THE CARBONISED SEEDS, CHARCOAL AND POLLEN FROM BROUGH SAINT GILES, NORTH YORKSHIRE:BSG88,BSG89 & BSG90
Author(s): J P Huntley
Brough St Giles ia a rural site which is being eroded by the River Swale. It was founded as a medieval hospice in the l2th century and, following the nationwide Dissolution, it became a farm until the late l8th century. A total of 263 bulk samples were analysed. The carbonised plant remains consisted primarily of cereal grains and chaff - principally bread wheat and oats but also rye. Barley was not common. Some quantities of chaff of both wheat and rye indicated probably locally grown grain. Glumes from spelt were recovered in securely dated late-bronze/early iron age and l5th century material, respectively very early and late for this species in northern Britain. Charcoal identifications demonstrated the predominant use of locally obtained wood. Pollen analyses provided little extra evidence, and none of drug plants, through poor preservational conditions. There were some interesting spatial distributions which could be related to functions of buildings. The change in use of the site was, somewhat surprisingly, not reflected in the plant remains.
- Report Number:
- 90/1991
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 65
- Keywords:
- Charcoal Grain, Carbonised Plant Remains Pollen Seed
