CHARRED AND WATERLOGGED PLANT REMAINS: THORNBROUGH FARM, CATTERICK, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Author(s): J P Huntley
Fifty nine samples from areas adjacent to the Antonine fort at Catterick, North Yorkshire (NGR: SE 223992), were analysed for their charred and waterlogged plant remains. A few dated to the 1st/2nd centuries but the majority were from 3rd/4th deposits - a period little studied in the north. Context types were mainly layers and pit fills. Charred barley grains were dominant throughout, with less than 10% spelt wheat in some contexts. Weeds and chaff fragments were rare and the material was therefore interpreted largely as fully processed grain. The grains were extremely well formed and large, suggesting use as human food; no evidence for malting was found. Limited evidence for burnt hay/dung was found with stronger evidence for discard of either roofing or bedding in the form of heather twigs and flowers. The layers produced little plant material; with moderate amounts of clinker and hammerscale in the flots the general area seems to have been of an industrial nature and kept relatively free of rubbish. Waterlogged material was present but, since most of the taxa recorded produced woody, resistant seeds, the conclusion was drawn that differential preservation had occurred and that little interpretation could reliably be offered. Remarkably few differences were observed between the phases, or indeed when compared with other material from northern sites. It was concluded that the occupants of the site remained conservative in their eating habits over long periods of time.
- Report Number:
- 105/1997
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 23
- Keywords:
- Grain Grain, Carbonised Plant Remains Seed
