3.3 Class II and Class IV styli in iron, copper alloy, and silver. Scale 1:1.
3.4 Class VI styli in copper alloy and iron with foil mounts, and Class VII styli in copper alloy, and a copper alloy stylus fragment. Scale 1:1.
3.5 A decorated silver plaque (possibly from a book cover), an inscribed silver finger-ring, and an inscribed lead plaque. Scale 1:1.
3.6 Iron bell clapper. Scale 1:2.
Chapter 4
4.1 Iron nail types A-G. Scale 1:1.
4.2 Iron clench bolts. Scale 1:2.
4.3 Flixborough and 16-22 Coppergate, York: number of rectangular and U-shaped staples.
4.4 Incidence of multiple fi nds of staples in the same context.
List of Figures
4.5 Quantities of structural fi red clay or daub present.
4.6 Structural fi red clay or daub. Fabric percentages by number of fragments present.
4.7 Incidence of structural fired clay by type of context.
4.8 Wall daub fragments. Scale 1:4.
4.9 The size range for wattle rods and sails.
4.10 Anglo-Saxon window glass fragments. Scale 1:1.
4.11 Anglo-Saxon lead window came fragments. Scale 1:1.
Chapter 5
5.1 Iron pierced plates and strips. Scale 1:2.
5.2 Iron crescent-shaped fi ttings. Scale 1:2.
5.3 Hinge straps, U-eyed hinges and fi ttings, hasps, and corner brackets. Scale 1:2.
5.4 Iron vessel handles, suspension fi ttings and pot hooks. Scale 1:2.
5.5 Iron cauldron suspension chain, no. 1777. Scale 1:8; details, scale 1:4.
5.6 Iron wall hook, disc, foot and rush-light holder.
Scale 1:2.
5.7 Iron padlock bolts, sliding bolts and keys. Scale 1:2.
5.8 Copper alloy keys. Scale 1:1.
5.9 Miscellaneous copper alloy fi xtures and fi ttings.
Scale 1:1.
5.10 Lead plumb-bobs, plugs and lead vessel lug. Scale 1:1.
5.11 Flixborough: numbers of knives by blade back form.
5.12 Flixborough knives. Length of knives.
5.13 Flixborough knives. Length of knife blades.
5.14 Flixborough knives. Length: length of blade ratio.
5.15 Flixborough knives. Length: length of blade ratio.
5.16 Flixborough knives. Length of blade: maximum width of blade ratio.
5.17 Flixborough knives. Length of blade: maximum width of blade ratio.
5.18 Iron knives. Middle Anglo-Saxon sample, lengths of knives.
5.19 Iron knives. Late Anglo-Saxon sample, length of knives.
5.20 Iron knives. Middle Anglo-Saxon sample, length of knife blades.
5.21 Iron knives. Late Anglo-Saxon sample, length of knife blades.
5.22 Iron knives. Middle and Late Anglo-Saxon samples, length: length of blade ratio.
5.23 Iron knives. Middle Anglo-Saxon sample, length:
length of blade ratio.
5.24 Iron knives. Late Anglo-Saxon sample, length:
length of blade ratio.
5.25 Iron knives. Late Anglo-Saxon sample, length:
length of blade ratio greater than 2:1.
5.26 Iron knives. Middle Anglo-Saxon sample, length of blade: maximum width of blade ratio.
5.27 Iron knives. Late Anglo-Saxon sample, length of blade: maximum width of blade ratio.
5.28 Iron knives. Scale 1:2.
5.29 Iron knives. Scale 1:2.
5.30 Iron knives, and paring knives. Scale 1:2.
5.31 Iron fl esh forks, a skewer, and iron spatualate tools.
Scale 1:2.
5.32 Flixborough knives showing sample positions and back typologies.
5.33 Schematic diagram of Flixborough knife sections.
5.34 Summary of metallographic examination of knife blades.
5.35 Bone and antler spoons and spatulate objects. Scale 1:2.
5.36 Bone and antler lid and mount. Scale 1:1.
5.37 Stone hones. Scale 1:2.
5.38 Stone lamps. Scale 1:2.
5.39 Stone pedestal-type lamp and ribbed block lamp, and a possible carved chalk vessel.. Scale 1:2.
Chapter 6
6.1 Plough share. Scale 1:4.
6.2 Quern fragments. Scale 1:4.
6.3 Lead and lead alloy net and line weights. Scale 1:1.
6.4 Iron fi sh hooks. Scale 1:1.
Chapter 7
7.1 Woodworking tools. Scale 1:2.
7.2 Flixborough hoard: T-shaped axes, weight and blade length.
7.3 British 9th–10th-century ironwork hoards: approx- imate numbers of tools and other iron objects, and type of container, if any.
7.4 Scandinavian Viking-Age hoards (all Denmark, except Mästermyr, Gotland): approximate numbers of tools and other iron objects (excluding chest fi ttings), and type of container, if any.
7.5 Flixborough tool hoard: bell and axe. Scale 1:2.
7.6 Flixborough tool hoard: T-shaped axes. Scale 1:2.
7.7 Flixborough tool hoard: T-shaped axe, adze, and a T-shaped adze. Scale 1:2.
7.8 Flixborough tool hoard: shaves. Scale 1:2.
7.9 Flixborough tool hoard: spoon augers, bill hook, and hoe blade. Scale 1:2.
7.10 Flixborough tool hoard: attachment rings. Scale 1:2.
7.11 The dimensions and volumes of the Anglo-Saxon lead vessels.
7.12 Imperial dry and liquid measurements (source:
Baker 1950).
7.13 Flixborough tool hoard: larger lead vessel, with design sequence \/\\/\/. Scale 1:4.
7.14 Flixborough tool hoard: second design sequence on the reverse side to FIG. 7.13 on the larger lead vessel (no. 2469). Scale 1:4.
7.15 Flixborough tool hoard: smaller lead vessel. Scale 1:4.
Chapter 8
8.1 Leatherworking tools. Scale 1:2.
Chapter 9
9.1 Textile-making equipment from Flixborough by type and phase.
9.2 Parts of an iron wool comb. Scale 1:2.
9.3. Stone spindle whorls. Scale 1:1.
9.4 Lead spindle whorls. Scale 1:1.
9.5 Bone and antler spindle whorls. Scale 1:1.
9.6 Fired clay and ceramic spindle whorls. Scale 1:1.
9.7 Pin-beaters. Scale 1:1.
9.8 Total weight of loom-weights by context and phase.
9.9 The comparative weights of the Flixborough loom- weights recovered from Phase 3b, Period 4 and Period 6.
9.10 Loom-weights. Scale 1:2.
9.11 Loom-weights. Scale 1:2.
9.12 Loom-weights. Scale 1:2.
9.13 Iron shears. Scale 1:2.
9.14 Copper alloy, bone and iron needles. Scale 1:1.
9.15 Rubbing stones. Scale 1:2.
Chapter 10
10.1 Iron bar, strip, and various metalworking tools (tongs, a punch, tanged punches, a mandrel, and a fi le). Scale 1:2.
10.2 Summary of diagnostic iron smithing and smelting debris from Flixborough, by weight (in grammes) and period.
10.3 Dimensions of smithing hearth bottoms 10.4 Mean analyses of ores and slags.
Chapter 11
11.1 Mould fragments. Scale 1:1.
11.2 Crucible fragments. Scale 1:1.
11.3 Other fi red-clay objects. Scale 1:2.
11.4 Table showing the presence of non-ferrous metals on crucible and mould fragments.
11.5 Copper alloy manufacturing debris by Period/
phase.
11.6 Lead ingots. Scale 1:2.
11.7 Lead objects or offcuts. Scale 1:1.
Chapter 121
12.1 Table of broad ceramic groups recovered from Flixborough.
12.2 The Flixborough Early to Middle Saxon type series and pottery sequence (part one).
12.3 The Flixborough Early to Middle Saxon type series and pottery sequence (part two).
12.4 Summary of Handmade Anglo-Saxon Fabric groups by sherd count and weight.
12.5 Summary of Maxey-type ware fabric groupings by sherd count and weight.
12.6 Summary of Middle Saxon shell-tempered fabrics.
12.7 Flixborough Ipswich ware jar occurrence by MNV per rim diameter category (20mm intervals).
12.8 Ipswich ware occurrence by number and weight of sherds, MNV and mean sherd weight per site phase.
12.9 Ipswich ware occurrence by number and weight of sherds per phase group.
12.10 Ipswich ware occurrence within structures.
12.11 Chemical analyses of various Rhenish sherds – Badorf, Early German Stonewares, Langerwehe, and Walberberg.
12.12 Imports submitted for ICPS analysis.
12.13 Principal components analysis of selected Continental imports: Graph showing PC1 vs PC2.
12.14 Summary of Late Saxon Fabric groups by sherd count and weight.
12.15 Phasing for the developmental sequence of the pottery.
12.16 Pottery horizons characterised at Flixborough.
12.17 Handmade Anglo-Saxon fabrics 2. Scale 1:4.
12.18 Maxey-type Fabric A. Scale 1:4.
12.19 Maxey-type Fabric B, large jars. Scale 1:4.
12.20 Maxey-type Fabric B, medium and small-sized jars.
Scale 1:4.
12.21 Maxey-type Fabric B, bowls. Scale 1:4.
12.22 Maxey-type Fabric B, miscellaneous. Scale 1:4.
12.23 Maxey-type Fabric E, large jars. Scale 1:4.
12.24 Maxey-type Fabric E, medium and small-sized jars.
Scale 1:4.
12.25 Maxey-type Fabric E, type IV vessels and bowls.
Scale 1:4.
12.26 Maxey-type Fabric E and Fabric U, jars and large bowls. Scale 1:4.
12.27 Maxey-type Fabric U bowls and Fabric C jars. Scale 1:4.
12.28 Early Lincolnshire Fine-shelled ware and other shell-tempered fabrics. Scale 1:4.
12.29 Ipswich ware and Continental imports. Scale 1:4.
12.30 Late Saxon wares. Scale 1:4.
12.31 Distribution of CHARN pottery, with acid igneous rock inclusions, in the East Midlands.
12.32 Distribution of ECHAF pottery, tempered with abundant organic material, in the East Midlands.
12.33 Distribution of ESGS pottery, with polished quartz inclusions from Cretaceous greensand, in the East Midlands.
12.34 Distribution of FE pottery, tempered with iron-rich pellets, in the East Midlands.
12.35 Distribution of LIM pottery, with Oolith inclusions, in the East Midlands.
12.36 Distribution of SST pottery, tempered with sandstone, in the East Midlands.
12.37 Distribution of Maxey-type wares in fabrics MAXE and MAXU in the East Midlands.
12.38 Distribution of Northern Maxey-type wares (MAXA, MAXB and MAXC) in the East Midlands.
12.39 Distribution of Central Maxey-type ware (MAXQ) in the East Midlands.
12.40 Distribution of Southern Maxey-type ware (RMAX) in the East Midlands.
12.41 Distribution of ELFS (Early Lincoln/Lincolnshire Fine Shelled Ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.42 Distribution of LG (Lincoln Gritty ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.43 Distribution of LSLS sandy ware pottery in the East Midlands.
12.44 Distribution of LKT ROUL (Early Lincoln Shelly Ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.45 Distribution of TORK ROUL (Torksey ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.46 Distribution of LKT INT (Lincoln Kiln Type Inturned Rim) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.47 Distribution of LSH (Lincoln shelly ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.48 Distribution of SNLS (Lincoln sand-tempered ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.49 Distribution of ST JAR (Stamford ware jars) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.50 Distribution of ST (Glazed Stamford ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.51 Distribution of TORK (later Torksey ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
12.52 Distribution of THET-TORK (Thetford-type ware) pottery in the East Midlands.
Chapter 13
13.1 Analysis of the sceattas.
13.2 Analysis of the stycas.
13.3 Lead and lead alloy mensuration weights, and a silver ingot. Scale 1:1.
13.4 Comparison of weights and the silver ingot with postulated units (After Kruse, 1992).
Chapter 14
14.1 Composition of the combined excavated and unstratifi ed fl int assemblage.
14.2 Flint assemblage composition and incidence by phase.
14.3 Breadth to length ratios of fl int debitage.
14.4 Scraper typological form.
14.5 Sling-shots. Scale 1:2.
14.6 Chronological profi le of the Roman coins from Flixborough.
14.7 Chronological profi le of Roman coin losses from sites in North Lincolnshire.
14.8 Incidence of Romano-British pottery by main site periods.
14.9 Romano-British pottery. Scale 1:4.
14.10 Two ceramic vessels of uncertain function. Scale 1:1.
14.11 Sculpted stone fragment. Scale 1:2.
14.12 Stone pestle. Scale 1:2.
14.13 Fabric profile of the medieval pottery assemblage.
14.14 Medieval and later non-ferrous objects. Scale 1:1.
14.15 Medieval iron belt hasp and lock shackle. Scale 1:2.
14.16 Knop from a late medieval lead alloy spoon. Scale 1:1.
14.17 Medieval stone roofi ng tile. Scale 1:4.
Note
1. Figs 12.31 to 12.52 can also be found in full colour in the ADS archive.
Chapter 1
1.1 Sixth-century great square-headed brooch (no.
23; FX 88, RF6. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
1.2 Gilt- silver disc brooch with zoomorphic decoration (no. 25; RF 5467), manufactured during the late eighth–early ninth century (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
1.3 Gilt- silver disc brooch, and a selection of strap-ends and hooked tags (Humber Field Archaeology).
1.4 Enamelled strap-end no. 84 (RF 1618). (British Museum).
1.5 Late eighth-century silver-gilt hooked tag (no.
90; RF 1816) with zoomorphic decoration (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology.
1.6 A selection of pins with zoomorphic heads. From left to right, nos 677, 565, and 678. (Humber Field Archaeology).
1.7 Pin with a terminal in the form of a dog’s head (no. 566; RF 822). (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
1.8 Gilt copper alloy disc-headed pin (no. 560; RF 7835), with eighth- to ninth-century interlace decoration.
(Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
1.9 The spherical head of a pin, with six cylindrical settings; fi ve of these contain red glass, the sixth holds the remains of the broken pin shaft (no. 679, RF 1241). (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archae- ology).
1.10 Detail of “ladder”-like marks running along the shank of silver stylus no. 1006 (RF 6143).
1.11 Detail of deeper lines/grooves at right-angles to the shank of copper alloy pin of brooch no. 15 (RF 11043).
1.12 Striations along the shank of copper alloy pin RF 632 (cat. no. 522), suggesting that it was pulled through a draw-plate.
1.13 Detail of the head of pin no. 417 (RF 2643), showing how the fi le-marks have been used to create facets on the head.
1.14 Detail of the concentric cuts made by a scriber within the ring scribed onto the top of the cuboid pin head of pin no. 336 (RF 711).
1.15 Detail of the characteristic striations caused by the use of a drill or awl to make the decoration on pin head no. 535 (RF 7106).
1.16 Detail of the decoration on the fl attened head of unfi nished pin no. 527 (RF 2838). This face has three inscribed rings and dots
1.17 Detail of the decoration on the fl attened head of unfi nished pin no. 527 (RF 2838). This face has only two inscribed rings and dots, suggesting that the head was not completed (compare FIG. 1.29).
1.18 Antler single-sided ‘winged’ composite comb (no. 851, RF 6139). (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
Chapter 2
2.1 A selection of glass fragments including the tessera.
2.2 Two fragments of an imported bowl in colourless glass, with fine horizontal yellow trails inside throughout (no. 883, RF 5000). (Bill Marsden;
Humber Field Archaeology).
2.3 Everted rim of a vessel in light blue-green glass, probably a globular beaker (no. 885, RF 7247), decor- ated with horizontal yellow trails. (Bill Marsden;
Humber Field Archaeology).
2.4 Cobalt-blue glass vessel fragment of a blown applied foot, with a fi ne white marvered trail on exterior surface (no. 892; RF 8723); imported from the continent, from an eighth-century context (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
2.5 The upper part of the plate shows part of the kicked base of a globular beaker, in light green-blue glass with red ‘feathered’ patterning; and an unmarvered black and yellow reticella trail; the latter is one of a number which would have radiated from the centre of the base, to continue vertically up the vessel wall (no. 900; RF 6887). The lower part of the plate shows a tessera in streaky blue glass (no. 947, RF 14334). (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archae ology).
2.6 Fragments of imported, reticella-decorated glass vessel, probably a bowl (nos 897, 901 and 902), The plates can be found in a separate section at the back of the volume. For the scale of individual objects, the reader is referred to the detailed line drawings accompanying the catalogues.
from Flixborough, eighth to ninth century (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
2.7 Fragmentary copper alloy mount (no. 979; RF 14087), which terminates in an animal-shaped head, with a long snout; each of the eyes contain yellow glass, and there is silver inlay close to the tip. The upper part of the object is decorated with asymmetrical interlace. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archae ology).
2.8 Front face of the hanging bowl mount, no. 980, RF 5717. (British Museum).
Chapter 3
3.1 Copper alloy Class II stylus (no. 1005, RF 4762), with a plain, straight-edged triangular eraser. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
3.2 Silver Class II stylus (no. 1006, RF 6143), with a bold triangular eraser and a baluster-shaped shaft;
note the collar fl anked by bands, and the encircl- ing grooves on the upper part of the shaft. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
3.3 Iron Class VI stylus (no. 1013, RF 12268). The eraser is covered with a silver foil repoussé mount, with a style II interlace design set within a triangular border. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archae- ology).
3.4 Copper alloy Class VII stylus (no. 1014, RF 3775).
Bell-shaped eraser tapering to a bow-shaped end;
shaft decorated with groups of encircling bands.
Traces of gilding surviving around the collar suggest that the whole object was once gilded. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
3.5 Decorated silver plaque (no. 1017, RF 6767), possibly from a book cover. Deep chip-carved inter- lace enmeshes a two-legged beast. (Bill Marsden;
Humber Field Archaeology).
3.6 Inscribed silver fi nger-ring (no. 1018), dating to the eighth or ninth century, with traces of mercury gilding. It is inscribed with the letters of most of the fi rst half of the alphabet (the letters A to L, with the obvious exception of a J) in half uncial script.
(Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
3.7 X-radiograph of the inscribed lead plaque (no. 1019, RF 1781), bearing the names of seven individuals, both male and female. (British Museum).
Chapter 4
4.1 Window glass fragments from Period 4 (ninth- century) contexts at Flixborough (Bill Marsden;
Humber Field Archaeology).
4.2 Two clear (light blue) fragments of coloured glass.
(Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
Chapter 5
5.1 Cauldron suspension chain (no. 1777, RF 7107).
(Humber Field Archaeology).
5.2 Iron knife with blade back form C1 (no. 2173, RF
12167). The remains of a horn handle on the tang extend over the shoulder; remains of a leather sheath around the blade overlap the handle. (Bill Marsden;
Humber Field Archaeology).
5.3 Knife metallurgy. Ferritic iron comprising uniform light etching grains. Nital-etched, image width 1.5mm.
5.4 Knife metallurgy. Phosphoric iron. Light etching grains with irregular grain size and “ghosting”.
Nital-etched, image width 1.5mm.
5.5 Knife metallurgy. Martensite – the result of quenching steel. Nital-etched, image width 0.4mm.
5.6 Flixborough knife blade section (RF 3569). Dark etching steel edge, butt-welded to mixed alloy back.
Nital-etched, image width 10mm.
5.7 Flixborough knife blade section (RF 4332). Ferritic iron core (light etching) wrapped in steel (dark etching). Nital-etched, image width 10mm.
5.8 Flixborough knife blade section (RF 12170).
Entirely ferritic / phosphoric iron, possibly because the steel edge has been worn away by use. Nital- etched, image width 10mm.
5.9 Bone spoon (no. 2316, RF 4135) with leaf-shaped handle (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archae- ology).
Chapter 7
7.1 Single-bladed iron woodworking axe (no. 2423, RF 12107) (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archae- ology).
7.2 Iron adze (no. 2425, RF 11793); wedges in the socket held the handle in place (Bill Marsden;
Humber Field Archaeology).
7.3 The two lead cylindrical vessels which housed the hoard; no. 2470 to the left, and 2469 to the right (Humber Field Archaeology).
7.4 Flixborough tool hoard. One of the ribs on the larger lead vessel no. 2469, showing the poor level of fi nish.
7.5 Flixborough tool hoard. Detail of the rib where it joins the rim and the attached iron ring on the larger lead vessel no. 2469.
7.6 Flixborough tool hoard. The inside of the larger lead vessel no. 2469; it also shows the different sizes of the two rings.
7.7 Flixborough tool hoard. Detail of the rim and one iron ring on the larger lead vessel no. 2469.
7.8 Flixborough tool hoard. Some of the lines decorating the side of the larger lead vessel no. 2469 (cf. also fi g. 7.14).
7.9 Flixborough tool hoard. Detail of the staple and ring on the smaller lead vessel no. 2470.
Chapter 8
8.1 Lunette knife (no. 2475, RF 10841) used for cutting leather. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archae ology).
Chapter 9
9.1 Spindle whorls from 9th-century phases of the Anglo-Saxon settlement. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
9.2 A bone pin-beater (no. 2570, RF 3577) from a mid to late eighth century to early ninth century refuse dump. Decorated with a band of incised lines and lattice. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archae- ology).
9.3 Iron shears (no. 2859, RF 325); blades have horizontal shoulders. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
9.4 Iron shears (no. 2879, RF 10428); blades have concave shoulders. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
Chapter 10
10.1 Locking tongs (no. 3063, RF 12169) for holding partially fabricated metal artefacts; the keeper (the plate attached to the rebated end of one arm) has four holes, in which the other arm could be set, to keep it in tension. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
10.2 Metalworking fi le (no. 3092, RF 4877), with the tang missing; blade of rectangular cross-section.
Traces of copper alloy were lodged in the teeth.
(Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
Chapter 13
13.1 The Northumbrian coins. Scale 3:2, except nos 3239 and 3246 (scale 2:1). (Photos: E. J. E. Pirie).
13.2 Sceattas and pennies; scale 1:1 (Photos: Bill Marsden, apart from no. 3268, which was taken from a Polaroid print).
13.3 Illustrations of sceattas and pennies which were retained by metal detectorists) no. 3425 is taken from the original Recorded Find sheet).
13.4 Sceattas and pennies; scale 1:1 (Photos: Dept. of Coins & Medals, The British Museum).
13.5 Conical lead weight, with iron suspension handle (no. 3279, RF 3884). (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
13.6 Cylindrical lead weight (no. 3284, RF 3727), and a silver ‘fi nger’ ingot (no. 3289, RF 12198). (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
Chapter 14
14.1 Medieval annular gold brooch (no. 3367, RF 12237), formed from double-strand wire wrapped around a core; the pin is missing. Similar to a mid to late thirteenth-century example from York. (Bill Marsden; Humber Field Archaeology).
ARCHIBALD, MARION M., Formerly Dept. of Coins and Medals, British Museum.
BLINKHORN, PAUL, Freelance ceramic consultant (Ipswich ware).
BROOKS, MARGARET, English Heritage project conservator, Wiltshire Conservation Centre.
BROWN, MICHELLE P., Institute of English Studies, SAS, University of London.
COWGILL, JANE, Freelance finds and metal-working specialist.
CRAMP, ROSEMARY, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Archaeology, Durham University.
DICKINSON, BRENDA, Freelance ceramic specialist (samian).
DIDSBURY, PETER, Freelance pottery consultant.
EDWARDS, GLYNIS†, English Heritage Archaeological Science.
EVANS, D. H., Archaeology Manager, Humber Archaeology Partnership. Joint editor of Vol. 2, and assistant editor for Vol. 1; project manager 2000–2008.
EVISON, VERA I., Professor Emeritus, Institute of Archae- ology, UCL, London.
FOREMAN, MARTIN, Freelance fi nds specialist.
FR A N K L A N D, MI K E, Humber Field Archaeology;
principal illustrator for these volumes.
GAUNT, GEOFF, DEPT. of Archaeological Sciences, Uni- versity of Bradford; formerly British Geological Survey.
HARTLEY, KAY, Freelance ceramic specialist (mortaria).
HINES, JOHN, School of History and Archaeology, Cardiff University.
HUGHES, MICHAEL, Freelance specialist on ICPS analysis of pottery.
JONES, JENNIFER, Conservation Services, Dept. of Archaeology, Durham University.
LOVELUCK, CHRISTOPHER, Dept. of Archaeology, University of Nottingham. Principal author and series editor; project manager 1996–2000.
MAKEY, PETE, Freelance lithics specialist.
MARSDEN, BILL, BM Photographic Services, Hull (detailed fi nds photographs).
MARSHALL, JOHN, Formerly Senior Illustrator with the Humber Archaeology Partnership.
MORTIMER, CATHERINE, Freelance archaeo-materials analyst.
O’CONNOR, SONIA, Conservation Laboratory, Dept. of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford.
O’CONNOR, T. P., Dept. of Archaeology, University of York.
OKASHA, ELISABETH, Language Centre, University College, Cork.
OTTAWAY, PATRICK, PJO Archaeology.
PANTER, IAN, Head of Conservation, York Archaeological Trust.
PARKHOUSE, JONATHAN, Warwickshire Museum Field Services (Archaeology).
PATTERSON, ZOE, Freelance illustrator (Anglo-Saxon pottery).
PESTELL, TIM, Curator of Archaeology, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery.
PIRIE, ELIZABETH J. E.†, Numismatic specialist. Formerly Leeds Museums and Galleries.
ROGERS, NICOLA, York Archaeological Trust.
SITCH, BRYAN, Head of Humanities, The Manchester Museum.
SMITH, LINDA, Formerly illustrator with the Humberside Archaeology Unit.
SMITH, REBECCA, Former Contract Illustrator, Humber Field Archaeology.
STARLEY, DAVID, Freelance archaeometallurgist (formerly Ancient Monuments Laboratory, English Heritage).
THOMAS, GABOR, Dept. of Archaeology, University of Reading.
TURNER, LESLIE, Former Contract illustrator, Humber Field Archaeology.
VINCE, ALAN†, Freelance ceramic consultant.
WALTON ROGERS, Penelope, The Anglo-Saxon Laboratory.
WASTLING, LISA M., Senior Finds Offi cer, Humber Field Archaeology.
WATSON, JACQUI, English Heritage Archaeological Science.
YOUNG, JANE, Lindsey Archaeological Services.
YOUNGS, SUSAN M., Honorary Research Associate, Institute of Archaeology, University of Oxford; formerly Dept. of Prehistory & Europe, British Museum.
Between 1989 and 1991, extensive excavations were undertaken adjacent to the former settlement of North Conesby, in the parish of Flixborough, North Lincolnshire.
This English Heritage-funded project unearthed remains of an Anglo-Saxon settlement associated with one of the largest collections of artefacts and animal bones yet found on such a site – over 10,000 individual recorded fi nds, large quantities of bulk fi nds, and hundreds of thousands of animal, bird and fi sh bones. Analysis has demonstrated that the excavated part of the settlement was in use throughout what have been termed the ‘Mid/Middle’ and ‘Late’ Anglo- Saxon periods. In an unprecedented occupation sequence from an Anglo-Saxon rural settlement, six main periods of occupation have been identifi ed, with additional sub- phases, dating from the 7th to the early 11th centuries;
with a further period of activity between the 12th and 15th centuries AD.
The remains of approximately forty buildings and other structures were uncovered; and due to the survival of large refuse deposits, huge quantities of artefacts and faunal remains were encountered compared with most other rural settlements of the period. Together, the different forms of evidence and their depositional circumstances provide an unprecedented picture of nearly all aspects of daily life on a settlement which probably housed elements of the contemporary social elite amongst its inhabitants, between the 7th and 11th centuries. Furthermore, and perhaps even more importantly, the detailed analysis of the remains also provides indications of how the character of occupation changed radically during the later fi rst millennium AD, when the area of what is now North Lincolnshire was incorporated, in chronological succession, within the Kingdom of Mercia, the Danelaw, and fi nally, the West Saxon and then Anglo-Danish Kingdom of England.
The artefact assemblage from Flixborough is exceptional amongst excavated English sites of this period, both in
terms of the sheer quantity of fi nds recovered, and for their variety; these help to shed light upon many aspects of everyday life, and upon the various crafts and industries practised within this settlement during this period. As the academic referee for this volume succinctly observed:
Many of the artefact classes represent the largest single- site groups of their kind, or contain unusual or exceptional examples; a signifi cant number are of types associated with elite lifestyles and activities; others have important implications for the understanding of local, regional, and international economic activity.
The chronological range of material presented within this volume extends from the Mesolithic to the post- medieval period, but the vast bulk relates to the Middle and Later Saxon periods. Thematic chapters present a very extensive array of dress accessories in a variety of materials, certain luxury items and objects associated with specialist activities (such as hunting, riding, ceremonial dining, and literacy), and a wide range of tools and imple- ments associated with a variety of crafts and industries (e.g. woodworking, iron-working, leather-working, and non-ferrous metalworking); other chapters look at the fi xtures and fi ttings associated with buildings, the tools and equipment used in agriculture, fi shing and fowling, and, last, but by no means least, the pottery and coinage in use in this settlement.
The volume, as a whole, presents a currently unique window onto the daily life of people living at an important rural settlement, between the 7th and 11th centuries AD, in eastern England; it also sets out the evidence for its wider trading and exchange contacts with other parts of Britain and Continental Europe – a theme which is examined in greater detail in Volume 4 of this series. The discussions and catalogues are richly illustrated, with 213 blocks of fi gures and 67 plates of photographs (mostly in colour).
Von 1989 bis 1991 fanden in der Nähe der aufgegebenen mittelalterlichen Siedlung North Conesby in der Gemeinde Flixborough, North Lincolnshire, großfl ächige Ausgrabungen statt. Dieses von English Heritage fi nanziell geförderte Projekt deckte eine angelsächsische Siedlung mit einem der umfangreichsten Kleinfund- und Tierknochenspektren, die je an einem vergleichbaren Fundplatz gefunden wurden, auf. Während der Ausgrabungen wurden etwa 10.000 Kleinfunde und etwa Hunderte Tausenden von Tier- und Vogelknochen, sowie Fischgräten, dokumentiert. Die Auswertung dieses Fundmaterials zeigte, dass der untersuchte Teil der Siedlung während der sogenannten „mittleren“ und
„späten“ angelsächsischen Perioden durchgehend besiedelt war. Anhand einer für eine ländliche angelsächsische Siedlung bisher einmaligen Nutzungsabfolge konnten sechs Hauptperioden mit mehreren Phasen identifi ziert werden, die schwerpunktmäßig vom 7. bis in das 11.
Jahrhundert datieren. Eine weitere, jüngere Nutzungsphase datiert vom 12. bis in das 15. Jahrhundert.
Die Ausgrabungen legten ca. 40 Gebäude und andere Strukturen, sowie Überreste von umfangreichen Abfallgruben, die im Vergleich zu ähnlichen Siedlungen erstaunlich große Mengen an Kleinfundmaterial und Tierknochen enthielten, frei. Aufgrund ihres guten Erhaltungszustands bieten die verschiedenen Fundgattungen einen einmaligen Einblick in fast alle Aspekte des täglichen Lebens einer ländlichen Siedlung des 7. bis 11. Jahrhunderts, in der unter anderem Angehörige der damaligen sozialen Elite wohnten. Von noch größerer Relevanz ist jedoch, dass die detaillierte Analyse des Fundmaterials deutlich macht, wie drastisch sich die Nutzungscharakteristika der Siedlung im Laufe des ersten Jahrtausends nach Christus veränderten. Während dieser Zeit gehörte das heutige nördliche Lincolnshire nacheinander zum Königreich Mercia, dem Danelag und dem westsächsischen, später anglo-dänischen, Königreich England.
Das Fundmaterial aus Flixborough ist nicht nur wegen seiner außergewöhnlichen Menge, sondern auch wegen der Breite an Funden, die dokumentiert wurden, für Fundplätze dieser Zeitstellung in England bisher einmalig. Als solches
lässt es nicht nur Schlüsse über etliche Gesichtspunkte des täglichen Lebens zu, sondern liefert auch Hinweise zu Handwerksformen und industriellen Tätigkeiten, die in der Siedlung stattfanden. Der Gutachter dieses Bandes fasste dies prägnant zusammen:
Viele der Fundgattungen stellen die größten derzeit bekannten Gruppen ihrer Art von einem Fundplatz dar, oder enthalten seltene oder gar einmalige Stücke; ein großer Teil dieses Materials weist auf eine soziale Elite hin, andere Funde bieten eine wichtige Grundlage für das Verständnis von Wirtschaftsstrukturen auf lokaler, regionaler und internationaler Ebene.
Die zeitliche Stellung des in diesem Band vorgestellten Materials reicht vom Mesolithikum bis in das Nachmittelalter. Der mit Abstand größte Anteil der Funde datiert jedoch in die „mittlere“ und „späte“ angelsächsische Zeit. In thematisch geordneten Kapiteln werden eine umfangreiche Auswahl von Trachtbestandteilen in verschiedenen Materialien, Luxusgütern und Funden, die mit bestimmten Aktivitäten der sozialen Elite (wie zum Beispiel dem Jagen und Reiten, Banketten und der Schreibfertigkeit) assoziiert werden, sowie Funden, die auf verschiedene Handwerkstätigkeiten hinweisen (so zum Beispiel Holzbearbeitung, Eisenherstellung und –verarbeitung, Gerberei und Metallverarbeitung), vorgestellt. Weitere Kapitel konzentrieren sich auf Beschläge und Ausstattungsbestandteile, die mit Gebäuden, landwirtschaftlichen Werkzeugen und Gerät, sowie Fisch- und Tierzucht assoziiert sind. Abschließend werden Keramik und Münzfunde der Siedlung vorgestellt.
Insgesamt ermöglicht dieser Band damit einen bisher einmaligen Einblick in das tägliche Leben einer wichtigen ländlichen Siedlung Ostenglands während des 7. bis 11.
Jahrhunderts. Weiterhin werden wichtige Hinweise auf weiterreichende Handelskontakte innerhalb der Britischen Inseln und zum Europäischen Festland vorgestellt. Diese Thematik wird in Band 4 dieser Serie genauer untersucht.
Sowohl der Diskussionsteil als auch der Katalog sind mit 213 Abbildungsblöcken und 67 meist farbigen Fototafeln reich illustriert.
Résumé
Entre 1989 et 1991, de grandes fouilles furent entreprises à coté de l’ancien établissement de North Conesby, dans la paroisse de Flixborough, North Lincolnshire.
Ce projet, fi nancé par English Heritage, a mis à jour les restes d’un établissement Anglo-saxon avec l’une des plus grandes collections d’artéfacts et d’ossements animaux jamais trouvées sur un tel site – autours 10000 archives de découvertes individuelles, de nombreux ensembles de découvertes, et quelques cents de milliers d’ossements d’animaux et d’oiseaux et d’arêtes de poissons. Les analyses ont montré que la partie fouillée de l’établissement était occupée pendant ce qu’on a appelé le
« Milieu » et la « Fin » de l’époque Anglo-saxonne. Grâce àcet exemple sans précédent de séquences d’occupation d’un établissement Anglo-saxon rural, on a identifi é six périodes d’occupation principales, avec des sous phases supplémentaires, qui vont du 7ème au début du 11ème siècle ; avec une autre période d’activité située entre le 12ème et le 15ème siècle après JC.
Les restes d’environ quarante bâtiments et autres structures furent mis à jour. Grâce à la présence d’importants dépôts de détritus, on a découvert de grandes quantités d’artéfacts et de restes d’animaux, contrairement à la plupart des autres établissements ruraux de la période. Les différentes formes de preuves, ainsi que les circonstances de leur déposition, fournissent une image sans précédent de presque tous les aspects de la vie quotidienne dans un établissement qui comptait certainement des membres de l’élite sociale de l’époque parmi ses habitants, entre le 7ème et le 11ème siècle. De plus, et peut-être surtout, les analyses détaillées des vestiges fournissent aussi des indications quant au changement radical du caractère de l’occupation pendant la fi n du premier millénaire après JC, quand la région de l’actuel North Lincolnshire fut incorporée, chronologiquement, au Royaume de Mercie, au Daneslaw, et enfi n au Royaume d’Angleterre Saxon de l’Ouest, puis Anglo-Danois.
L’assemblage du site de Flixborough est unique parmi les sites anglais fouillés de cette période, aussi bien en terme de la quantité exceptionnelle des preuves découvertes
que de leur variété. Ces découvertes peuvent aider à comprendre beaucoup d’aspects de la vie quotidienne, ainsi que l’artisanat et les industries de l’établissement à cette période. Comme un des membres du comité de lecture de ce volume l’a observé :
« Beaucoup des catégories d’artéfacts représentent les plus grands groupements de leur genre issus d’un même site, ou contiennent des exemples inhabituels ou exceptionnels.
Un nombre considérable de ces classes d’artéfacts sont associées au style de vie et aux activités de l’élite, d’autres ont d’importantes implications quant à notre conception des activités économiques locales, régionales et internationales. »
La chronologie du matériel présenté au sein de ce volume s’étend du Mésolithique à la période post-médiévale, mais la majorité correspond au Milieu et à la Fin de la période Anglo-saxonne. Les chapitres thématiques présentent une gamme très large d’accessoires vestimentaires en matériaux divers, certains objets de luxe et des objets associés à des activités spécialisées (comme la chasse, l’équitation, les dîners d’apparat, et l’écriture), et une gamme importante d’outils et d’instruments associés à différents types d’artisanats et d’industries (par exemple la menuiserie, la ferronnerie, le travail du cuir, et le travail de métaux non ferreux). Les autres chapitres se consacrent aux installations fi xes des bâtiments, au matériel et aux outils utilisés pour l’agriculture, la pêche et la chasse du gibier à plumes, et, dernier point mais non des moindres, à la poterie et la monnaie utilisée dans cet établissement.
Le volume, dans son ensemble, procure une image sans précédent de la vie quotidienne dans un établissement rural majeur de l’est de l’Angleterre, entre le 7ème et le 11ème siècle après JC. Il présente également les preuves de ses contacts élargis d’échange et de commerce avec d’autres parties des Iles Britanniques et de l’Europe Continentale – un thème qui est examiné plus en détail dans le volume 4 de cette série. Les discussions et catalogues sont richement illustrés, avec 213 planches de fi gures et 67 planches de photos (la plupart en couleur).
Acknowledgements
Inevitably with any major project which has run for two decades, there would be a myriad of people to credit for their help, support, and advice; as Flixborough also produced an abundance of fi nds and raised all sorts of tantalising research questions, the number of individuals and organisations whom we need to thank is substantial. The names of the 67 individuals who have contributed directly to the production of the fi nal text and illustrations for these four volumes can be found in the List of Contributors, and we should like to extend our grateful thanks to each of them; however, in addition to these, many others were involved in the discovery and excavation of the site, and seeing through this project to its conclusion.
As described in Volume 1, Ch. 1.2, the fi rst indications of settlement on this site were recognised in 1933, but it was unfunded fi eld-walking in 1988 by Irene McGrath and Phil Lings which suggested the presence of a Middle Saxon settlement; and it was the excavations conducted by Dr Kevin Leahy during that summer which were to uncover not only part of a cemetery, but also to suggest the proximity of an adjacent enclosure. Kevin was involved closely in this project for the best part of the next decade, and has done much to publicise the site; we have continued to liaise closely with him and his successor, Rose Nicholson, as the North Lincolnshire Museums Service will be the recipient curator of the archive. The excavations would not have been possible, without the support of the landowners, Sir Reginald Sheffi eld, and his tenant, Mr Peter Ogg; we are also grateful for the support of the Sheffi eld family during the post-excavation process, and for allowing us access to this material during the last 16 years The main reason for excavating the site was that it was threatened with destruction by sand quarrying;
Messrs G. S. and J. Jewitt Estate Development Co. helped us throughout the process, by rescheduling their extraction programme around our requirements, and offering help in kind by supplying us with earthmoving machinery and operators, whenever they were needed.
Another key person who was involved in this project from its inception was the former County Archaeologist, Dr Ben Whitwell. This was a project which was very close to Ben’s heart, and he poured an enormous amount of energy into trying to raise local consciousness about the site, and
to secure funding for its investigation and study; right up until his retirement in early 1995, he did much to champion the importance of this project. Thanks to his efforts, not only was substantial funding secured from English Heritage, but signifi cant contributions were also given during the excavations of 1989 to 1991 by Humberside County Council, Scunthorpe Borough Council, British Steel, Glanford Borough Council, Clugstons, and Rugby Cement; our grateful thanks are due to all of these, and we should also like to acknowledge the support of the late Mike Symmons and the late Bob Hallas (who were respectively the County Council’s Chief Property Services Offi cer and his deputy), who did much to raise political support for this project.
The excavations were supervised by David Tomlinson, and were undertaken by a small team consisting of the follow ing: David Atkinson, Kath Crooks, Andrew DesForges, Gail Drinkall, Richard George, Tony German, Phil Lings, Irene McGrath, Lousie Muston, and Jon Watt. They were supplemented at various times by Ian Beck, Michael Cressey, Mike Frankland, John Tibbles, and Dawn Briggs; the volunteers included Anthony Martinson, supplemented at various times by members of our Employment Transfer scheme, Lorraine White, Simon Small, and Jim Firmage. Peter Fox, Dawn Dickinson and Mathew Sallis (of the County Surveyors team) helped to tie in the site survey grid.
Post-excavation work began in 1992, and was co- ordinated by Ben Whitwell, Gareth Watkins and David Tomlinson – with Gareth largely being responsible for fi nds co-ordination. Although many of the fi nal members of the project team have been involved from those early days onwards, a number of other people kindly offered opinions on material, or took part in preliminary assessments of individual categories of fi nds or residues. Amongst those whom we should like to thank for their contributions are:
Mrs Leslie Webster (formerly of the British Museum), Dr Seamus Ross (British Academy), Dr Richard Morris, Professor Peter Sawyer, Professor Ray Page, Christine Fell, Dr Phil Dixon, Dr Simon James, Dr Helena Hamerow, Professor Martin Carver, Dr Tania Dickinson, Dr Andrew Rogerson, Dr Dawn Hadley and Bob Carr. In addition, Dr Ailsa Mainman, Simon Trafford, Elaine Campbell, Annie
Milles, Dr Alex Woolf, Professor Ian Wood, Gail Drinkall, and Jon Watt all gave valuable input. Many of the early drawings which were prepared for interim reports and enabling documents were the work of John Marshall and Linda Smith, who were the two permanent illustrators for the Humberside Archaeology Unit.
The support of key fi gures such as Professor Rosemary Cramp, Dr Richard Morris and Dr Geoff Wainwright was invaluable in securing English Heritage grant aid.
Over the last 16 years many people in that organisation have helped to steer the project through to publication; in addition to the specialist contributors, the support of Geoff Wainwright, Tim Williams, Chris Scull and Barney Sloane has been invaluable. We should also like to thank the successive Regional Inspectors of Ancient Monuments for this area for their continued interest and support – Andrew Davison, Dr David Fraser, Jon Etté, and Keith Miller. Sarah Jennings and Sebastian Payne gave of their expertise in matters concerning, respectively, ceramics and environmental science. Throughout the last 16 years our Project Offi cers, Fachtna McAvoy and latterly Dave McOmish, have patiently coaxed the team through its paces. The project also benefi ted from signifi cant fi nancial support from the British Academy, which funded the comparative British and Continental research to set the Flix borough–North Conesby remains in their wider context, via a postdoctoral research fellowship awarded to Dr Chris Loveluck.
At an early stage in the post-excavation assessment programme it was decided that the most useful way in which the various contributions to this particular volume could be presented would be to discuss the objects by functional groups, rather than by materials: it was felt
that this approach would be much more informative for the reader. However, as the resultant chapters would be multi-authored, we were keen to ensure that the individual authorship of texts could be identified as clearly as possible. We obviously had the options of listing authors alphabetically, or by order of the appearance of their sections within each chapter; but, it seemed fairer to list fi rst those who had written the largest parts of a chapter, and then to rank the other authors in descending order. We have also tried, wherever possible, to incorporate the results of investigative conservation, lithological identifi cations and scientifi c analyses in any discussion of individual objects and in their accompanying catalogue entries; whilst some of the observations about the presence of minerally preserved organics, platings or inlays on an individual object may amount to only a sentence or two, they have greatly improved our understanding of the objects, and, so we wanted to be able to properly acknowledge this within the body of the text. Accordingly, we have used the convention of listing “with contributions by” in the appropriate chapter or section headings: these are intended as a suitable acknowledgement of the very valuable contribution that these individuals have made both to the project and to our understanding of many of the artefacts published in this volume.
Many of the photographs are by Bill Marsden, who has also been responsible for producing many prints over the years for exhibitions and interim publications.
Administrative support was provided successively by Zena Ahmed, Claire Hampshire and Georgina Richardson.
Lastly, we should like to thank the Departments of Archaeology at Southampton and Nottingham Universities for allowing Dr Chris Loveluck to fi nish these reports.
