MEDIEVAL AND POST-MEDIEVAL PLANT AND INVERTEBRATE REMAINS FROM AREA X, THE BEDERN (SOUTH-WEST), YORK
Author(s): A R Hall, H Kenward, A Robertson
Results of analyses of plant macrofossils, insects and parasite eggs from deposits of 13th century to early modern date from Area X, The Bedern (south-west), York, are reported. A large proportion of the deposits investigated were associated with the College of the Vicars Choral, attached to York Minster. A total of 135 contexts and 223 samples were examined, of which 65 contexts and 73 samples were analysed for insects and 53 contexts and 80 samples for plants. A large proportion of the contents were examined for parasite eggs. Although some deposits were quite rich in 'waterlogged' remains (particularly those from pit fills), the concentrations of plant and invertebrate fossils were generally low. An overall impression is given of a quite high standard of cleanliness and of well-organised waste disposal. The nature of most of the pit fills as containing human faeces and/or stable manure has been established by these analyses. Pits and latrine pits containing foul matter appear to have been quickly backfilled or located within structures, respectively. Several of the pit fills gave good evidence for plant foods, notably fruits and flavourings.
- Report Number:
- 56/1993
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 112
- Keywords:
- Environmental Studies
