THE PLANT REMAINS FROM EXCAVATIONS AT QUEEN STREET, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, 1984-85.
Author(s): A R Hall, R A Nicholson
Both waterlogged and dry deposits were sampled for plantremains, the former yielding fairly rich assemblages of plant microfossils, the latter small amounts of carbonised grain. The seed assemblages from the waterlogged contexts were remarkably similar, comprising mainly seeds from waste and disturbed ground, a typical urban 'background' flora. This supports the interpretation that the deposits were dumped and, taken in conjunction with evidence from earthworm egg capsules and the sometimes sandy matrix of the deposits, suggests that soil from waste ground was being incorporated into the deposits. A small component of seeds probably originated with hay , and a few fruit stones and seeds represent food debris and plants of economic significance, some probably imported. Garden soil may be a component of one or two of the deposits, while a fairly high aquatic component in some of the lower levels may evidence periods of flooding.
- Report Number:
- 45/1986
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 10
- Keywords:
- Plant Remains
