THE EARLY NORMAN ANIMAL BONE FROM FROM CARISBROOKE CASTLE, THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Author(s): P Smith
A group of 9398 mammal bones from early Norman contexts at Carisbrooke Castle is discussed. The diet of the castle's inhabitants is studied to see whether the high status of the site was reflected by the food consumed. 'Forest' beasts are found to be rare an the assemblage is dominated by sheep or goat followed by pig. Cattle are also present but in lower numbers. Horse, dog, cat, red deer, fallow deer, hare, fox and whale were also recovered in small numbers. Comparisons are made with the contemporary assemblage from Portchester Castle, which has been interpreted as primarily a defensive site. Similarities between the two assemblages are noted although more cattle were present at Portchester. It is concluded that the diet reflected by the mammal bones at Carisbrooke Castle was more typical of a garrison than a court.
- Report Number:
- 49/1994
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 30
- Keywords:
- Animal Bone Animal Remains
