SOIL RESEARCH RESULTS FROM THE EXCAVATIONS AT HARPUR HILL, BUXTON.
Author(s): Matt Canti
Soil development and artefact distribution have been examined at the recent Harpur Hill excavations carried out by Trent and Peak Archaeological Trust. Stratigraphic problems could be divided into two groups. Firstly, the unusual yellowish silty clay loam found at the base of the stratigraphy was analysed using standard laboratory techniques. This emerged as the decomposed residues of the Upper Miller's Dale Lava which outcrops near the site. Secondly, the issue of unusually deep flint burial is discussed. The flints occur below the well-known shale line that was generated throughout the area as a result of dramatically improved conditions for earthworms after the application of lime-burning waste at some stage after the Industrial Revolution. The current depth of the shale line may be at its maximum, implying additional forces to explain the depth of the flints. Alternatively, the 1991 depth of the shale may still be 'immature' and the flints could be found at a greater depth due to earlier phases of worm-casting. Comparisons with Lismore Fields, Buxton support the former view, but a full understanding of these stratigraphic issues is still awaited.
- Report Number:
- 105/1993
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 23
- Keywords:
- Soil/Sediment
