THE STAKES FROM UPWICH, DROITWICH (HWCM4575): AN ANALYSIS OF WOODWORKING TECHNIQUES AND WOODLAND ORIGINS THROUGH TREE-RING STUDY
Author(s): R A Morgan
This report describes the study of some 880 wooden stakes from Roman through to eighteenth century deposits at Upwich, focussing particularly on the Saxon Phases 4 and 5. The majority of the Saxon stakes formed alignments of uncertain function bordering salt-boiling hearths. The stakes were both of roundwood and split wood. Most of the Roman stakes were of oak, and oak dominated the assemblages from Phase 5 onwards. A much wider species range characterised Saxon Phase 4, the stems being under 40 years, and predominantly 30-50mm in diameter. The records of size and age give an indication of the character of the Saxon woodland under exploitation, which is suggested to be unmanaged and secondary. The stake points demonstrated a wide variety of styles from simple single facets to finely worked pointed ends, and gave an insight into aspects of Saxon woodworking technology.
- Report Number:
- 32/1991
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 36
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology Plant Remains Wood
