ANALYSIS OF THE WINDOW GLASS FROM EYNSHAM ABBEY, OXFORDSHIRE
Author(s): Sarah Paynter, Roger Doonan
856 fragments of window glass, of which 132 were painted, were recovered during the excavation of Eynsham Abbey in Oxfordshire. 74 samples of the window glass were analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) analytical facility. Four compositionally distinct varieties of glass were identified. Compositional group 1, comprising one fragment, is likely to date to the 12th century and to have been produced using a mineral alkali source, such as natron. Compositional groups 2 and 3 are forest glasses, produced using plant ashes, which are unlikely to post-date the 16th century. Group 4 is typical of the high-lime, low-alkali glasses (HLLA) introduced in the latter half of the 16th century, also produced using plant ashes.
- Report Number:
- 13/2002
- Series:
- CfA Reports
- Pages:
- 13
- Keywords:
- Glass Technology
