ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AT ROCESTER, STAFFORDSHIRE, IN THE ROMAN, SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS; THE EVIDENCE FROM THE CHARRED PLANT REMAINS.
Author(s): L C Moffett
Excavation of a Roman fort at Rocester uncovered the remains of most of a barrack block. Samples for charred plant remains produced a number of deposits which were rich in grain, chiefly a free-threshing wheat which was probably bread/club wheat (Triticum aestivum s.l.) and hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare). The grain had been fully processed and few chaff fragments were found, while significant numbers of weed seeds were found in only a few samples. A single fruit of beet (Beta vulgaris) was also found. Near the Roman occupation were some Saxon and Medieval oven/kilns and some Medieval pits. The phasing of these is provisional and it is intended to submit samples for radiocarbon dates which may alter their phasing. Free-threshing wheat and oats (Avena sp.) were the main cereals in these ovens/kilns. The Medieval pits were assumed to be associated with the oven/kilns but the main cereal in some of these was barley. The Medieval samples were generally weedier than the Roman ones, but only one of the Saxon samples contained many weeds.
- Report Number:
- 15/1989
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 20
- Keywords:
- Grain, Carbonised Plant Remains
