Guide to Environmental Archaeology - Queen's University Belfast
Guide to Environmental Archaeology - Queen's University Belfast Guide to Environmental Archaeology - Queen's University Belfast
2002 01 Centre for Archaeology Guidelines Environmental Archaeology A guide to the theory and practice of methods, from sampling and recovery to post-excavation
- Page 3 and 4: Preface These guidelines aim to est
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- Page 11 and 12: Figure 10 Test of the foraminiferan
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- Page 25 and 26: Pre-excavation Excavation including
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- Page 29 and 30: Glossary agglutinated consisting of
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2002 01<br />
Centre for <strong>Archaeology</strong> <strong>Guide</strong>lines<br />
<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Archaeology</strong><br />
A guide <strong>to</strong> the theory and practice of methods,<br />
from sampling and recovery <strong>to</strong> post-excavation
Preface<br />
These guidelines aim <strong>to</strong> establish standards of good practice in environmental<br />
archaeology.They provide practical advice on the applications and methods<br />
of environmental archaeology within archaeological projects.They should not<br />
replace advice given by specialists on specific projects. It is not intended that<br />
these guidelines should in any way inhibit further development of<br />
methodologies or recommended procedures.<br />
Planning Policy Guidance Notes PPG 15 (Department of the Environment<br />
1994) and PPG 16 (Department of the Environment 1990) state government<br />
policy on planning issues in archaeology and provide guidance <strong>to</strong> local<br />
authorities and others in the planning system. Local authorities must take<br />
account of the PPG guidance notes when preparing development plans and<br />
making planning decisions.The archaeological component of some<br />
developments is provided for as part of <strong>Environmental</strong> Impact Assessment<br />
under Town and Country Planning Regulations (Department of the<br />
Environment,Transport and Regions 1999).The current document is intended<br />
<strong>to</strong> provide guidance <strong>to</strong> cura<strong>to</strong>rs who advise on planning decisions and issue<br />
briefs.They are also intended for field project direc<strong>to</strong>rs writing specifications<br />
or written schemes of investigation, for those working on development-led or<br />
research projects, and for other field archaeologists. Some of the information<br />
might also be useful in cases of in situ preservation and other archaeological<br />
investigations.<br />
What these guidelines cover<br />
•<br />
an introduction <strong>to</strong> environmental<br />
archaeology<br />
•<br />
a summary of the most common types of<br />
environmental evidence<br />
•<br />
the circumstances under which<br />
environmental evidence survives<br />
•<br />
a brief summary of the potential <br />
information that analysis can provide<br />
an introduction <strong>to</strong> sampling strategies<br />
• a guide <strong>to</strong> types of environmental samples,<br />
taking samples, and s<strong>to</strong>ring samples<br />
•<br />
a guide <strong>to</strong> good practice for environmental<br />
archaeology from project planning <strong>to</strong> <br />
publication<br />
•<br />
case studies of good practice<br />
The guidelines should be used with reference <strong>to</strong> areas with a North West<br />
European or temperate climate. Other climates will give rise <strong>to</strong> different<br />
preservation conditions, which lie outside the scope of this document.<br />
These guidelines have been produced by English Heritage in consultation<br />
with field archaeologists, cura<strong>to</strong>rs and environmental specialists.<br />
3
Britain’s island status is the result of Holocene sea level rise.The intertidal zone around coasts and estuaries<br />
preserves fragile and eroding archaeological remains including a wealth of environmental data.<br />
The pho<strong>to</strong>graph shows the drowned landscape of the Isles of Scilly. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by V Straker)<br />
4
Contents<br />
Preface ..............................3<br />
What these guidelines cover . ..........3<br />
List of figures . ........................5<br />
List of tables . .........................5<br />
1 Introduction . .......................6<br />
2 Common types of environmental<br />
evidence .............................6<br />
Animal bones<br />
Human remains<br />
Eggshell<br />
Insects<br />
Ostracods<br />
Foraminifera<br />
Molluscs<br />
Parasite eggs and cysts<br />
Plant macrofossils (other than wood/ <br />
charcoal)<br />
Wood<br />
Charcoal<br />
Pollen and spores<br />
Phy<strong>to</strong>liths<br />
Dia<strong>to</strong>ms<br />
Biomolecules<br />
Geoarchaeology<br />
Stratigraphic and landscape studies<br />
Chemical and physical analyses<br />
Soil micromorphology<br />
Mineralogy<br />
Particle size analysis<br />
3 Sampling . ..........................17<br />
Sampling strategies<br />
Sample types<br />
Taking samples<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ring samples<br />
4 Practice . ..........................23<br />
Desk-based assessment<br />
Watching briefs<br />
Evaluation<br />
Excavation<br />
Assessment<br />
Analysis and reporting<br />
Dissemination and archiving<br />
Sites and Monuments Record<br />
Publication<br />
Archiving<br />
Appendix case studies .......................26<br />
Preparing project designs<br />
Watching brief<br />
Evaluation<br />
Excavation<br />
List of figures<br />
Figure 1 Schematic representation of<br />
environmental conditions.<br />
Figure 2 Cattle horn cores from 1st-century<br />
Carlisle.<br />
Figure 3 Lower jaw of a watervole from a<br />
Bronze Age cairn at Hardendale, Shap,<br />
Cumbria.<br />
Figure 4 Articulated fish skele<strong>to</strong>ns from early<br />
medieval St Martin-at-Place Plain, Norwich.<br />
Figure 5 Animal bone measurements<br />
demonstrating changes in lives<strong>to</strong>ck through<br />
time.<br />
Figure 6 Blank bone-handle plate from<br />
Denaby Main, South Yorkshire, and<br />
archaeological blank and completed fork<br />
handle.<br />
Figure 7 Three skele<strong>to</strong>ns from Stanwick.<br />
Figure 8 Section through egg shell of<br />
chicken.<br />
Figure 9 Head of human louse, Pulex<br />
irritans.<br />
Figure 10 Test of the foraminiferan Elphidium<br />
excavatum.<br />
Figure 11 Mollusc shells from fluvial sands at<br />
Hogg’s Drove, Marham, Norfolk.<br />
Figure 12 Egg of the parasitic nema<strong>to</strong>de<br />
Trichuris.<br />
Figure 13 Partially mineral-replaced coprolite<br />
from Dryslwyn Castle.<br />
Figure 14 Charred naked barley and emmer<br />
wheat from Bronze Age Irby on The Wirral.<br />
Figure 15 Waterlogged cereal grains from<br />
Vindolanda on Hadrian's Wall.<br />
Figure 16 S<strong>to</strong>nes from Prunus spp., Roman<br />
deposits at Annetwell St., Carlisle.<br />
Figure 17 Charred seed assemblages can<br />
demonstrate temporal and spatial patterns.<br />
Figure 18 Proportions of tree species, 1stand<br />
2nd-century Carlisle and 2nd-century<br />
Ribchester.<br />
Figure 19 Roman basketry from Annetwell<br />
St, Carlisle.<br />
Figure 20 Taxus (yew): tangential<br />
longitudinal section showing spiral thickening.<br />
Figure 21 Charred tubers/roots from Iron<br />
Age Stanwick, North Yorkshire.<br />
Figure 22 Quercus (oak) and Poaceae (grass)<br />
pollen, showing apertures and textures.<br />
Figure 23 The marine dia<strong>to</strong>m, Raphoneis<br />
amphiceros.<br />
Figure 24 Deep peat sections at Wells Road,<br />
Glas<strong>to</strong>nbury.<br />
Figure 25 Segment of Livings<strong>to</strong>ne core, split<br />
<strong>to</strong> show stratigraphic changes.<br />
Figure 26 Using a modified Livings<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
pis<strong>to</strong>n corer.<br />
Figure 27 Flotation tank on site.<br />
Figure 28 Typical labora<strong>to</strong>ry set-up for<br />
sorting plant remains.<br />
Figure 29 Glas<strong>to</strong>nbury Relief Road: monolith<br />
tins in peat deposits overlying estuarine silty<br />
clays.<br />
Figure 30 Extruding a core of continuous<br />
sediment from a modified Livings<strong>to</strong>ne pis<strong>to</strong>n<br />
corer.<br />
Figure 31 Schematic diagram for sampling.<br />
List of tables<br />
Table 1 Preservation conditions<br />
Table 2 Sampling methodologies<br />
Table 3 Examples of sample types<br />
appropriate <strong>to</strong> particular materials<br />
Table 4 <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Archaeology</strong>:<br />
Guidance for project planning<br />
Glossary ............................29<br />
Where <strong>to</strong> get advice . ...............30<br />
References ..........................31<br />
Acknowledgements ...................35<br />
5
1 Introduction<br />
Within this document, environmental<br />
archaeology includes all earth science and<br />
biological studies undertaken <strong>to</strong> investigate<br />
the environments in which past human<br />
societies lived and ecological changes through<br />
the period of human his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
The main issues in environmental<br />
archaeology concern ecological, social and<br />
economic reconstruction. These themes can<br />
be examined in relation <strong>to</strong> changes through<br />
time, evidence of specific activities or events,<br />
and interaction with the contemporaneous<br />
landscape. The particular contribution of each<br />
type of material is discussed in Section 2.<br />
Archaeological sites are created by human<br />
behaviour involving material remains<br />
(acquisition, manufacture, use, deposition).<br />
Archaeological sites are altered by a<br />
combination of natural and cultural processes.<br />
Natural processes include geological and<br />
biological activity, such as erosion,<br />
sedimentation, frost heave, reworking by<br />
plants and animals, plant growth, deposition<br />
of dead plants and animals, and degradation<br />
by many living organisms. Cultural processes<br />
include subsistence activities, building,<br />
discard or loss of material, manufacture and<br />
manufacture waste, recycling, deliberate<br />
destruction and resource utilisation.<br />
2 Common types of<br />
environmental evidence<br />
At a broad level, the environmental material<br />
recovered from a site will depend on the<br />
geology and depositional environment of that<br />
site, as well as on the nature of the<br />
archaeology itself. While the survival of the<br />
different types of environmental evidence can<br />
be predicted <strong>to</strong> a certain extent, this is not an<br />
exact science. Small-scale, local variations<br />
become critical and it is thus essential <strong>to</strong> allow<br />
time for rapid-response discussion between<br />
excava<strong>to</strong>rs and specialists during excavation.<br />
Table 1 provides a brief summary of where<br />
various types of remains are most likely <strong>to</strong><br />
occur, but, as noted above, local conditions<br />
might vary.<br />
The sections below describe the classes of<br />
material most often considered within<br />
environmental archaeology, when and where<br />
such material will be encountered, and briefly<br />
discuss the potential information that analysis<br />
of these materials can provide. Identification<br />
of biological material should always be by<br />
comparison with modern reference<br />
specimens, although books and illustrations<br />
can sometimes be a useful aid.<br />
Table 1 Preservation conditions (adapted from Evans and O’Connor 1999)<br />
Burial<br />
environment<br />
acid, pH usually<br />
7.0, oxic<br />
neutral <strong>to</strong> acid, pH 5.5<br />
7, oxic<br />
acid <strong>to</strong> basic, anoxic<br />
(anoxic conditions can<br />
be patchy and<br />
unpredictable)<br />
–<br />
Main soil and<br />
sediment types<br />
podzols and other<br />
leached soils<br />
rendzinas (but can be<br />
acid in the <strong>to</strong>psoil)<br />
lake marls<br />
tufa<br />
alluvium<br />
shell-sand<br />
brown earths and gleys<br />
river gravels<br />
alluvium<br />
peats and organic<br />
deposits, eg lake<br />
sediments and<br />
alluvium<br />
gleys<br />
Some typical situations<br />
heathlands<br />
upland moors<br />
some river gravels<br />
chalk and limes<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
areas<br />
valley bot<strong>to</strong>ms<br />
karst<br />
machair<br />
clay vales and other<br />
lowland plains<br />
some well sealed<br />
stratigraphy,<br />
including organic<br />
urban deposits<br />
wetlands<br />
river floodplains<br />
wells<br />
wet ditches<br />
upland moors<br />
<strong>Environmental</strong> remains<br />
charcoal and other<br />
charred plant<br />
macrofossils<br />
pollen and spores<br />
phy<strong>to</strong>liths<br />
dia<strong>to</strong>ms<br />
charcoal and other<br />
charred plant<br />
macrofossils<br />
mineral-replaced plant and<br />
insect remains 1<br />
molluscs<br />
bones<br />
ostracods<br />
foraminifera<br />
1<br />
parasite eggs<br />
pollen and spores (rarely)<br />
charcoal and other<br />
charred plant macrofossils<br />
mineral-replaced plant and<br />
insect remains 1<br />
bone<br />
molluscs<br />
1<br />
parasite eggs<br />
pollen and spores<br />
charcoal and other<br />
charred plant<br />
macrofossils<br />
waterlogged plant remains<br />
insects<br />
mineral-replaced plant and<br />
insect remains 1<br />
molluscs<br />
bones<br />
ostracods<br />
foraminifera<br />
pollen and spores<br />
dia<strong>to</strong>ms<br />
wood<br />
1<br />
parasite eggs<br />
1<br />
Parasite eggs and mineral-replaced plant and animal remains occur in a range of very local conditions<br />
that are difficult <strong>to</strong> predict.<br />
Animal bones<br />
The bodies of vertebrates are composed of<br />
various hard and soft tissues. Usually, it is<br />
only the hard tissues (bones, teeth, horncores<br />
and antlers) that survive. The hard tissues<br />
are mixtures of organic and inorganic<br />
compounds. Inorganic mineral crystals of<br />
calcium phosphate are laid down in a lattice<br />
of organic protein (collagen). Although the<br />
collagen (which contains DNA; see below,<br />
Biomolecules) is biodegradable, it is given<br />
some protection by the mineral component.<br />
Generally, skeletal elements with a high ratio<br />
of mineral <strong>to</strong> organic content, eg <strong>to</strong>oth<br />
enamel, survive better than those with a<br />
lower ratio, such as bones of newborn<br />
animals. Calcium phosphate is soluble in<br />
acidic water, so bones tend <strong>to</strong> survive best<br />
in alkaline <strong>to</strong> neutral deposits. Local<br />
microenvironments that raise the pH, such<br />
as shell middens, can enhance preservation<br />
at sites where most of the sediments are<br />
acidic. If bone is heated <strong>to</strong> approximately<br />
600C or more (when it becomes white or<br />
‘calcined’) the minerals recrystallise in<strong>to</strong> a<br />
very stable structure. Calcined bone can be<br />
found at many sites where even <strong>to</strong>oth enamel<br />
has decomposed.<br />
6
Figure 2 Cattle horn cores from 1st-century AD deposits at<br />
Carlisle, showing a range of shapes and sizes. Scale = 5 × 1cm.<br />
(Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by T Woods)<br />
Larger vertebrate remains, such as bones of<br />
domesticated animals, are usually visible<br />
during excavation and can be collected<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether with artefacts. To avoid collecting<br />
biased assemblages (Payne 1975), small<br />
bones such as those of fish, small mammals,<br />
small birds, immature elements of larger<br />
animals and fragments need <strong>to</strong> be recovered<br />
from coarse-sieved samples (see Section 3,<br />
Sample types).<br />
Figure 1 Schematic representation of environmental conditions and types of material typically preserved.<br />
Animal bones are used in a very wide variety<br />
of types of study (O’Connor 2000), most of<br />
which investigate how the presence of animal<br />
bones at an archaeological site relate <strong>to</strong> past<br />
human activities, beliefs and environment.<br />
Small vertebrate faunas have been used <strong>to</strong><br />
characterise local habitats. At the Pleis<strong>to</strong>cene<br />
site of Boxgrove (Roberts and Parfitt 1999)<br />
the evolutionary stage of the remains of water<br />
voles recovered has been used as a proxy<br />
dating device. Other wild species, such as<br />
birds and fish, can demonstrate the range of<br />
habitats exploited for provisioning, the season<br />
of exploitation, and the <strong>to</strong>ols, equipment and<br />
techniques needed for their capture. This can<br />
Soft tissues usually only survive in extreme<br />
conditions, where bacterial activity is<br />
restricted, for instance by freezing or<br />
desiccation. In North West Europe, the most<br />
common place in which soft tissues are<br />
preserved is in peat bogs, where waterlogging<br />
is accompanied by the effects of tannic acids.<br />
Keratinous tissues such as hair, hoof and horn<br />
can survive, as well as skin and, occasionally,<br />
internal organs and other soft tissues. All of<br />
these may become unstable when their burial<br />
environment is disturbed, and it is important<br />
that a conserva<strong>to</strong>r is consulted when soft<br />
tissue preservation is predicted or discovered.<br />
Leather (which is skin that has been<br />
deliberately treated <strong>to</strong> enhance its<br />
preservation) often survives in waterlogged<br />
deposits. Its recovery, treatment and handling<br />
are covered by <strong>Guide</strong>lines for the care of Figure 3 Lower jaw of a watervole deposited on a Bronze Age ring cairn at Hardendale, Shap, Cumbria.This was one of c 40,000<br />
bones recovered from wet-sieved specialist samples. Species included mice, voles, frogs and <strong>to</strong>ads, birds, and fish, and probably were<br />
waterlogged archaeological leather (English deposited in owl pellets.The material was used <strong>to</strong> interpret the landscape around the cairn, which was obviously utilised by species<br />
Heritage 1995).<br />
other than humans. Scale = 10 × 1mm. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by T Woods)<br />
7
Other industries relating <strong>to</strong> animals include<br />
hornworking, tanning and parchment-making<br />
(Serjeantson 1989).<br />
Although animals and their remains can be<br />
used in very utilitarian ways, they are often<br />
treated with special respect. They can be a<br />
focus for ritual and religious beliefs and<br />
practices. Their remains have been found in<br />
special deposits at sites of varying dates,<br />
including Romano-British temples (Legge<br />
et al 2000) and Iron Age settlement sites<br />
(Hill 1995). Also, they are often involved<br />
in cremation rites and burials (McKinley<br />
and Bond 2001).<br />
Figure 4 Articulated fish skele<strong>to</strong>ns, including herring (Clupea harengus) from early medieval waterfront deposits at St Martin-at-Place<br />
Plain, Norwich. Bones of herring, cod, eel and other fish are extremely abundant in refuse and latrine deposits at city sites, attesting <strong>to</strong><br />
the importance of fish in the urban medieval diet.They are very rarely found articulated, as here; usually disarticulated bones occur<br />
dispersed through the matrix of the deposit. Wet-sieving of large bulk samples is necessary for effective retrieval. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by M<br />
Sharp; copyright: Norfolk Museums Service)<br />
Human remains<br />
Excavated human remains should always be<br />
treated with respect and decency.<br />
If an excavation is expected <strong>to</strong> disturb human<br />
remains, a Section 25 Licence should be<br />
sought in advance from the Home Office.<br />
If human remains are encountered<br />
unexpectedly, prompt application should be<br />
made <strong>to</strong> the Home Office for a licence. This<br />
can be done by telephone. The discovery of<br />
be as important for urban developments<br />
(Coy 1989) as it is for hunter-gatherer sites<br />
(Mellars and Wilkinson 1980) or rural<br />
settlements (Nicholson 1998).<br />
The development of domestic forms of<br />
lives<strong>to</strong>ck, and their relationships with their<br />
wild progeni<strong>to</strong>rs is still uncertain. Current<br />
research is developing the use of DNA<br />
techniques <strong>to</strong> address these questions, but<br />
DNA does not always survive well in<br />
archaeological material, and very specific<br />
questions are needed <strong>to</strong> justify the expense.<br />
More traditional studies, using analyses of<br />
skeletal size and shape, are beginning <strong>to</strong> show<br />
that regional and modern forms of domestic<br />
cattle and sheep developed much earlier than<br />
has been suggested by most of the<br />
documentary evidence (Davis and Beckett<br />
1999). Age and sex profiles are used in<br />
interpretations of how people looked after<br />
and utilised their domestic animals; and these<br />
interpretations can be quite controversial<br />
(Halstead 1998; McCormick 1998).<br />
Figure 5 Measurements from animal bones can demonstrate changes in lives<strong>to</strong>ck through time, as here at Vindolanda on Hadrian’s Wall,<br />
where larger animals are more common during the 4th century; while this might reflect local breeding programmes or import of larger<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ck, changes in proportions of the sexes cannot be ruled out.<br />
When material from several related sites is<br />
available, complex enquiries can be<br />
undertaken regarding people’s access <strong>to</strong>,<br />
and treatment of, animal resources. Bond<br />
and O’Connor (1999) studied variations in<br />
economic and social status within a single<br />
<strong>to</strong>wn, while Maltby (1994) made<br />
comparisons between rural and urban settlements.<br />
Hard skeletal tissues (bone, antler and<br />
ivory) have often been used as raw materials<br />
for craft working (MacGregor et al 1999).<br />
Figure 6 Left: blank bone-handle plate from excavations at Denaby Main, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, with early 19th-century fork<br />
handle. Right: end-on views of the archaeological blank (right) and completed fork (left). Note the second partial rivet hole on the blank,<br />
and the irregular profile, presumably the reason for it being discarded. Scale in cm. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graphs by J P Huntley)<br />
8
carbon and nitrogen are beginning <strong>to</strong> shed<br />
new light on early diets (Sealy 2001).<br />
Study of stable iso<strong>to</strong>pes of strontium, oxygen<br />
or lead may help us investigate population<br />
movements in the past. For reasons that are<br />
at present poorly unders<strong>to</strong>od, survival of<br />
DNA in buried bone is rather variable.<br />
Nevertheless analysis of DNA extracted from<br />
ancient human skeletal remains is beginning<br />
<strong>to</strong> contribute significantly <strong>to</strong> a number of<br />
areas of research. It is helping <strong>to</strong> improve our<br />
diagnosis of certain infectious diseases, and it<br />
might also be of some value in kinship studies<br />
and for sex determination where osteological<br />
indica<strong>to</strong>rs are missing or ambiguous.<br />
Figure 7 Three skele<strong>to</strong>ns from Stanwick. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by S Mays)<br />
previously unknown human remains should<br />
also be reported <strong>to</strong> the police. For further<br />
details on legislation relevant <strong>to</strong> the excavation<br />
of human remains see Garratt-Frost (1992),<br />
and Pugh-Smith and Samuels (1996).<br />
Remains from land that is currently<br />
consecrated by the Church of England come<br />
under ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and their<br />
removal requires that a faculty be obtained<br />
from the Consis<strong>to</strong>ry Court. This is normally<br />
in addition <strong>to</strong>, and not a substitute for, a<br />
Section 25 Licence. Cathedrals, and certain<br />
other places such as Westminster Abbey and<br />
chapels at the Royal residences, are outside<br />
faculty jurisdiction. Removal of remains from<br />
these places requires permission of the<br />
governing bodies of the institutions concerned.<br />
In most instances, excavated human remains<br />
pose no special health and safety risks.<br />
An exception would be burials that preserve<br />
substantial soft tissue, as may occur on<br />
occasion with interments from crypts,<br />
as a result of desiccation (Baxter et al 1988;<br />
Reeve and Adams 1993).<br />
As with animal bones, soil acidity is an<br />
important determinant of human bone<br />
survival, with greater preservation being<br />
found in neutral or alkaline conditions.<br />
It is worth noting, however, that even in<br />
regions where natural soils are hostile <strong>to</strong> bone<br />
preservation, skeletal material often survives<br />
well in urban contexts, presumably because<br />
human activity has altered the character of<br />
the soils and sediments. As noted in Animal<br />
bones (above), cremated bone tends <strong>to</strong> be<br />
more resistant <strong>to</strong> destruction than unburnt<br />
bone, so that it may survive well even in<br />
highly acid soils where all traces of inhumed<br />
bone have vanished.<br />
Scientific examination of human skele<strong>to</strong>ns<br />
can provide information on the demography,<br />
diet, health and disease, growth, physical<br />
appearance, genetic relationships, activity<br />
patterns and funerary practices of our<br />
forebears (Mays 1998; Cox and Mays 2000).<br />
To a lesser extent cremated bone can also tell<br />
us about some of these aspects, particularly<br />
funerary practices in relation <strong>to</strong> pyre<br />
technology (McKinley 2000).<br />
The study of human remains can contribute<br />
<strong>to</strong> a number of important themes in British<br />
archaeology. The study of mortuary practices<br />
and ritual has been a significant focus,<br />
particularly for the prehis<strong>to</strong>ric and early<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric periods. Issues of ethnicity and<br />
migrations of peoples are also enjoying<br />
renewed interest. The larger assemblages<br />
available from the his<strong>to</strong>ric periods lend<br />
themselves <strong>to</strong> ‘population’-based studies.<br />
Important areas of enquiry include the rise of<br />
urbanism, the nature of monastic life, and the<br />
ways in which demography, health and<br />
disease changed over time as lifestyles altered<br />
in response <strong>to</strong> social and technological<br />
change. The study of human remains can also<br />
contribute <strong>to</strong> medical his<strong>to</strong>ry by helping us <strong>to</strong><br />
understand the antiquity of some diseases.<br />
Work on human remains is an area where a<br />
number of important new techniques have<br />
made their presence felt, in particular stable<br />
iso<strong>to</strong>pe and DNA analyses (see below,<br />
Biomolecules). Analyses of stable iso<strong>to</strong>pes of<br />
Eggshell<br />
Bird eggshell is mainly composed of calcite<br />
with an organic outer coating of protein, fat<br />
and polysaccharides, with two proteinaceous<br />
inner membranes. Some variation is found in<br />
eggshells of sea birds where vaterite is the<br />
predominant component. Shell preserves best<br />
in alkaline situations; it is surprisingly robust,<br />
although it will normally be recovered in a<br />
very fragmented state. Species identification is<br />
made through measurement and description<br />
of internal structures and sculpturing in<br />
comparison with modern reference material<br />
(Sidell 1993). Large fragments of eggshell are<br />
not necessary, as all identification requires<br />
Scanning Electron Microscopy.<br />
Figure 8 Section through egg shell of chicken. (SEM pho<strong>to</strong>graph by<br />
J Sidell)<br />
9
Although not at present commonly studied,<br />
eggshell is often recovered from archaeological<br />
sites. This is generally in the residues of<br />
coarse-sieved or flotation samples (Section 3,<br />
Sample types), although occasionally whole<br />
eggs or eggshell layers are recovered.<br />
Analysis of eggshell can address several<br />
research areas. Identification indicates which<br />
species were consumed. Depending on the<br />
species, it might be possible <strong>to</strong> consider<br />
questions relating <strong>to</strong> seasonality. Determining<br />
whether eggs were hatched can indicate the<br />
presence of a breeding population. As many<br />
species are selective about breeding grounds,<br />
eggshell analysis can assist in ecological<br />
reconstruction. It is also possible <strong>to</strong> examine<br />
the his<strong>to</strong>ry of breeding patterns over time,<br />
by tracking the breeding grounds of<br />
individual species. The results from the Late<br />
Norse middens at Freswick Links, Caithness,<br />
Scotland, demonstrate the potential of<br />
eggshell analysis <strong>to</strong> address these <strong>to</strong>pics<br />
(Sidell 1995).<br />
Insects<br />
Insects belong <strong>to</strong> the phylum Arthropoda,<br />
which are invertebrates with an exoskele<strong>to</strong>n<br />
and jointed limbs. Insects and certain other<br />
arthropods such as arachnids have<br />
exoskele<strong>to</strong>ns of chitin, which are readily<br />
preserved under anoxic conditions. Examples<br />
of insects and arachnids found<br />
archaeologically include beetles, true bugs,<br />
mites, flies, fleas, caddis flies and<br />
chironomids. Beetles are the most commonly<br />
found and studied.<br />
Disarticulated remains (eg heads, wing-cases,<br />
thorax coverings, mouthparts and genitalia)<br />
can survive in most waterlogged sediments.<br />
These include fen and bog peat, lake<br />
sediments, palaeochannel alluvium, flood<br />
deposits and fills of pits, ditches and wells.<br />
Fly puparia, along with body segments of two<br />
other groups of arthropods, woodlice and<br />
millipedes, are sometimes preserved by calcium<br />
phosphate mineral replacement in latrines,<br />
for example at the Roman shrine at Uley,<br />
Gloucestershire (Girling and Straker 1993).<br />
Insects live in most terrestrial, freshwater<br />
aquatic and maritime intertidal habitats.<br />
There are more species in the class Insecta<br />
than in the remainder of the animal kingdom<br />
put <strong>to</strong>gether and some have very narrow<br />
environmental requirements, for example<br />
feeding on only a single plant species. Their<br />
remains have proved particularly sensitive<br />
climatic indica<strong>to</strong>rs for the Pleis<strong>to</strong>cene,<br />
responding promptly <strong>to</strong> the sudden climatic<br />
amelioration of interstadials. On Post Glacial<br />
(Holocene) sites they are useful both for<br />
general palaeoenvironmental reconstruction<br />
and for providing details of past hygiene (eg<br />
lice and fleas) and living conditions. Reviews<br />
of all types of study are given by Buckland<br />
and Coope (1991) and by Robinson (2001a).<br />
In rural situations, they are particularly useful<br />
for showing the character of woodland, the<br />
quality of water and the occurrence of<br />
domestic animals (Robinson 1991).<br />
Grain beetles can provide evidence of s<strong>to</strong>red<br />
products (Kenward and Williams 1979).<br />
In urban situations with deep organic<br />
stratigraphy very detailed reconstructions can<br />
be made of human activity, as at Coppergate,<br />
York (Kenward and Hall 1995).<br />
Ostracods<br />
Ostracods are small (normally < 2mm),<br />
bivalve crustaceans with calcareous shells<br />
that grow by ecdysis – shedding their old<br />
shell and secreting a new one approximately<br />
twice the size. Ostracods inhabit nearly all<br />
types of natural aquatic environment from<br />
freshwater <strong>to</strong> marine. The robustness of their<br />
shells means that they survive in almost any<br />
non-acidic, waterlain deposit. Like<br />
foraminifera and molluscs, the shells of most<br />
species have unique shapes and sculpturings<br />
making them readily identifiable. It is also<br />
usual <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> tell male and female<br />
individuals apart within species. Griffiths<br />
et al (1993) provide a useful summary of<br />
sampling, preparation and identification<br />
techniques.<br />
Many physical and chemical fac<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
influence the distribution of ostracod<br />
species, including salinity, temperature,<br />
water depth, pH, oxygen concentration,<br />
substrate and food supply (Griffiths and<br />
Holmes 2000). Application of this<br />
knowledge <strong>to</strong> Holocene and Pleis<strong>to</strong>cene<br />
fossil faunal records has enabled researchers<br />
<strong>to</strong> reconstruct a broad range of<br />
palaeoenvironments.<br />
Ostracod analysis should be considered as<br />
a useful technique <strong>to</strong> complement mollusc,<br />
dia<strong>to</strong>m and foraminiferan analyses where<br />
waterlain deposits are identified during<br />
archaeological investigations (eg ditches,<br />
moats, fishponds), or as part of general<br />
palaeoenvironmental reconstruction (eg<br />
coastal evolution, relative sea-level changes,<br />
general water resource issues). Cladocerans,<br />
a group of small freshwater crustaceans,<br />
are also occasionally used in reconstruction<br />
of fresh water environments and are often<br />
found on archaeological sites.<br />
Because of their size and the fact that<br />
samples of only 10–50g are required for<br />
analysis, quite good resolution can be<br />
obtained from ostracod analyses, enabling<br />
subtle changes in environments <strong>to</strong> be<br />
revealed, which might otherwise have gone<br />
unrecorded. However, the ecology of<br />
ostracod species is, in general, less well<br />
unders<strong>to</strong>od than that of molluscs and<br />
therefore, when possible, an integrated<br />
approach using these two groups should<br />
be employed.<br />
Figure 9 Head of human louse, Pulex irritans, a species characteristically recorded from floor deposits in Anglo-Scandinavian York.<br />
(SEM pho<strong>to</strong>graph by H K Kenward)<br />
To date, few attempts have been made <strong>to</strong><br />
study ostracods in archaeological<br />
investigations. One example comes from the<br />
Roman fortress ditch in Exeter, Devon<br />
(Robinson 1984), where the ostracods<br />
suggested periods of standing water, but<br />
somewhat polluted conditions resulting in a<br />
restricted fauna. They were also used for<br />
environmental reconstruction in the Fenland<br />
Management Project (Godwin in Crowson<br />
et al 2000).<br />
10
Figure 10 Test of the foraminiferan Elphidium excavatum forma<br />
lidoensis. Foraminifera are single-celled organisms with calcareous<br />
or agglutinated tests ('shells').These occur in marine and brackish<br />
water sediments, and can provide information on the relationship<br />
of coastal sites <strong>to</strong> their contemporary shoreline, besides giving<br />
data on salinity levels, current velocities and marine flooding<br />
events. (SEM pho<strong>to</strong>graph by M Godwin)<br />
Foraminifera<br />
Foraminifera are marine protists found in<br />
habitats ranging from salt marshes <strong>to</strong> the<br />
deep oceans. They secrete a shell called a test,<br />
which is the part that survives . This is<br />
composed of organic matter and minerals<br />
such as calcite or aragonite, or is<br />
agglutinated. Foraminifera survive best<br />
in non-acidic conditions.<br />
Oxygen iso<strong>to</strong>pe ratios in foraminiferal tests<br />
in muds from deep ocean cores have provided<br />
data on global climate change (Wilson et al<br />
2000). More locally, the known habitat<br />
requirements of foraminifera can be used <strong>to</strong><br />
reconstruct salinity changes. These protists<br />
are therefore particularly valuable at coastal<br />
sites where changes in freshwater and marine<br />
influence are important. Foraminifera have<br />
been used in studies attempting <strong>to</strong> identify<br />
coastal reclamation as, for example<br />
at middle Saxon Fenland sites (Murphy in<br />
Crowson et al 2000), and in the Severn<br />
Estuary Levels (Haslett et al 2000). At a<br />
broader scale the study of foraminifera has<br />
made an important contribution <strong>to</strong>wards the<br />
understanding of sea-level change (Haslett<br />
et al 1997).<br />
Molluscs<br />
Snails and bivalves live in a wide range of<br />
habitats on land, and in fresh, brackish and<br />
marine water. Individual species inhabit very<br />
specific environments, such as damp<br />
woodland, short-turfed grassland and<br />
brackish river channels.<br />
Figure 11 Mollusc shells, mainly of freshwater species, from fluvial sands at Hogg’s Drove, Marham, Norfolk.The mollusca helped <strong>to</strong><br />
place a lithic scatter in context: the deposit represented a sand bar or river beach, seasonally dry, on which there was Mesolithic activity.<br />
Mollusc shells can provide very precise information on local habitats at archaeological sites. Samples are collected for<br />
wet-sieving, usually on a 0.5mm mesh, in the labora<strong>to</strong>ry. Scale: petri dish diam = 9mm. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by M Howard)<br />
The shells of snails and marine and<br />
freshwater bivalved molluscs occur in a range<br />
of sediments (alluvium, tufa, lake sediments,<br />
colluvial deposits, loess, blown sand and<br />
intertidal mud), in buried soils and in the<br />
fills of archaeological features.<br />
In base-rich deposits survival of shell is<br />
normally adequate for analysis, but<br />
preservation can be variable and<br />
unpredictable. Calcareous deposits in<br />
which shells survive sometimes occur<br />
over acid bedrock.<br />
The larger marine species of molluscs have<br />
been a food resource since at least the<br />
Mesolithic period. Prehis<strong>to</strong>ric shell middens<br />
occur on some English coastlines. It is also<br />
possible <strong>to</strong> investigate sources of shellfish and<br />
their management in later periods (Winder<br />
1992). In addition, shells have been used for<br />
ornaments, artefacts and for lime production.<br />
Shells have also been imported <strong>to</strong> sites within<br />
clays (used for daub and bricks), seaweed<br />
and hay, and their identification can be used<br />
<strong>to</strong> suggest sources for these materials<br />
(Murphy 2001).<br />
Shell assemblages of land, freshwater and Parasite eggs and cysts<br />
brackish-water/marine molluscs provide The parasite eggs most commonly studied are<br />
palaeoecological data, but taphonomy and those from intestinal nema<strong>to</strong>de worms.<br />
preservational fac<strong>to</strong>rs must always be<br />
As their reproductive cycle requires transport<br />
considered carefully (Bell and Johnson from the faeces of one host <strong>to</strong> the intestines<br />
1996). Work on the calcareous regions of of another, the eggs of some species are<br />
Britain, where pollen is often poorly<br />
robust and resistant <strong>to</strong> decay. Cysts are the<br />
preserved, has provided a long-term picture calcified resting stage of some tapeworms<br />
of natural and anthropogenic habitat change (Jones 1982).<br />
(Evans 1972). More recently, greater<br />
attention has been paid <strong>to</strong> molluscs from Parasite eggs are small, up <strong>to</strong> about 60<br />
freshwater wetlands and coastal habitats microns in size. They are often recovered<br />
(Wilkinson and Murphy 1995). In general, from pit and ditch fills but are also present in<br />
molluscs provide site-specific information on spreads and general dumps. Most often they<br />
local environmental changes, though regional survive in wet deposits or in deposits<br />
models can be devised by integrating data including mineral concretions but can<br />
from several sites.<br />
sometimes survive in dry ones.<br />
11
1mm<br />
2mm<br />
2mm<br />
Figure 12 Egg of the parasitic nema<strong>to</strong>de Trichuris.Total length c 75<br />
microns. Presence of polar plugs at each end enables<br />
measurements and comparison for specific identification, in this<br />
case probably T. ovis, characteristic of ruminants. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by<br />
J R G Daniell)<br />
Figure 14 Cereal grains provide evidence for use of specific crops, but the chaff (ear and stem fragments) can help in the<br />
investigation of the stages of crop processing represented. The two glume bases (centre <strong>to</strong>p) are from emmer wheat while the<br />
barley rachis node (centre bot<strong>to</strong>m) is from a 6-row variety. The grains on the left show the characteristic longitudinal wrinkles and<br />
rounded triangular shape of naked barley. Those on the right have the high dorsal ridge and twisted lateral groove often found on<br />
emmer. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J P Huntley)<br />
Charred plant remains are found on most only silica. For example, macroscopic silica<br />
archaeological sites. Preservation occurs when remains of plants have been retrieved from<br />
the plant material is burned under reducing ashy deposits at some sites (Robinson and<br />
conditions. This leaves a skele<strong>to</strong>n, primarily of Straker 1991).<br />
carbon but sometimes also including residual<br />
starches, lipids and DNA. The carbon Waterlogged plant remains are found in<br />
skele<strong>to</strong>n is resistant <strong>to</strong> chemical and biological places where the water-table has remained<br />
attack, although vulnerable <strong>to</strong> mechanical high enough <strong>to</strong> inhibit destruction by decaydamage.<br />
High temperature fires with a good causing organisms. They can also occur in<br />
air supply can result in loss of carbon, leaving certain deposits above the water-table if they<br />
Figure 13 Partially mineral-replaced coprolite from medieval<br />
deposits in Dryslwyn Castle; probably originally from a dog, given<br />
the moderate sized fragments of bone surviving in the specimen.<br />
Plant remains can also survive in such material, although none are<br />
present in this specific example. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J R G Daniell)<br />
Although the species are often host-specific,<br />
in many cases the eggs themselves are not<br />
necessarily identifiable <strong>to</strong> species, limiting<br />
their interpretation.<br />
Parasite eggs and cysts are used <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
indications of the health of individuals,<br />
if discrete coprolites are present (Jones<br />
1983), or of populations, if only amorphous<br />
faecal deposits survive (Huntley 2000).<br />
Their presence is also useful in identifying<br />
contamination by human and animal<br />
faecal waste.<br />
Plant macrofossils<br />
(other than wood/charcoal)<br />
Plant macrofossils in Britain and the rest<br />
of North West Europe are most commonly<br />
preserved by charring, by anoxic conditions<br />
(such as waterlogging), or by mineral<br />
replacement. Preservation can also occur<br />
through desiccation, although in Britain this<br />
normally occurs only in standing buildings.<br />
Figure 15 Cereal grains are most often preserved through being charred but, under exceptional conditions, their waterlogged remains<br />
can survive.This is typical of deposits at Vindolanda on Hadrian's Wall. Scale bar = 1cm. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J P Huntley)<br />
12
Figure 16 S<strong>to</strong>nes from Prunus spp., Roman deposits at Annetwell<br />
St., Carlisle. While many of them have the rounded shape of sloe<br />
(Prunus spinosa) some are larger and have more pointed ends<br />
typical of bullace and damson groups (P. insititia). It is only from<br />
the medieval deposits at this site that true domesticated plums<br />
have been recovered. Scale = 5 × 1cm. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by<br />
J P Huntley)<br />
are anoxic and highly organic, such as in the<br />
fills of pits lined with s<strong>to</strong>ne, dug in<strong>to</strong> heavy<br />
clay, or sealed by overlying stratigraphy.<br />
Replacement of plant tissues with soluble<br />
phosphates and carbonates commonly occurs<br />
in cesspits (Green 1979; McCobb et al<br />
2001), but can occur wherever these minerals<br />
are present and there is sufficient moisture<br />
<strong>to</strong> transport them in<strong>to</strong> plant tissues. Close<br />
proximity <strong>to</strong> metal corrosion products can<br />
also preserve plant remains. The roofs of<br />
late medieval and post-medieval buildings<br />
sometimes include the original thatch<br />
preserved by smoke blackening (Letts 1999).<br />
Plant remains provide information on aspects<br />
of diet (Dickson and Dickson 1988,<br />
Greig 1983), arable husbandry practices<br />
(Hillman 1981; van der Veen 1992),<br />
foddering of lives<strong>to</strong>ck (Karg 1998), the<br />
introduction of various non-indigenous<br />
plants (Greig 1996) and the reconstruction<br />
of local environments (Hall and Kenward<br />
1990). Plant remains can also reveal details<br />
of landscape use, such as hedgerows (Greig<br />
1994), and provide evidence for gardens<br />
and garden plants (Murphy and Scaife 1991;<br />
Dickson 1995). The use of plants in<br />
medicine, in textile working, and in the fabric<br />
and furnishing of dwellings can also be<br />
detected. Sometimes specific activities can be<br />
identified such as dyeing (Tomlinson 1985)<br />
or malting (Hillman 1982). Archaeobotanical<br />
information can be integrated with<br />
documentary evidence <strong>to</strong> give an enhanced<br />
picture (Greig 1996; Foxhall 1998).<br />
Patterns of distribution of plants on sites<br />
are important <strong>to</strong> determine where different<br />
activities <strong>to</strong>ok place.<br />
Figure 17 Charred seed assemblages can demonstrate both temporal and spatial patterns. In the north of England spelt is more<br />
common in the southern part of the region and barley in the north during the Roman period.There is also a suggestion that oats<br />
increase during the later Roman period. While some of these assemblages are quite small, this information, nonetheless, can indicate<br />
directions for future research.<br />
Figure 18 Proportions of tree species represented in 1st- and 2nd-century Carlisle and 2nd-century Ribchester in the Lune Valley.<br />
Simple plots such as these nonetheless demonstrate differences probably related <strong>to</strong> a combination of different woodland types available<br />
on the local soils, and possible woodland management practices.<br />
13
Figure 19 Basketry from Roman deposits at Annetwell St,<br />
Carlisle. Scale = 1cm. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J Jones)<br />
Wood<br />
Wood is preserved in waterlogged anoxic<br />
deposits, by charring (see charcoal, below),<br />
or by mineral replacement (with compounds<br />
from metal corrosion products, biogenic<br />
phosphate, by microbially induced pyrite<br />
deposition, or by calcite replacement in<br />
mortared walls). Waterlogged wood can be<br />
little more than a lignin ‘skele<strong>to</strong>n’ supported<br />
by water, and de-watering in such cases<br />
results in rapid deterioration.<br />
Standing buildings and ancient living trees<br />
contribute <strong>to</strong> information regarding tree-ring<br />
chronologies (Hillam 1998), while wood from<br />
‘submerged forests’ and river sediments<br />
provides independent data on the composition<br />
and structure of woodlands (Lageard et al<br />
1995; Wilkinson and Murphy 1995).<br />
Studies of wood, both converted timber<br />
and roundwood, provide information on the<br />
management of woodlands and hedgerows.<br />
Such studies also give details of fuel sources,<br />
supplies of raw material for basketry and<br />
hurdles (Murphy 1995), timber for buildings<br />
and boats (McGrail 1979), trade, and status,<br />
where scarce material has been used<br />
(Cutler 1983).<br />
Recording wood, especially structures and<br />
objects, calls for close collaboration between a<br />
wide range of workers: field archaeologists,<br />
environmental archaeologists, conserva<strong>to</strong>rs,<br />
wood technologists, dendrochronologists,<br />
scientists concerned with radiocarbon dating,<br />
and museum cura<strong>to</strong>rs. Archaeologists<br />
involved with projects having the potential for<br />
waterlogged wood remains are advised <strong>to</strong><br />
consult Waterlogged Wood: guidelines on the<br />
recording, sampling, conservation and curation<br />
of waterlogged wood (Brunning 1995).<br />
Charcoal<br />
Much charcoal represents the burning of<br />
wood, but it is also produced when other<br />
plant material is incompletely burnt.<br />
Depending upon the temperature of burning<br />
Figure 20 Taxus (yew): tangential longitudinal section showing spiral thickening.This only preserves under exceptional conditions.This<br />
sample is from Roman deposits at The Lanes, Carlisle, where good evidence for craft woodworking was revealed. Scale = ×100.<br />
(Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J Jones)<br />
and the supply of air, the charcoal can retain<br />
enough of its original physical structure and<br />
shape <strong>to</strong> be identified. If not subjected <strong>to</strong><br />
physical stresses, charcoal (and other charred<br />
plant material) is durable and easily reworked.<br />
The larger pieces of charcoal, such as might<br />
occur in hearth deposits or on industrial sites,<br />
can provide information regarding use of<br />
particular species. This can, but does not<br />
necessarily, reflect the composition of local<br />
woodlands. The widespread use of ash and<br />
oak for industrial processes, such as iron<br />
smelting, has been demonstrated by Gale<br />
(1991). The examination of charcoal from<br />
cremation-related deposits shows that a<br />
restricted range of wood was used. This might<br />
have been based on practical considerations<br />
but also might well have involved a ritual<br />
element (Gale 1997; Thompson 1999).<br />
Very fine charcoal particles can be<br />
transported some distance from the scene of<br />
the fire. These can become incorporated in<strong>to</strong><br />
deposits in a similar way <strong>to</strong> pollen, and will<br />
survive the chemical processes of typical<br />
pollen preparation. Concentrations of<br />
charcoal particles in pollen samples can<br />
therefore provide useful information on local<br />
burning of woodland/vegetation and hence,<br />
possibly, human clearance (Simmons 1996).<br />
Microscopic charcoal should be routinely<br />
quantified alongside pollen.<br />
Pollen and spores<br />
Higher plants produce pollen, while lower<br />
plants (such as ferns and mosses) and fungi<br />
produce spores. A combination of size,<br />
surface texture, and number and type of<br />
apertures (among other features) enables<br />
these microscopic structures <strong>to</strong> be identified<br />
<strong>to</strong> a greater or lesser taxonomic level (Moore<br />
et al 1991). Ribwort plantain (Plantago<br />
lanceolata) pollen, for example,<br />
can be identified <strong>to</strong> the species level, but<br />
many species in the daisy family (Asteraceae)<br />
cannot be separated from each other.<br />
Identification of moss or fungal spores is<br />
rarely attempted, mainly because of a lack of<br />
systematic study or availability of reference<br />
material. Recent advances have been made,<br />
however. Dr Bas van Geel and colleagues at<br />
the <strong>University</strong> of Utrecht have catalogued a<br />
wide range of types of non-pollen<br />
palynomorphs (van Hoeve and<br />
Hendrikse1998).<br />
Pollen and spores are typically 25–120<br />
microns in diameter. Being small, they are<br />
widely disseminated by wind, rain and water,<br />
which means that individual grains can be<br />
found at considerable distances from the<br />
parent organism. Thus, caution is required<br />
during interpretation, especially when<br />
considering the relative importance of the<br />
wider landscape as opposed <strong>to</strong> that of the<br />
immediate archaeological site or context.<br />
Pollen and spores survive best in acidic and<br />
anoxic conditions, such as peat bogs, some<br />
lake sediments, and waterlogged ditch and pit<br />
fills. Copper salts from artefacts can also<br />
preserve pollen (Greig 1989). Pollen and<br />
spores are not, however, necessarily destroyed<br />
under other preservation conditions and<br />
tallying the levels and types of degradation<br />
can aid interpretation considerably.<br />
Both pollen and spores are used <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
information about the vegetation of an area.<br />
In naturally accumulated deposits, the<br />
character of a pollen assemblage (the taxa<br />
recorded and the proportions of each type<br />
of pollen present in any given sample),<br />
14
Figure 21 Charred tubers/roots from Iron Age deposits at Stanwick, North Yorkshire. Left: low-power, showing general shape; internal structure lost during charring process. Right: segment of swollen stem of<br />
a dicotyledon.This transverse section shows a concentration of xylem vessels external <strong>to</strong> these are fibres and, internally, a glassy area, which would have been the phloem.The collapsed central area would<br />
have been the pith. (SEM pho<strong>to</strong>graphs by D de Moulins)<br />
Pollen assemblages will not usually date a<br />
sediment with any precision, and thus<br />
independent dating techniques will need <strong>to</strong><br />
be applied. A programme of sampling for<br />
radiocarbon or other scientific dating will<br />
be necessary in order <strong>to</strong> interpret pollen<br />
data fully. The number of dates required<br />
will depend on many fac<strong>to</strong>rs, including peat<br />
accumulation rates, depth of sediment and<br />
the project objectives.<br />
Figure 22 Left: Quercus (oak pollen), showing two of the three furrows. Right: Poaceae (grass) pollen; the left half shows characteristic<br />
single pore and the right half shows the surface texture. Scale for both = ×1000. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graphs by J R M Allen)<br />
will provide an integrated picture of the<br />
vegetation for some distance around the site<br />
(Prentice 1988). This distance can be from<br />
a few hundred metres <strong>to</strong> some tens of<br />
kilometres, depending upon the nature of<br />
the area from which the sample was taken.<br />
The size of the coring area, and whether the<br />
landscape around it was wooded or treeless<br />
at any particular time, are the most<br />
important fac<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> consider when<br />
interpreting a pollen diagram (Jacobson and<br />
Bradshaw 1981). Clearly, the area<br />
represented by a sequence of pollen<br />
assemblages can change with time,<br />
as natural vegetation succession occurs.<br />
Thus, it is important <strong>to</strong> choose sampling<br />
locations appropriate <strong>to</strong> the questions being<br />
asked. The analysis of multiple profiles can<br />
overcome some of the problems of<br />
interpreting pollen diagrams (Mighall and<br />
Chambers 1997). Current work on pollen<br />
from small archaeological features indicates<br />
that the assemblages recovered might be<br />
giving a very local picture.<br />
Pollen taphonomy is extremely important<br />
and caution is needed especially in<br />
interpretation of pollen assemblages from<br />
archaeological deposits such as waterlogged<br />
ditches, buried soils and pits. Ditches often<br />
silt up after the associated site has been<br />
abandoned; thus, pollen might not provide<br />
information about the life of the site. Soil<br />
processes (Tipping et al 1999) will affect<br />
pollen within buried soil profiles preserved<br />
under, for example, earthworks, or naturally<br />
deposited alluvium or colluvium. Pits are<br />
quite likely <strong>to</strong> have material in them from a<br />
variety of sources (Greig 1982), including<br />
rubbish and other material deposited by<br />
people.<br />
Pollen data should, where possible, be<br />
compared with other environmental results<br />
in order <strong>to</strong> interpret deposits (Wiltshire and<br />
Murphy 1998). Currently, advances are<br />
being made regarding the interpretation of<br />
pollen data by using modern analogues<br />
(Gaillard et al 1994).<br />
Depending upon preparation techniques<br />
used on the sediment, other materials (eg<br />
charcoal particles, dia<strong>to</strong>ms, parasite ova and<br />
tephra shards) might also be seen on the<br />
microscope slides used for pollen counts.<br />
These could provide evidence that<br />
complements the interpretation derived from<br />
the pollen spectra.<br />
Phy<strong>to</strong>liths<br />
Phy<strong>to</strong>liths are microscopic bodies produced<br />
by many plants via the deposition of<br />
dissolved silica within or between plant cells.<br />
They are found mainly in the above-ground<br />
parts of plants and are released when the<br />
plant tissues break down. The silica matrix<br />
confers resistance <strong>to</strong> decay and mechanical<br />
breakage and so phy<strong>to</strong>liths may survive<br />
where other plant remains do not. Only a<br />
high pH (> 9) is detrimental <strong>to</strong> survival and<br />
can lead <strong>to</strong> differential preservation.<br />
Phy<strong>to</strong>liths range in size from about 5–100<br />
microns. In Britain they rarely have a speciesor<br />
family-specific size and shape, but it is the<br />
identification of phy<strong>to</strong>lith suites which has<br />
proved most useful (Powers 1994).<br />
Interpretation relies on the use of modern<br />
analogue source material, thus limiting the<br />
present application of the technique.<br />
Examples using modern analogues include<br />
15
•<br />
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) (Brown<br />
•<br />
2000; S<strong>to</strong>ne 2000)<br />
the identification of cattle and sheep dung collagen (Mays 2000, Katzenberg 2000)<br />
and peat in the Outer Hebridean middens<br />
at Baleshare and Hornish Point and<br />
differentiation between roof and floor<br />
deposits in Hebridean blackhouses (Powers Fac<strong>to</strong>rs influencing the preservation or decay<br />
1994). They have also been used <strong>to</strong> identify of biomolecules in ancient materials are<br />
ancient agricultural fields in the Outer complex. The best preservation conditions are<br />
Hebrides (Smith 1996).<br />
stable, cool, dry environments with a neutral<br />
pH. Lipids tend <strong>to</strong> survive best, followed by<br />
Dia<strong>to</strong>ms<br />
proteins and then DNA.<br />
Dia<strong>to</strong>ms are freshwater and marine algae that<br />
have a silica frustule or chamber made up of Lipids and proteins can be absorbed in<strong>to</strong><br />
two valves, and it is this that survives. They the fabric of pottery, and lipid residues are<br />
are typically about 5–80 microns in size, thus often used in the characterisation of<br />
though they can be larger. They are identified organic matter associated with artefacts<br />
by their morphology, mainly the shape and such as pottery vessels. Lipids and proteins<br />
surface texture.<br />
thus provide information about food products<br />
(such as plant oils and waxes, and animal fats)<br />
and raw commodities used in antiquity.<br />
However, analysis of the lipid component<br />
of human, animal and plant remains,<br />
anthropogenic soils and sediments is<br />
also undertaken.<br />
The identification of blood proteins on s<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
artefacts is a controversial issue in<br />
archaeology. Recent work on casein, a milk<br />
protein, has made possible the identification of<br />
cow milk residues in pottery.<br />
Figure 23 The dia<strong>to</strong>m, Raphoneis amphiceros, (<strong>to</strong>tal length c 70<br />
microns); this is a species characteristic of marine conditions.<br />
(Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J Sidell)<br />
The main protein of bone, collagen, is the<br />
most common target for stable iso<strong>to</strong>pe<br />
Species are habitat-specific and provide analyses, although work has also been done<br />
indications of water quality and depositional on lipids, hair, dental enamel and bone<br />
environment, such as temperature and mineral. Stable iso<strong>to</strong>pe ratios may vary with<br />
salinity, nutrient/mineral levels, acidity and climate (eg oxygen), with food source<br />
degree of oxygenation, and whether the site (eg carbon and nitrogen) or with local geology<br />
was periodically exposed <strong>to</strong> air. Dia<strong>to</strong>ms are (eg strontium). In human remains, stable<br />
used by archaeologists <strong>to</strong> address a range of iso<strong>to</strong>pes have been used <strong>to</strong> study aspects such<br />
questions (Juggins and Cameron 1999). They as diet, infant feeding practices, climate and<br />
are perhaps most valuable in the investigation population movements.<br />
of coastal and estuarine sites, providing data<br />
on the extent of marine influence and phases DNA encodes the genetic information of an<br />
of sea-level change. This is demonstrated by organism, so ancient DNA is an important<br />
recent work on the central London Thames source of palaeo-genetic information. It has<br />
(Cameron in Sidell et al 2000), on the North been used <strong>to</strong> examine human evolution,<br />
Somerset Levels (Cameron and Dobinson migration and the social organisation of past<br />
2000) and on Fenland sites (Cameron in communities, <strong>to</strong> identify disease organisms,<br />
Crowson et al 2000).<br />
and <strong>to</strong> investigate the origins and evolution of<br />
domesticated animals and plants.<br />
Biomolecules<br />
Biomolecular archaeology refers <strong>to</strong> the Before undertaking any work on biomolecules<br />
study of biological molecules retrieved it is necessary <strong>to</strong> take specialist advice about<br />
from archaeological specimens. The<br />
potential contamination, the likelihood of<br />
development of highly sensitive analytical preservation of suitable compounds and the<br />
techniques has enabled small quantities of potential contribution of the material <strong>to</strong><br />
these molecules, preserved in archaeological archaeological knowledge. It should be<br />
remains, <strong>to</strong> be extracted and characterised. emphasised, however, that, for skeletal<br />
Biomolecules include:<br />
remains, no bone samples for biomolecular<br />
work should be taken before the remains in<br />
lipids (Evershed et al 2001)<br />
question have been recorded by an osteologist.<br />
• blood and milk proteins (Cattaneo et al In particular, and contrary <strong>to</strong> popular belief,<br />
1993; Craig et al 2000) problems with contamination do not dictate<br />
removal of bone for DNA analysis as soon as<br />
remains are uncovered on-site. Although<br />
handling will contaminate bone surfaces with<br />
modern DNA, most of those who work with<br />
DNA circumvent this problem in the<br />
labora<strong>to</strong>ry, principally by taking samples from<br />
the internal parts of bones or, more especially,<br />
teeth. This enables successful studies <strong>to</strong> be<br />
made on specimens that have been handled.<br />
Geoarchaeology<br />
Geoarchaeological studies can significantly<br />
enhance archaeological interpretations by<br />
making it possible for archaeologists <strong>to</strong><br />
determine the effects of earth surface<br />
processes on the evidence for human activity<br />
at various different scales, and by providing<br />
evidence on soil resources for food<br />
production. Thus, the aims of most<br />
geoarchaeological work are the<br />
understanding of both site formation<br />
processes and landscape changes. The focus<br />
can range from the microscopic examination<br />
of a junction between two contexts, <strong>to</strong><br />
sediment logging or soil survey across a<br />
whole landscape (Cloutman 1988; Wilkinson<br />
et al 2000).<br />
Geoarchaeology typically examines both soils<br />
and sediments, so the distinction between<br />
these two material types needs <strong>to</strong> be clear<br />
from the outset:<br />
•<br />
Soils are bodies of sediment or the upper<br />
part of solid rocks that have been altered<br />
by surface processes such as weathering,<br />
and by bioturbation including both rootgrowth<br />
of plants and disturbance/digestion<br />
by animals. Buried soils are generally only<br />
found beneath earthworks or under rapidly<br />
accumulating sediments such as alluvium<br />
and peat, where they represent former<br />
ground surfaces. In some circumstances,<br />
they can provide information about past<br />
environments and land use, while in others,<br />
they help in understanding the overlying<br />
remains; for instance, was the area of a<br />
barrow de-turfed before construction?<br />
•<br />
Sediment is a broader term covering all<br />
material that has been transported by one<br />
or more processes, for example flooding,<br />
colluviation and wind. People are also<br />
agents of deposition through such activities<br />
as terracing, building earthworks or<br />
levelling uneven surfaces.<br />
Studying soils and sediments can also inform<br />
archaeologists on other processes that modify<br />
stratigraphy, such as erosion, burning and<br />
cultivation. They are thus integral <strong>to</strong> both the<br />
formation and the alteration of the site,<br />
underpinning stratigraphic interpretation in<br />
any archaeological project.<br />
16
Stratigraphic and landscape studies<br />
Examination of stratified deposits on site is<br />
the single most important method for<br />
studying site formation processes, with<br />
labora<strong>to</strong>ry techniques only necessary in some<br />
cases. A full knowledge of sedimentation<br />
processes, weathering effects, soil formation,<br />
bioturbation and taphonomy has <strong>to</strong> be<br />
interwoven with the available cultural<br />
information <strong>to</strong> provide an integrated<br />
understanding of how the site formed.<br />
This understanding also forms the basis for<br />
sampling designs involving other<br />
geoarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental<br />
techniques. It is essential, therefore, that there<br />
is close agreement between the<br />
geoarchaeologist and the site direc<strong>to</strong>r on the<br />
detail of interpretation.<br />
Off-site work might also be needed in some<br />
cases. Fully understanding site formation<br />
processes and soil resources should involve<br />
studying the relationship between a site and<br />
its surrounding landscape. How, for example,<br />
is sediment being delivered <strong>to</strong> an alluvial site,<br />
and what pattern does this show over time?<br />
Various forms of geomorphological survey,<br />
soil survey and sedimentary mapping have<br />
been valuable adjuncts <strong>to</strong> site studies in some<br />
cases (Howard et al 2001). Off-site<br />
geoarchaeology might also involve studying<br />
the resources that would have been available<br />
<strong>to</strong> people in the past. Where were the best<br />
agricultural soils in relation <strong>to</strong> the site (Barker<br />
and Webley 1978) and what would people<br />
have been able <strong>to</strong> grow?<br />
Chemical and physical analyses<br />
The survey of various <strong>to</strong>psoil chemical<br />
characteristics over all or part of an<br />
excavation is a fairly widespread<br />
geoarchaeological technique. Chemical<br />
analysis can be used <strong>to</strong> provide quick multielement<br />
maps of sites for prospection<br />
purposes (James 1999) while other analyses<br />
concentrate on particular groupings such as<br />
heavy metals in alluvium near centres of<br />
mining (Hudson-Edwards et al 1996).<br />
The most popular chemical surveys are those<br />
measuring phosphate levels. The relative<br />
immobility of phosphates in the soil means<br />
that current levels can reflect the sum of past<br />
biological and fertiliser inputs <strong>to</strong> the soil<br />
system and lateral redistribution caused by<br />
deposition of human or animal wastes.<br />
Hotspots can be located by grid surveys and<br />
inferences made by comparing archaeological<br />
fills with blank areas.<br />
1987). The commonest examples are<br />
determination of calcium carbonate, pH,<br />
percentage organic carbon content and<br />
magnetic susceptibility. Recently, biochemical<br />
residues of biological materials in the soil<br />
have also received attention (Simpson et al<br />
1999a), but this last approach is still at the<br />
research stage.<br />
Soil micromorphology<br />
This is the term applied <strong>to</strong> the microscopy<br />
of whole blocks of soil or stratified deposits.<br />
Various methodologies make possible detailed<br />
examination of accumulations, rearrangements,<br />
contacts and residual materials<br />
in what amounts <strong>to</strong> a microscopic analogy<br />
for normal stratigraphic interpretation<br />
(Milek 1997). The commonest of these<br />
methods is the thin section viewed in two<br />
forms of polarised light – a system that allows<br />
an intact view of the microstratigraphy with<br />
recognition of many soil constituents,<br />
including fragments and residues of materials<br />
resulting from or influenced by human<br />
activity. The technique offers potential for<br />
examination of detailed issues such as<br />
individual depositional events (Matthews et al<br />
1997) and use of domestic space (Simpson et<br />
al 1999b). The necessarily small sample size<br />
means that the method is only really effective<br />
when dealing with clear questions refined<br />
from the larger-scale stratigraphic problems<br />
(French and Whitelaw 1999).<br />
Mineralogy<br />
The sand and silt fractions of soils and<br />
sediments are made up of a number of<br />
different minerals, dominated, in much of the<br />
British Isles, by quartz and calcium carbonate,<br />
but also including uncommon minerals such<br />
as zircon and <strong>to</strong>urmaline, which are resistant<br />
<strong>to</strong> weathering. These rarer minerals can be<br />
identified, depending on size and<br />
concentration, by heavy mineral analysis or<br />
X-ray diffraction. Some might be significant<br />
<strong>to</strong> site development insofar as the differences<br />
can reflect different sediment sources<br />
(Catt 1999). Whole rock fragments can also<br />
be identified, which can also assist in<br />
sediment sourcing work.<br />
As well as these primary minerals, secondary<br />
minerals (those formed in situ) and<br />
biominerals (those produced by organisms)<br />
are starting <strong>to</strong> play a part in the interpretation<br />
of stratigraphic and taphonomic issues at<br />
some sites (Canti 2000).<br />
Particle size analysis<br />
Particle size analysis is a technique that<br />
produces quantitative data on the proportions<br />
of different grain sizes in a soil or sediment,<br />
where ‘finger-texturing’ only gives<br />
approximations. The more exact values are<br />
not needed for the majority of interpretational<br />
uses. Particle size analysis is valuable,<br />
however, where processes that changed the<br />
soil texture are suspected <strong>to</strong> have occurred,<br />
where sediments have been used for<br />
construction (Davidson 1973), or where<br />
sediment sourcing affects our understanding<br />
of formation process (Canti 1999). Particle<br />
size analysis also provides a definitive record<br />
for future comparative purposes.<br />
3 Sampling<br />
This section covers:<br />
why sampling strategies are needed<br />
examples of possible methodologies<br />
which types of samples <strong>to</strong> take<br />
what <strong>to</strong> consider when taking samples<br />
• s<strong>to</strong>ring samples<br />
A number of labora<strong>to</strong>ry analyses can be<br />
applied <strong>to</strong> soil and sediment samples <strong>to</strong><br />
answer questions relating <strong>to</strong> stratigraphic or<br />
taphonomic processes (Reynolds and Catt<br />
Figure 24 Deep peat sections at Wells Road, Glas<strong>to</strong>nbury: monolith and specialist samples being taken for biological analyses.<br />
(Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by R Brunning)<br />
17
Sampling strategies<br />
The main issues in environmental<br />
archaeology concern ecological, social and<br />
economic reconstruction. These themes can<br />
be examined by studying changes over time,<br />
changes in activities across sites, evidence of<br />
specific activities or events, and interaction<br />
with the contemporaneous landscape.<br />
Sampling is part of the process of<br />
recovering archaeological materials and<br />
information from a site. The excavation is<br />
itself a sample, often a relatively small one,<br />
of the whole archaeological site. Achieving<br />
effective environmental sampling of the<br />
excavation sample requires a well<br />
constructed sampling strategy. This is one of<br />
the most difficult, but fundamental, areas of<br />
environmental archaeology.<br />
The decisions in formulating sampling<br />
strategies depend on two fac<strong>to</strong>rs:<br />
•<br />
the identified research aims (as defined<br />
in the project design)<br />
•<br />
the likely presence of particular<br />
environmental remains<br />
The first consideration is: what are the<br />
questions being asked? Examples could<br />
include:<br />
•<br />
What agricultural activities were taking<br />
place on the site?<br />
•<br />
What was the environmental setting of this<br />
settlement and how has it changed over<br />
time?<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Were these fields/houses inundated by<br />
freshwater or marine flooding?<br />
Was this site occupied seasonally or all year<br />
round?<br />
Is there evidence for differentiation of food<br />
preparation and rubbish disposal?<br />
•<br />
Is it possible <strong>to</strong> identify social status?<br />
This will affect what types of samples are<br />
taken (see Table 3) and their sizes.<br />
Archaeological sites can be simple or<br />
complex in terms of features, chronology,<br />
the chemical and physical properties of the<br />
deposits, and the site formation processes.<br />
These fac<strong>to</strong>rs will influence the preservation<br />
or loss of different materials, thus leading <strong>to</strong><br />
different considerations for sampling.<br />
Sampling should not only concentrate<br />
on features that can be dated in the field,<br />
but should also consider features that<br />
are undated during excavation. The<br />
environmental evidence can provide the<br />
material needed <strong>to</strong> date these features<br />
and, by ignoring them, some types of<br />
activity, or periods of activity, might be<br />
entirely overlooked.<br />
Figure 25 Segment of Livings<strong>to</strong>ne core, split longitudinally, showing clear stratigraphic changes from marine through glacial <strong>to</strong> early<br />
Holocene deposits. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graphs by J R M Allen)<br />
18
To examine environmental change over time,<br />
long sequences of deposits are usually<br />
needed. These are recovered from locations<br />
with substantial accumulations of sediments,<br />
for instance river channels, lakes, bogs, mires<br />
and glacial depressions, or ditch sections and<br />
ponds. Sampling a long sedimentary sequence<br />
near <strong>to</strong> an archaeological site, for example,<br />
will provide information both on the site and<br />
on the wider ecological his<strong>to</strong>ry of the area<br />
(Dark 1996). If long single sequences are<br />
unavailable, it is possible <strong>to</strong> sample from<br />
succeeding phases or archaeological contexts.<br />
Well dated pit fills or ditches, for example,<br />
can give information on vegetational change<br />
through time (Hunn and Rackham<br />
forthcoming). Co-ordinated sampling for<br />
different materials from the same deposits<br />
is often desirable and will provide a more<br />
enhanced interpretation than a single line<br />
of evidence. A more detailed discussion of<br />
sampling for environmental materials can<br />
be found in Or<strong>to</strong>n (2000, chapter 6). When<br />
planning a coherent sampling strategy it is<br />
necessary <strong>to</strong> involve the relevant specialists<br />
at the earliest possible opportunity and <strong>to</strong>:<br />
•<br />
Have clear objectives. For example, a<br />
typical objective is <strong>to</strong> examine the species<br />
richness and diversity of the subfossil<br />
assemblages by considering the proportions<br />
of various species across a site. Other<br />
objectives will concern the nature of human<br />
activity and ecological reconstruction.<br />
•<br />
Use all available current knowledge <strong>to</strong><br />
inform decisions. Information from<br />
comparable sites can support predictions<br />
about the likely survival and density of<br />
material in different features. It can<br />
sometimes also provide an indication of the<br />
likely level of spatial homogeneity.<br />
•<br />
Be clear about which contexts are <strong>to</strong> be<br />
sampled. Many classes of environmental<br />
material are not visible <strong>to</strong> the naked eye<br />
and appearances can be deceptive. Black<br />
deposits, for example, might not contain<br />
any charred material, or might be rich in<br />
wood charcoal but poor in seeds.<br />
Commonly excava<strong>to</strong>rs tend <strong>to</strong> sample from<br />
layers expected <strong>to</strong> be productive. It is<br />
essential, however, <strong>to</strong> collect samples from<br />
all types of deposit. The exceptions are<br />
unstratified deposits, make-up layers or<br />
contexts with a high degree of residual or<br />
intrusive artefacts that are not generally<br />
useful, except when specific questions are<br />
posed.<br />
•<br />
Allow for the fact that environmental<br />
remains are not necessarily homogeneously<br />
distributed through a given deposit. In<br />
some instances, several samples from the<br />
same context can be preferable <strong>to</strong> a single<br />
one. Multiple samples can always be<br />
combined later, if appropriate, but a single<br />
sample cannot be divided meaningfully <strong>to</strong><br />
represent environmental variation within<br />
that context.<br />
•<br />
Have a flexible sampling strategy that can<br />
be re-evaluated as the excavation proceeds.<br />
•<br />
Realise the potential of integrating<br />
environmental sampling with that for other<br />
types of artefactual evidence, eg the<br />
recovery of technological waste such as<br />
hammerscale.<br />
•<br />
Ensure compatibility between the<br />
environmental sampling strategies and the<br />
recovery of other classes of information <strong>to</strong><br />
meet the project objectives.<br />
•<br />
Consider the logistics of collecting,<br />
processing and transporting sampled<br />
material.<br />
Samples can be collected on- or off-site<br />
depending on the aims of the project and the<br />
presence of suitable deposits.<br />
On-site sampling<br />
The term ‘on-site’ refers <strong>to</strong> an excavated<br />
archaeological area. On-site sampling collects<br />
data from the range of contexts and phases<br />
encountered on archaeological sites and can<br />
be achieved using several different<br />
methodologies. In selecting an on-site<br />
sampling strategy the choice is primarily<br />
between random, judgement and systematic<br />
sampling, as summarised below. Common<br />
practice is a combination of judgement and<br />
systematic sampling. (See van der Veen<br />
(1985) for a discussion on random and<br />
judgement sampling specifically in relation <strong>to</strong><br />
charred plant remains.)<br />
Off-site sampling<br />
The term ‘off-site’ refers <strong>to</strong> any area that lies<br />
beyond an excavation, but which can still be<br />
sampled for archaeological purposes. Offsite<br />
deposits might preserve evidence of<br />
human environment, land use and landscape<br />
change. Examples of such deposits include<br />
Table 2 Sampling methodologies<br />
Sampling<br />
method<br />
random<br />
judgement<br />
systematic<br />
Description<br />
contexts <strong>to</strong> be sampled are<br />
selected in a statistically<br />
random manner<br />
samples are taken from<br />
obviously ‘ rich’ deposits<br />
samples are taken <strong>to</strong> an<br />
agreed strategy<br />
Advantages<br />
Figure 26 Using a modified Livings<strong>to</strong>ne pis<strong>to</strong>n corer in kettle hole<br />
deposits on the A66 at Stainmore, County Durham.<br />
(Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J P Huntley)<br />
buried peats, bogs, lakes, alluvial and<br />
colluvial deposits. There is now a more<br />
widespread recognition that such deposits<br />
preserve important archaeological<br />
information, and should be construed as part<br />
of the archaeological heritage as defined by<br />
the revised European Convention on the<br />
Protection of the Archaeological Heritage<br />
(1992) (the Valetta Convention).<br />
Off-site sampling generally involves targeting<br />
one or several locations for the collection of<br />
samples. Samples are usually taken using<br />
coring equipment – ranging from hand<br />
augers <strong>to</strong> commercial drilling rigs – in order<br />
<strong>to</strong> recover sedimentary sequences that can<br />
be used for a variety of different analyses.<br />
mathematically rigorous<br />
cost-effective since the<br />
‘good’ contexts only are<br />
targeted<br />
ensures that the whole site<br />
is considered; can be<br />
easily re-evaluated during<br />
excavation<br />
Disadvantages<br />
could miss all important<br />
deposits if used on its own<br />
highly subjective; ‘good’<br />
contexts are not always<br />
apparent <strong>to</strong> the excava<strong>to</strong>r<br />
can miss the unusual contexts,<br />
or sample inappropriate<br />
contexts if poorly planned<br />
19
Machine- or hand-dug trenches can also be<br />
cut, where the sampling site is suitable.<br />
Some off-site sampling locations might be<br />
covered by legislation: for example,<br />
permission from English Nature is needed <strong>to</strong><br />
sample within a Site of Special Scientific<br />
Interest (SSSI).<br />
Sample types<br />
The archaeological context is important<br />
when deciding what types of samples should<br />
be collected. The likely presence of particular<br />
environmental remains will be related <strong>to</strong><br />
preservation conditions (Table 1), human<br />
activities and depositional processes. For<br />
example, samples for charred plant remains<br />
are routinely collected from dry feature fills<br />
such as pits and postholes, while samples for<br />
the recovery of both plant and invertebrate<br />
macrofossils can be taken from waterlogged<br />
deposits. Exposures of peats and clays in<br />
river valley or coastal sequences would<br />
require a range of samples for different types<br />
of evidence.<br />
The terminology applied <strong>to</strong> different sample<br />
types is varied and confusing. In part this<br />
reflects the wide range of materials for which<br />
samples are taken and the different processing<br />
methods used for them. These guidelines<br />
classify sample types primarily by how they<br />
are dealt with on site. The use of the term<br />
‘bulk sample’ has deliberately been avoided<br />
since this term is used differently by different<br />
people and can lead <strong>to</strong> confusion.<br />
Samples can be classified in<strong>to</strong> three basic<br />
types:<br />
Coarse-sieved samples. These are collected by<br />
the excavation staff for the retrieval of small<br />
bones, bone fragments, larger (mainly<br />
marine) molluscs (such as oysters, mussels,<br />
limpets, etc) and smaller finds. Other<br />
materials that could be collected include<br />
wood charcoal, large plant remains (charred,<br />
waterlogged and mineralised) and<br />
waterlogged wood, but coarse-sieved samples<br />
are not suitable as the sole means of<br />
retrieving these materials. Samples should be<br />
‘whole earth’ with nothing removed unless<br />
the way in which the sample is processed<br />
would have a detrimental effect on fragile<br />
material. Sample size is normally on the<br />
order of 100 or more litres, and the samples<br />
are usually sieved on a minimum mesh size<br />
of 2mm. The samples may be wet or dry<br />
sieved depending on the soil conditions and<br />
are usually processed on site. Coarse-sieved<br />
samples are often collected from deposits<br />
that are unusually rich in bone or shell and<br />
are best taken with the advice of the<br />
appropriate specialist.<br />
Figure 27 Flotation tank on-site at St. Giles by Bromp<strong>to</strong>n Bridge,<br />
North Yorkshire. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by S Stallibrass)<br />
Flotation samples. These are taken from well<br />
drained deposits for the recovery of charred<br />
plant remains from the ‘flot’, and for charcoal<br />
fragments, small bones, mineralised plant<br />
remains, industrial residues such as<br />
hammerscale, and smaller finds from the<br />
residues. They are usually collected by the<br />
excavation team and should generally be<br />
processed on site where facilities (water,<br />
adequate drainage, silt disposal, drying space)<br />
are available. Molluscs could also be recovered<br />
in flotation samples, but generally should be<br />
recovered in ‘specialist’ samples (see below).<br />
Sample size will normally be of the order of<br />
40–60 litres or 100% of smaller features. The<br />
floating material (the flot) is usually collected<br />
on a sieve with a mesh size of 250–300<br />
microns. Residues are usually collected on a<br />
sieve size of 0.5mm (500 microns)–1mm and<br />
are sorted for the recovery of the small items<br />
mentioned above. Mesh size for flotation<br />
samples might need <strong>to</strong> vary from site <strong>to</strong> site<br />
according <strong>to</strong> the practicalities of processing<br />
different soil types. The advice of a specialist<br />
should be sought for the most appropriate<br />
sample size and mesh sizes for a given site.<br />
Specialist advice on mesh sizes will be needed<br />
particularly for sites on iron-rich clay soils<br />
where charred plant remains are often partly<br />
mineral-replaced or at least mineral-coated.<br />
The plant material often fails <strong>to</strong> float,<br />
remaining in the residue. In such cases,<br />
residue mesh size must equal flot mesh size in<br />
order not <strong>to</strong> lose valuable material.<br />
The smaller fractions of residues from<br />
flotation samples (generally residue fractions<br />
smaller than 4mm) need <strong>to</strong> be sorted under a<br />
microscope by the appropriate specialist(s), as<br />
biological remains within the smaller fractions<br />
are <strong>to</strong>o small (and sometimes <strong>to</strong>o unfamiliar)<br />
<strong>to</strong> be recovered adequately by non-specialists.<br />
Larger fractions can sometimes be sorted by<br />
non-specialists for the recovery of larger finds<br />
with the naked eye, though this should be<br />
done under appropriate supervision. In many<br />
cases where no bone or industrial material is<br />
present, the specialist will probably only need<br />
<strong>to</strong> scan the residues <strong>to</strong> check the effectiveness<br />
of the flotation. It should be noted that<br />
flotation machines are not always highly<br />
effective at recovering charred plant remains<br />
(de Moulins 1996) and that checking residues<br />
<strong>to</strong> note the quality of recovery is necessary.<br />
Flotation samples are also taken for cremated<br />
human remains. Residue mesh sizes are<br />
usually 2mm and 4mm with flot mesh sizes as<br />
above. The whole of each deposit should be<br />
sampled. Specialist advice should be sought<br />
before processing, as on-site processing is not<br />
always suitable.<br />
Specialist samples. These samples are usually<br />
collected by specialists and processed in the<br />
labora<strong>to</strong>ry. In some cases, they can be subsampled<br />
<strong>to</strong> provide material for a number of<br />
different specialists. Specialist samples include:<br />
1. Large samples. These are often collected<br />
from waterlogged/anoxic deposits for plant<br />
and invertebrate macrofossils. The sample<br />
size is normally of the order of 20 litres.<br />
These can be taken from individual contexts<br />
or from vertical sections. In some<br />
circumstances larger samples will be<br />
needed, for instance for the recovery of<br />
small vertebrates (small rodents, reptiles,<br />
etc). Samples for snails are generally<br />
smaller, of the order of 2 litres, and are<br />
collected from dry or wet deposits where<br />
snails are present. Mesh sizes for large<br />
specialist samples will vary according <strong>to</strong> the<br />
material <strong>to</strong> be recovered.<br />
2. Monolith samples. These are collected from<br />
vertical sections in monolith tins, squared<br />
plastic guttering or Kubiena boxes. Samples<br />
taken in monolith tins and guttering can be<br />
subsampled in the labora<strong>to</strong>ry for a range of<br />
analyses such as pollen, spores, dia<strong>to</strong>ms and<br />
foraminifera. Kubiena boxes are usually<br />
made of aluminium, with lids on the front<br />
and back, and are specifically made for<br />
micromorphology sampling.<br />
3. Cores. Cores can be taken for a similar<br />
range of materials <strong>to</strong> monolith samples and<br />
small samples (below).<br />
4. Small samples can be collected separately<br />
from discrete contexts for certain items,<br />
such as ostracods (10–50g), and for<br />
geoarchaeological analyses, such as particle<br />
size determination (0.5 litre). Small samples,<br />
usually 1–2 cm 3 , can also be taken for<br />
pollen and spores.<br />
20
Figure 30 Extruding a core of continuous sediment from a<br />
modified Livings<strong>to</strong>ne pis<strong>to</strong>n corer. Such corers work best in well<br />
humified peats or other fine-grained deposits.They work less<br />
effectively in coarse organic deposits, where, typically, a Russian<br />
style corer is used. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J P Huntley)<br />
Figure 28 Typical labora<strong>to</strong>ry set-up for sorting plant remains under the microscope. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by J P Huntley)<br />
Certain types of material, such as larger bones<br />
and shells, will be mainly collected by hand<br />
during excavation and recorded through the<br />
finds system.<br />
If human remains exposed on site are <strong>to</strong> be<br />
recovered, rather than left in situ, then the<br />
entire skele<strong>to</strong>n, or at least all of it that lies<br />
within the excavated area, should be<br />
recovered. Advice should be sought from a<br />
bone specialist before cleaning and lifting<br />
whole skele<strong>to</strong>ns and groups of articulated<br />
bones (whether human or non-human).<br />
Bones in articulation should be treated as a<br />
separate context and bagged and dealt with<br />
separately. Jaws with teeth should also be<br />
bagged as a unit, although preferably then<br />
kept <strong>to</strong>gether with the other bones from the<br />
same context. Bagging as a unit will ensure<br />
that teeth, which might fall out during post<br />
excavation transport etc, can, nonetheless,<br />
be re-associated with their specific mandible.<br />
Table 3 Examples of sample types appropriate <strong>to</strong> particular materials<br />
coarse-sieved<br />
flotation<br />
specialist<br />
vertebrate (bone also<br />
recovered by hand on<br />
site)<br />
✔<br />
✔ (small bones in<br />
residues from<br />
flotation)<br />
✔ (microfauna)<br />
molluscs<br />
✔ (large, mainly marine)<br />
✔<br />
insects, arachnids, etc<br />
✔<br />
parasite ova<br />
✔<br />
plant macrofossils<br />
wood<br />
✔ (large fruit s<strong>to</strong>nes etc) ✔ (charred and mineral- ✔ (waterlogged and<br />
replaced)<br />
mineral-replaced)<br />
✔<br />
charcoal<br />
pollen and spores<br />
phy<strong>to</strong>liths<br />
foraminifera<br />
✔<br />
✔ (radiocarbon dating)<br />
✔<br />
✔<br />
✔<br />
Figure 29 Glas<strong>to</strong>nbury Relief Road: monolith tins in peat deposits<br />
overlying estuarine silty clays. Note the overlapping tins, which<br />
enable researchers <strong>to</strong> take samples from undisturbed positions<br />
throughout the length of the sequence.The monoliths were<br />
sampled for pollen and dia<strong>to</strong>ms. Additional specialist samples<br />
from the same deposits were analysed for insects, plant<br />
macrofossils and foraminifera. (Pho<strong>to</strong>graph by V Straker)<br />
ostracods<br />
dia<strong>to</strong>ms<br />
soils and sediments<br />
✔<br />
✔<br />
✔<br />
21
Taking samples<br />
Samples should be from individual contexts,<br />
unless they are monolith samples that cross<br />
stratigraphic boundaries. Sometimes it is<br />
appropriate <strong>to</strong> sample thick contexts in spits<br />
of, for example, 5–10cm. The samples must<br />
come from cleaned surfaces, be collected<br />
with clean <strong>to</strong>ols, and be placed in clean<br />
containers.<br />
It is essential that all samples are adequately<br />
recorded and labelled. A register of all samples<br />
should be kept. Sample record sheets should<br />
provide information on sample type, reason for<br />
sampling, size, context and sample numbers,<br />
spatial location, date of sampling, and context<br />
description and interpretation (eg grey-brown<br />
silt, primary pit fill, ?Late Roman). The<br />
approximate percentage of the context<br />
sampled should be recorded where known.<br />
Labelling must be legible, consistent and<br />
permanent. It is best <strong>to</strong> use plastic or<br />
plasticised labels and permanent markers.<br />
Samples in plastic tubs should be labelled<br />
twice on the inside and once on the outside.<br />
Samples in poly bags should be doublebagged,<br />
and labels placed inside both bags<br />
and on the outside of the outer bags. Bags<br />
should be tied securely with synthetic string.<br />
Specialist samples with an orientation,<br />
such as cores, monoliths and Kubiena boxes<br />
need <strong>to</strong> have the <strong>to</strong>p and bot<strong>to</strong>m marked and<br />
the depth within the sequence of the deposit<br />
recorded; overlapping samples must have<br />
their relationship recorded. The position of<br />
samples should be marked on all relevant<br />
site plans and section drawings. Specialists<br />
might also wish <strong>to</strong> make sketches and take<br />
notes. Pho<strong>to</strong>graphic records of sampling<br />
taking place can be extremely useful in<br />
providing a complete record of sample<br />
position and orientation.<br />
All sample processing must be recorded on<br />
sample record forms whose format is agreed<br />
by the project direc<strong>to</strong>r, the specialists and the<br />
on-site environmental supervisor. Processing<br />
records should include sample volume (for<br />
coarse-sieved samples and flotation samples),<br />
context and sample number, mesh sizes used,<br />
the date processed and any other comments<br />
or observations that might be needed when<br />
the flots and residues are assessed or<br />
analysed.<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ring samples<br />
Key points for s<strong>to</strong>rage are:<br />
Keep samples cool; exclude light and air.<br />
• All relevant records need <strong>to</strong> be safe and<br />
accessible.<br />
•<br />
Avoid long-term s<strong>to</strong>rage.<br />
22<br />
Figure 31 Schematic diagram for sampling.<br />
Ideally, samples for labora<strong>to</strong>ry processing<br />
should be collected by, or sent <strong>to</strong>, specialists<br />
as soon as possible. It might be necessary for<br />
excava<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>re samples in some<br />
circumstances. Once excavated, however,<br />
organic material becomes more vulnerable <strong>to</strong><br />
decay by microorganisms such as bacteria,<br />
algae and fungi. It is not possible <strong>to</strong> prevent<br />
this completely, but the rate of deterioration<br />
can be minimised. The general rule is <strong>to</strong><br />
maintain samples in conditions as close as<br />
possible <strong>to</strong> those in the ground: they should be<br />
kept chilled and dark, and, as far as possible,<br />
in airtight containers. This will slow bacterial<br />
and algal growth, though dark conditions<br />
might encourage the growth of fungi.<br />
The growth of fungal hyphae (threads)<br />
through the sample can lead <strong>to</strong> redistribution<br />
of carbon. This could conceivably affect<br />
radiocarbon dating. Light, however,<br />
will encourage the growth of algae and<br />
perhaps other green plants, which will<br />
(through pho<strong>to</strong>synthesis) incorporate modern<br />
carbon in<strong>to</strong> the deposits. This is very likely <strong>to</strong><br />
affect the accuracy of radiocarbon dating.<br />
These biological processes can also affect<br />
samples from ‘dry’ deposits and can cause<br />
substantial damage <strong>to</strong> charred plant remains<br />
and even <strong>to</strong> bone. It is not usually costeffective<br />
<strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>re unprocessed flotation or large<br />
specialist samples from dry deposits, as they<br />
take up a large amount of space. Ideally these<br />
should be processed on site during<br />
excavation, but if there is no alternative, then<br />
they should be kept as described above.<br />
Refrigerating small samples such as those for<br />
pollen and dia<strong>to</strong>ms presents few problems.<br />
Monoliths and individual samples may be<br />
kept well wrapped in a domestic refrigera<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
Field archaeologists will not, however, usually<br />
have access <strong>to</strong> cold s<strong>to</strong>res, in which larger<br />
samples from waterlogged deposits should<br />
ideally be kept, and many specialists do not
have such expensive facilities either. An<br />
adequate substitute is a cellar or similar<br />
s<strong>to</strong>rage space: it should be as cool and dark<br />
as possible and not subject <strong>to</strong> fluctuating<br />
temperatures. The containers should be well<br />
sealed <strong>to</strong> prevent drying out of waterlogged<br />
samples. If a waterlogged sample does<br />
accidentally dry out it should not be rewetted,<br />
but left dry and a note put in the<br />
sample record <strong>to</strong> the effect that the sample<br />
had accidentally dried in s<strong>to</strong>rage.<br />
Freezing samples can destroy or obscure<br />
sediment structure and damage organic<br />
material, but is preferable <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rage in warm<br />
conditions except for short periods.<br />
4 Practice<br />
This section proposes a guide <strong>to</strong> good<br />
practice for environmental archaeology<br />
sampling in fieldwork, including evaluations<br />
and full excavations. It aims <strong>to</strong> address the<br />
requirements for project planning, sampling,<br />
recording and s<strong>to</strong>rage, and <strong>to</strong> summarise<br />
some important current issues. It is not<br />
intended <strong>to</strong> be a ‘methods manual’ for all the<br />
various types of environmental material but<br />
rather a set of practical guidelines <strong>to</strong> help the<br />
project direc<strong>to</strong>r plan and manage effectively.<br />
There are other more detailed sampling<br />
manuals available for environmental<br />
archaeology, such as those produced by the<br />
Association for <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Archaeology</strong><br />
(1995) and Murphy and Wiltshire (1994).<br />
Specific guidelines for particular types of<br />
material are available for waterlogged wood<br />
(Brunning 1995), waterlogged leather,<br />
(English Heritage 1995), human bone<br />
(McKinley and Roberts 1993) and<br />
dendrochronology (Hillam 1998). It is hoped<br />
that specific guidelines on other aspects of<br />
archaeological science will be forthcoming.<br />
The Institute of Field Archaeologists’ (IFA)<br />
Standard and guidance for archaeological<br />
materials (2001) provides general guidance<br />
for all finds work.<br />
The present guidelines are aimed primarily<br />
at projects following the management<br />
principles set out in ‘MAP 2’ (English<br />
Heritage 1991). It is intended that they<br />
should be applicable <strong>to</strong> all archaeological<br />
projects, as these procedures are designed<br />
for the efficient execution of archaeological<br />
projects within set time and cost constraints,<br />
from fieldwork <strong>to</strong> publication, including the<br />
creation of a site archive.<br />
Definitions of briefs, specifications and<br />
project designs can be found in the<br />
Association of County Archaeological<br />
Officers’ (1993) Model briefs and specifications<br />
for archaeological assessments and field<br />
evaluations and the IFA’s Standard and<br />
guidance series (1996; 1999a; 1999b; 1999c;<br />
1999d). The document Model Clauses on<br />
Archaeological Science for Briefs and<br />
Specifications (English Heritage forthcoming)<br />
gives clauses that can be appropriately<br />
modified and incorporated in<strong>to</strong> documents.<br />
These clauses can also be used as guidance<br />
for how environmental archaeology should<br />
be considered in the formal planning process.<br />
Cura<strong>to</strong>rs will need <strong>to</strong> seek advice on the<br />
appropriateness of certain methods or types<br />
of investigation, however. Independent noncommercial<br />
advice for cura<strong>to</strong>rs can be sought<br />
from English Heritage through the Regional<br />
Advisors for Archaeological Science (listed<br />
at the end of this document). Where advice<br />
is obtained from a commercial contrac<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
it is the responsibility of the commissioning<br />
body <strong>to</strong> ensure that vested interests are openly<br />
declared and that subsequent competition<br />
is fair (IFA 1990).<br />
Full use should be made of all available<br />
sources of information on environmental<br />
potential when planning archaeological<br />
projects. <strong>Environmental</strong> evidence is present<br />
in some form on all archaeological sites and<br />
therefore the sampling and study of such<br />
material should form an integrated part of<br />
he initial project specification. It should not<br />
be tacked on as a contingency (Table 4).<br />
Desk-based assessment<br />
The purpose, definition and standards<br />
for desk-based assessment are given in<br />
IFA (1999a).<br />
The following information in a desk-based<br />
assessment can be relevant <strong>to</strong> environmental<br />
archaeology:<br />
<strong>to</strong>pography<br />
solid geology<br />
drift geology<br />
soil type<br />
aerial pho<strong>to</strong>graphs<br />
geophysical survey<br />
borehole survey and geotechnical test pits<br />
local water-table<br />
current land use and surface conditions<br />
• the nature of any previous ground<br />
disturbances<br />
•<br />
other local archaeology, including <br />
environmental archaeology<br />
Useful sources of information are geology<br />
and soil maps, previous surveys, other local<br />
archaeological reports, the sites and<br />
monuments records (SMR), the<br />
<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Archaeology</strong> Bibliography<br />
(EAB) (http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/eab/) and<br />
the <strong>Archaeology</strong> Data Service (ADS)<br />
(http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/).<br />
Once information from the desk-based study<br />
is available, the potential for the survival of<br />
environmental materials should be discussed<br />
with appropriate experienced specialists.<br />
Specialists appropriate <strong>to</strong> the type of materials<br />
considered likely <strong>to</strong> be encountered should<br />
join the project team <strong>to</strong> advise on the<br />
formulation of the project design. Experienced<br />
expert advice is essential at this stage <strong>to</strong> avoid<br />
wasteful or misdirected outlay of resources,<br />
or missed opportunities. It should be<br />
appreciated that, as remarked elsewhere in<br />
this document, predicting the survival of<br />
environmental remains in archaeological<br />
deposits is not an exact science (Table 1).<br />
Any schemes drawn up after an evaluation<br />
should allow sufficient flexibility <strong>to</strong> review<br />
arrangements once full fieldwork begins.<br />
Recording methods for environmental<br />
materials should be agreed before fieldwork<br />
begins and an understanding reached on any<br />
materials and equipment needed.<br />
Arrangements should be made for specialists<br />
<strong>to</strong> pay site visits once the fieldwork begins,<br />
and <strong>to</strong> stay in <strong>to</strong>uch during fieldwork so that<br />
any difficulties can be dealt with promptly.<br />
Watching briefs<br />
The purpose, definition and standard for<br />
watching briefs is given in IFA (1999b).<br />
Whether sampling is done during watching<br />
briefs depends on many fac<strong>to</strong>rs. Best practice<br />
would allow for the sampling of interpretable<br />
and datable archaeological deposits and<br />
provision should be made for this.<br />
Evaluation<br />
The purpose, definition and standard for<br />
evaluations is given in IFA (1999c). In some<br />
cases an evaluation might be the only<br />
excavation undertaken.<br />
Evaluation trenching will provide a much<br />
more reliable indication of the potential<br />
for environmental archaeology than can<br />
be predicted from a desk-based assessment.<br />
Sampling in evaluations is normally less<br />
intensive than during full excavation. It<br />
should be directed <strong>to</strong> a representative range of<br />
context types from each phase, and examine:<br />
survival of material<br />
• key archaeological contexts<br />
Where possible, specialists should be asked<br />
<strong>to</strong> make site visits as for full excavation<br />
(see below, Excavation).<br />
The results of assessments of environmental<br />
23
material should, with the rest of the excavation team <strong>to</strong> co-ordinate and moni<strong>to</strong>r<br />
•<br />
a brief account of the nature and his<strong>to</strong>ry of<br />
archaeological record, inform any further sampling, identify when there is a need <strong>to</strong> call the site<br />
planning decisions. in other specialists, and <strong>to</strong> integrate different aims and objectives of the project<br />
methodologies. This person needs <strong>to</strong> be<br />
summary of archaeological results<br />
Situations might arise where no further skilled in excavation and recording methods<br />
•<br />
context types and stratigraphic<br />
archaeological intervention is proposed and <strong>to</strong> understand the potential of a wide relationships<br />
following evaluation, yet significant range of environmental materials. phase and dating information<br />
scientific material has been retrieved and<br />
sampling and processing methods<br />
taken <strong>to</strong> assessment level only. Significant All flotation and coarse-sieved samples (see sample locations<br />
material should be analysed and published Section 3 , Sample types) should be fully preservation conditions<br />
as part of the evaluation project (English processed, preferably at the fieldwork stage. residuality/contamination<br />
Heritage, forthcoming).<br />
other relevant contextual information<br />
Assessment<br />
•<br />
list of samples and other material with an<br />
Excavation Once the material has been collected and indication of quantity <strong>to</strong> be assessed<br />
The purpose, definition and standard for processed it will need <strong>to</strong> be assessed. Every<br />
excavations is given in IFA (1999d). flot and coarse-sieved sample should be The assessment report should include:<br />
A comprehensive sampling strategy should be assessed unless determined <strong>to</strong> be unstratified<br />
agreed by the project direc<strong>to</strong>r, the specialists, or unacceptably contaminated. An assessment<br />
•<br />
specialist aims and objectives relevant <strong>to</strong><br />
and the on-site environmentalist, and will take should give consideration <strong>to</strong> the potential the project research design<br />
in<strong>to</strong> account the results of any evaluation. contribution the material could make <strong>to</strong> sampling and processing methods<br />
archaeological knowledge. The assessment<br />
assessment methods<br />
It is the project direc<strong>to</strong>r’s responsibility <strong>to</strong> should also make recommendations for the any known biases in recovery<br />
ensure that the specialists are kept informed type and scope of further analysis, and should<br />
•<br />
any known problems of contamination or<br />
about developments during excavation, feed in<strong>to</strong> the updated project design for post residuality<br />
including important finds, problems affecting excavation. To be cost-effective these<br />
•<br />
quantity of material assessed (how many<br />
the environmental sampling, and any decisions must be made in the light of best samples? what was the sample size?)<br />
significant alterations in strategy from what academic knowledge, and therefore need <strong>to</strong><br />
•<br />
statement on abundance, diversity and state<br />
was agreed in the project design. Specialists be carried out by specialist staff who are of preservation of the material<br />
should visit the site at appropriate times as highly experienced in studying the type of<br />
•<br />
statement of potential <strong>to</strong> contribute <strong>to</strong> the<br />
arranged with the project direc<strong>to</strong>r. Some material being assessed. project aims<br />
specialists will need <strong>to</strong> take their own samples<br />
•<br />
statement of potential <strong>to</strong> contribute <strong>to</strong><br />
(see Section 3). It is helpful <strong>to</strong> have a trained Information the specialist requires from the research issues of wider significance<br />
environmental officer on site as part of the project direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> carry out an assessment:<br />
•<br />
any agreed selection of organic materials<br />
Table 4 <strong>Environmental</strong> archaeology: guidance for project planning<br />
Pre-excavation<br />
Excavation including<br />
evaluation<br />
Post-excavation<br />
MAP2 stage<br />
Project planning<br />
Fieldwork<br />
Assessment<br />
Analysis and dissemination<br />
all categories<br />
• input in<strong>to</strong> costed • site visit(s)<br />
project design, eg • implementation and<br />
background<br />
revision of sampling<br />
information from similar strategies<br />
sites if relevant • collection of specialist<br />
• agree possible sampling samples by specialists<br />
strategies and number • update on costs for<br />
of site visits needed assessment<br />
• liaison over proposed • discussion of new or<br />
project timetable revised project aims<br />
• planning for deposition arising during<br />
of archive<br />
fieldwork<br />
• assessment of potential for full<br />
analysis, taking in<strong>to</strong> account quality<br />
and quantity of data, state of<br />
preservation, and its potential<br />
contribution <strong>to</strong> the project aims<br />
(and in some cases beyond?)<br />
• production of an assessment report<br />
• detailed recommendations should be<br />
made concerning whether detailed<br />
analysis is justified, and if so what<br />
should be done, how long it will take<br />
and what the costs are likely <strong>to</strong> be.<br />
• review of assessment phase/project<br />
meeting<br />
• input <strong>to</strong> updated project design<br />
• update on costs for full analysis,<br />
which should include any technical<br />
help that will be needed<br />
• full analysis as agreed<br />
• project meeting <strong>to</strong> discuss results<br />
• production of a final report for<br />
publication, and if necessary an archive<br />
report for data that will not be<br />
published; transfer of report plus data<br />
<strong>to</strong> SMR, ADS, etc, with the rest of the<br />
site archive<br />
• production of illustrations for<br />
publication<br />
• preparation of material for archiving<br />
and transfer <strong>to</strong> archival body<br />
• project meeting(s)<br />
additional/different<br />
requirements<br />
additional/different requirements<br />
additional/different requirements<br />
animal bone<br />
as above<br />
collection and sieving of<br />
coarse-sieved samples<br />
hand collection during<br />
excavation<br />
estimate of costs for analysis of DNA,<br />
stable iso<strong>to</strong>pes, etc<br />
analysis of DNA, stable iso<strong>to</strong>pes, etc;<br />
this should only be done once<br />
osteological analysis has been<br />
completed<br />
24
Pre-excavation Excavation including Post-excavation<br />
evaluation<br />
MAP2 stage Project planning Fieldwork Assessment Analysis and dissemination<br />
sorting of dry residues<br />
human remains as above on-site presence of<br />
specialist *<br />
assessment of potential of assemblage<br />
for analysis in terms of site-specific<br />
analysis of DNA, stable iso<strong>to</strong>pes, etc;<br />
this should only be done once<br />
* During evaluations, as above washing of bone and more general questions osteological analysis has been<br />
human bones are marking of bone estimate of costs for analysis of DNA, completed<br />
usually left wet-sieving soil samples stable iso<strong>to</strong>pes, etc<br />
undisturbed.<br />
sorting of residues from<br />
sieved soil samples<br />
insects, etc as above sampling paraffin flotation sorting of flots; might also require<br />
preparation of additional samples if<br />
recommended in the assessment<br />
egg shell as above site visit not essential sample preparation<br />
sieving of samples as<br />
specified by specialist<br />
molluscs as above sampling sample preparation might also require preparation of<br />
additional samples if recommended in<br />
the assessment<br />
ostracods as above sampling sub-sampling, if necessary, from<br />
specialist samples or monolith<br />
column<br />
sample preparation<br />
foraminifera as above sampling sub-sampling, if necessary, from<br />
specialist samples or monolith<br />
column<br />
sample preparation<br />
might also require preparation of<br />
additional samples if recommended in<br />
the assessment<br />
might also require preparation of<br />
additional samples if recommended in<br />
the assessment<br />
parasite ova as above sampling sample preparation<br />
plant macrofossils as above sampling assessment of all flots and proportion sorting of flots; may also include<br />
(charred and mineral- flotation of all flotation of residues additional sorting of dry residues<br />
replaced)<br />
samples<br />
sorting of dry residues<br />
plant macrofossils as above sampling sample processing for waterlogged sorting of waterlogged samples; might also<br />
(waterlogged) sediments require preparation of additional samples<br />
if recommended in the assessment<br />
wood as above sampling<br />
cleaning if necessary<br />
recording of <strong>to</strong>ol marks<br />
s<strong>to</strong>rage in suitable<br />
conditions<br />
charcoal as above sampling<br />
flotation/sieving of samples<br />
extraction of charcoal<br />
from dry residues<br />
sorting of flots<br />
pollen and spores as above sampling sediment description and sub-sampling might also require preparation of<br />
in the labora<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
additional samples if recommended in<br />
pollen preparations<br />
the assessment<br />
phy<strong>to</strong>liths and dia<strong>to</strong>ms as above sampling sub-sampling might also require preparation of<br />
sample preparation<br />
additional samples if recommended in<br />
the assessment<br />
biomolecules as above seek specialist advice seek specialist advice seek specialist advice<br />
geoarchaeology<br />
explora<strong>to</strong>ry coring<br />
exercise and report<br />
if required<br />
sampling<br />
coring (sometimes as an<br />
extension <strong>to</strong> excavation)<br />
site visit report if<br />
geoarchaeological<br />
involvement goes no<br />
further<br />
full description of soils and sediments<br />
(In some cases some thin sections and<br />
some analytical tests might be needed<br />
as a guide <strong>to</strong> what will be required in<br />
the analysis phase.)<br />
thin section preparation (as this can take<br />
several months, samples might need <strong>to</strong><br />
be sent off before the analysis stage<br />
starts)<br />
all remaining scientific tests<br />
dating<br />
costs <strong>to</strong> be included in selection and submission may take place at the fieldwork, assessment or analysis stages<br />
project design<br />
25
for radiocarbon dating, or <br />
recommendations of suitable material <br />
for dating<br />
•<br />
recommendations for future work,<br />
including full analysis<br />
standard description of soils and sediments<br />
• time required and costings for future work<br />
Analysis and reporting<br />
The type and level of analysis needed should<br />
be clear from the assessment report and<br />
agreed between project direc<strong>to</strong>r and<br />
specialist. The report should state aims<br />
in relation <strong>to</strong> the project research design,<br />
methods, results and conclusions. Reports<br />
should include clear statements of<br />
methodology. The results from scientific<br />
analysis should be clearly distinguished<br />
from their interpretation. Non-technical<br />
summaries of results should be included.<br />
The full data from the analysis should be<br />
presented. Access <strong>to</strong> data from other aspects<br />
of the site will allow the production of an<br />
integrated report.<br />
Reports should include:<br />
Introduction<br />
Aims and objectives<br />
Methods<br />
Results – including the full data set<br />
Discussion<br />
• Conclusion<br />
Dissemination and archiving<br />
Sites and Monuments Record<br />
It is essential that a report on any<br />
archaeological intervention, even if it goes no<br />
further than an evaluation, should be lodged<br />
with the local SMR as promptly as possible.<br />
This is necessary <strong>to</strong> inform future<br />
interventions and guide the local planning<br />
authority on future decisions. <strong>Environmental</strong><br />
information should form part of this report,<br />
including any information on deposits and<br />
preservation of biological remains.<br />
Publication<br />
The publication of the full data in association<br />
with their interpretation should be<br />
encouraged, in the text of printed reports<br />
or in the main body of reports disseminated<br />
by electronic means. At the minimum,<br />
publication needs <strong>to</strong> include a basic<br />
description of the material, methods of<br />
analysis, interpretation of results and<br />
sufficient data <strong>to</strong> support the conclusions<br />
drawn. The location of the environmental<br />
archive should also be included, as should the<br />
scope and limitations of the study as well as<br />
relevance <strong>to</strong> other work and any<br />
recommendations for future work. Nonstandard<br />
methodologies must be described<br />
and justified.<br />
There is often a conflict in communicating<br />
the results of any analyses <strong>to</strong> specialist and<br />
general readerships. The publication needs<br />
<strong>to</strong> address both. The interpretation and<br />
conclusions of the study should be aimed at<br />
a general archaeological readership.<br />
Information of particular interest <strong>to</strong><br />
specialists within the particular field of study,<br />
including illustrations of unusual or<br />
important material should also be included.<br />
Archiving<br />
The environmental archive is made up of<br />
the environmental material itself and the<br />
associated data. These are both part of the<br />
site archive and should be deposited with it<br />
in the receiving museum. Both the data and<br />
the materials should be accessible.<br />
Preparation of the archives for long-term<br />
s<strong>to</strong>rage should be undertaken with reference<br />
<strong>to</strong> the guidelines for long-term s<strong>to</strong>rage given<br />
by Walker (1990). Decisions on discard<br />
policies should be made in consultation<br />
between the specialist, the project direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
and the receiving museum. Human remains<br />
form a special case and reference should be<br />
made <strong>to</strong> McKinley and Roberts (1993).<br />
The data archive should contain the full<br />
data set, including codes, electronic files of<br />
data and metadata, and text files, diagrams,<br />
pho<strong>to</strong>s, etc.<br />
It is sometimes desirable for material <strong>to</strong> be<br />
retained by specialists for future study. This<br />
should only take place with the permission<br />
of the site direc<strong>to</strong>r and the owner of the<br />
material. Such material is also part of the site<br />
archive. A description of the material and its<br />
location should be entered in the site archive.<br />
A summary of the archived data should<br />
include a sufficient description of what is in the<br />
archive <strong>to</strong> enable future researchers <strong>to</strong> decide<br />
whether or not the data are relevant <strong>to</strong> their<br />
concerns. The existence of data in an archive<br />
and its location should also be in the SMR.<br />
The publication Standards in the Museum<br />
Care of Archaeological Collections (Museum<br />
and Galleries Commission 1992) gives<br />
standards for archive deposition in<br />
receiving museums.<br />
Standards for digital archiving are available<br />
from the <strong>Archaeology</strong> Data Service. The<br />
publication Digital Archives from Excavation<br />
and Fieldwork: <strong>Guide</strong> <strong>to</strong> Good Practice (1st and<br />
2nd editions) can be obtained from their<br />
website: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/project/<br />
goodguides/g2gp.html<br />
Appendix: case studies<br />
To develop and implement an appropriate<br />
and cost-effective sampling strategy,<br />
careful thought is needed at all stages of<br />
the archaeological process. The following<br />
case studies provide some examples of<br />
good practice.<br />
Preparing project designs:<br />
Resources for palaeoenvironmental sampling are<br />
always limited.The most informative results will<br />
be obtained where a sampling programme<br />
targeted <strong>to</strong>wards answering specific questions can<br />
be developed. Plainly, contingencies are necessary<br />
<strong>to</strong> allow for the unpredictable, but in general a<br />
focused and interrogative approach is best, <strong>to</strong><br />
avoid dissipating resources in the production of<br />
redundant and repetitive data.The questions <strong>to</strong><br />
be addressed will relate <strong>to</strong> Regional Research<br />
Frameworks, but frequently there will also be a<br />
need <strong>to</strong> define a more local framework. Data<br />
from Desk-based assessment, field evaluation<br />
and sometimes (as below) some additional<br />
analysis will feed in<strong>to</strong> this. Close collaboration<br />
between cura<strong>to</strong>rs, consultants, developers, field<br />
units, archaeological scientists and advisers helps<br />
<strong>to</strong> ensure a successful outcome.<br />
Ivel Farm, Bedfordshire<br />
A planning application was submitted for<br />
mineral extraction in a 24 hectare site at Ivel<br />
Farm, on the floodplain of the River Ivel,<br />
Bedfordshire. The developer, now RMC<br />
Aggregates (Eastern Counties) Ltd, was<br />
advised by the Archaeological Conservation<br />
Officer (ACO), Bedfordshire County<br />
Council, that, before determination of the<br />
application, information would be needed on<br />
the archaeological impact. A specification and<br />
project design was agreed with the ACO, and<br />
the Bedfordshire County <strong>Archaeology</strong> Service<br />
(now Albion <strong>Archaeology</strong>) was commissioned<br />
by The Guildhouse Consultancy, on behalf of<br />
the developer, <strong>to</strong> undertake evaluation.<br />
The evaluation demonstrated extensive<br />
Mesolithic–Bronze Age and Roman activity,<br />
partly sealed by alluvium, as well as several<br />
palaeochannels, including waterlogged<br />
sediment sequences.<br />
It was plain that Archaeological Science<br />
aspects of the site would form a significant<br />
part of the project design for excavation,<br />
and also a major cost component. It was<br />
necessary <strong>to</strong> develop a well defined strategy<br />
for Archaeological Science <strong>to</strong> maximise the<br />
information yield from the resources available<br />
and <strong>to</strong> avoid an open-ended financial<br />
commitment on the developer’s part.<br />
Following meetings involving the ACO,<br />
Consultant, Field Unit and English Heritage<br />
26
Adviser, however, it became clear that<br />
developing a strategy was hampered by the<br />
fact that earlier archaeological investigations<br />
in the Ivel Valley had not progressed beyond<br />
assessment, and were only published in<br />
outline. It was impossible <strong>to</strong> define a local<br />
research framework. Dr Mark Robinson was<br />
therefore commissioned <strong>to</strong> undertake analysis<br />
of plant macrofossils, insects and molluscs<br />
from selected samples from earlier<br />
excavations at a comparable site nearby –<br />
Warren Villas. A targeted programme of<br />
radiocarbon dating was also carried out.<br />
From this, Dr Robinson was able <strong>to</strong> present<br />
a model for changing land use and hydrology<br />
for the Middle Ivel Valley (Robinson 2001b).<br />
Sampling during excavation at Ivel Farm will<br />
be directed <strong>to</strong>wards verifying this model and<br />
detecting any spatial variability in<br />
environmental conditions and land use in the<br />
valley. The ACO’s Brief and Project Design<br />
incorporate this approach.<br />
Thanks are due <strong>to</strong> RMC Aggregates (Eastern<br />
Counties) Ltd for their enlightened approach<br />
<strong>to</strong> this project.<br />
Watching brief<br />
Results from evaluation may indicate that no<br />
more than a watching brief is required, at least<br />
for parts of sites.There is always the potential<br />
for unexpected significant finds, however, as<br />
illustrated in this case study. Always, but<br />
especially in this situation, good communication<br />
and close collaboration between all those<br />
involved in the project are the key <strong>to</strong> its<br />
successful application.<br />
Swalecliffe, Kent (RPS Consultants 2000)<br />
Evaluation at this site related <strong>to</strong> the<br />
construction of a wastewater improvement<br />
scheme at Swalecliffe Wastewater Treatment<br />
Works, Swalecliffe, near Whitstable, Kent. The<br />
specifications were written by Kent County<br />
Council (KCC) archaeologists in March<br />
2000 and the investigation carried out by RPS<br />
Consultants, archaeological consultants <strong>to</strong><br />
Southern Water. Several other evaluations and<br />
watching briefs around the site had shown the<br />
presence of late prehis<strong>to</strong>ric cut features and a<br />
sequence of Pleis<strong>to</strong>cene deposits including<br />
remains of woolly rhinoceros and mammoth.<br />
The new evaluation was specifically aimed at<br />
investigating the latter deposits further.<br />
Although the Pleis<strong>to</strong>cene deposits were relocated<br />
during the evaluation, no diagnostic<br />
palaeoenvironmental remains were found and<br />
the results proved less productive than<br />
anticipated. During a watching brief,<br />
however, a slab of concrete outside the<br />
immediate evaluation area under observation<br />
was moved, revealing a waterlogged Late<br />
Bronze Age pit complex. On the insistence of<br />
the KCC, all seventeen pits, which included<br />
well preserved organic remains and wooden<br />
artefacts, were excavated and recorded by the<br />
RPS Consultants field staff. RPS were aided<br />
by Archaeoscape (Royal Holloway College),<br />
who had been commissioned <strong>to</strong> carry out the<br />
environmental work for the evaluation.<br />
Experts operating in the south-east visited at<br />
short notice <strong>to</strong> advise on the sampling, dating,<br />
lifting and treatment of worked wood and<br />
other organic materials.<br />
Following meetings <strong>to</strong> consider funding,<br />
Southern Water supported the costs of postexcavation<br />
work as estimated by the<br />
consultants. RPS Consultants provided the<br />
funds for the five radiocarbon dates and a<br />
significant contribution for the<br />
dendrochronology, as well as additional staff<br />
time. Help in kind was provided by English<br />
Heritage <strong>to</strong> cover part of the cost of<br />
dendrochronology.<br />
A dendrochronological report (Tyers 2001)<br />
and environmental reports by Archaeoscape<br />
have been produced and a publication is<br />
planned for the beginning of 2002. Although<br />
more radiocarbon dates could be obtained<br />
and, it is hoped, will be, results are at the<br />
moment quite substantial. Data on the<br />
functions of these features were obtained<br />
from analysis of pollen, plant macrofossils,<br />
insects, molluscs and animal bones. It was<br />
concluded that they were wells, cut and recut<br />
at intervals of possibly 30–50 years, and used<br />
continuously over a 500–year period<br />
(Masefield et al forthcoming).<br />
Evaluation<br />
The environmental archaeology component of<br />
evaluation involves, first, an assessment of<br />
preservation conditions for biological remains,<br />
soils and sediments.The potential of these sources<br />
of data <strong>to</strong> provide pertinent results for site<br />
interpretation, or <strong>to</strong> contribute <strong>to</strong> a wider<br />
understanding of landscape development, must<br />
also be considered.Where preservation (in situ) is<br />
the preferred option, appraisal of likely impacts of<br />
the development on the archaeological deposits is<br />
needed. Commonly, samples and other material<br />
will be obtained from evaluation trenches, but<br />
deeply stratified sites present special problems, as<br />
outlined below.<br />
Barnwood Court, Silver<strong>to</strong>wn, East London<br />
A geoarchaeological evaluation was carried out<br />
in advance of housing development under an<br />
archaeological condition on the planning<br />
consent, advised under PPG16. The<br />
evaluation was designed <strong>to</strong> characterise the<br />
sedimentary his<strong>to</strong>ry of the site, particularly<br />
with reference <strong>to</strong> the changing his<strong>to</strong>ry of the<br />
Thames and <strong>to</strong> establish whether any<br />
archaeological remains might have been<br />
present. Using the previously existing<br />
geotechnical data, the seven boreholes were<br />
sited in order <strong>to</strong> gain maximum data collection<br />
across the site; the consultant and contrac<strong>to</strong>r<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether under<strong>to</strong>ok this process. Drilling <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
place using a rig hired specifically for the<br />
archaeological project, and moni<strong>to</strong>red<br />
throughout by a geoarchaeologist.<br />
Following fieldwork, the assessment stage<br />
consisted of lithological examination<br />
(description, X-ray, magnetic susceptibility<br />
and loss-on-ignition) with assessment of the<br />
pollen and dia<strong>to</strong>m content in order <strong>to</strong> examine<br />
adequately the river regime and vegetation<br />
dynamics. A chronological framework was<br />
constructed with two radiocarbon dates per<br />
borehole. The assessment indicated no<br />
evidence of on-site human presence, while<br />
making it clear that borehole evaluations are<br />
very much a first-stage evaluation <strong>to</strong>ol and<br />
that trench evaluation should supplement the<br />
use of boreholes wherever possible. No further<br />
fieldwork was undertaken, as the chances of<br />
any archaeological remains occurring were<br />
thought <strong>to</strong> be low and the depth <strong>to</strong> intact<br />
stratigraphy would have made trench<br />
investigation difficult. Nevertheless, the<br />
palaeoenvironmental aspects were deemed<br />
sufficiently important as a background <strong>to</strong> the<br />
regional archaeology <strong>to</strong> persuade the<br />
developer <strong>to</strong> fund the analysis of the sequence<br />
data. The analysis examined the issues of site<br />
formation processes, vegetational his<strong>to</strong>ry and<br />
relative sea-level change more fully, and has<br />
since been published (Wilkinson et al 2000).<br />
The report has been used by other fieldwork<br />
projects in the area as important information<br />
on regional vegetation types.<br />
Excavation<br />
Two case studies of palaeoenvironmental<br />
sampling undertaken within well defined research<br />
frameworks are given here – one urban, one<br />
rural.The desirability of having an<br />
‘environmentalist’ present on site, and the<br />
absolute need for frequent site visits by specialist<br />
archaeological scientists are highlighted. Largescale<br />
sampling can present logistical problems:<br />
coarse-sieving and flotation should be seen as<br />
part of the excavation process, and where<br />
possible, undertaken concurrently with it. An<br />
approach <strong>to</strong> fieldwork, assessment and analysis<br />
consistent with MAP2 provides scope for<br />
definition of new research objectives, not apparent<br />
at the outset.<br />
Number One Poultry, City of London.<br />
The excavations carried out at Number One<br />
Poultry were among the largest undertaken in<br />
this country. Approximately 9000 m 3 of Iron<br />
27
Age <strong>to</strong> post-medieval archaeology was<br />
excavated by hand. Initially, consent for work<br />
was given before PPG16 was issued, but the<br />
project was deferred until 1994 when the<br />
initial consent was revised, in consultation<br />
with the developer and City of London<br />
archaeologist. The project was then run along<br />
PPG16 and MAP2 lines.<br />
The environmental strategy was discussed<br />
significantly before evaluation with an<br />
environmental project design and then a<br />
sampling strategy was prepared using local<br />
knowledge and incorporating data from the<br />
evaluation. A minimum of one<br />
environmentalist was present throughout all<br />
the fieldwork, <strong>to</strong> oversee and modify the<br />
sampling strategy where and when necessary,<br />
<strong>to</strong> facilitate the work of the other<br />
environmental specialists visiting and<br />
sampling, and <strong>to</strong> assist and moni<strong>to</strong>r the<br />
sample processing, which was carried out in<br />
a dedicated facility on-site. A little more than<br />
one thousand samples for coarse-sieving and<br />
flotation were collected, both waterlogged<br />
and dry, as well as several hundred<br />
inhumations and several <strong>to</strong>ns of timber,<br />
animal bone and shell.<br />
The sample processing was completed a few<br />
weeks after excavation with the exception of<br />
subsamples, which were retained for specialist<br />
analysis. The project moved straight on <strong>to</strong><br />
assessment with the completion of the<br />
stratigraphic archive, also undertaken during<br />
fieldwork. The assessment revealed an<br />
enormous diversity of biological material as<br />
well as good potential for using the<br />
geoarchaeological samples <strong>to</strong> reconstruct site<br />
formation processes and hydrological<br />
regimes. The assessment targeted how <strong>to</strong><br />
proceed with reference <strong>to</strong> the original<br />
research questions, additionally highlighted<br />
a number of new research objectives based<br />
on the material recovered.<br />
A review occurred on completion of the<br />
assessment, and the analyses of pollen,<br />
insects, wood, dendrochronology,<br />
geoarchaeology, bones, molluscs, dia<strong>to</strong>ms,<br />
ostracods, parasites, eggshell and plant<br />
macrofossils went ahead. The full<br />
monographs are not yet published, but a<br />
popular book, Heart of the City (Rowsome<br />
2000) has been published, incorporating<br />
information from the biological remains.<br />
The Arrow Valley (Palmer 2000)<br />
Archaeological investigations <strong>to</strong>ok place in the<br />
Arrow Valley, Warwickshire, during 1993–4,<br />
in advance of road construction. The river<br />
Arrow is a major tributary of the<br />
Warwickshire Avon. Several sites within a few<br />
kilometres of each other, spanning in date the<br />
Neolithic <strong>to</strong> Saxon periods, were excavated<br />
along the line of the road. A previous<br />
excavation related <strong>to</strong> the same road scheme<br />
had been undertaken at a nearby medieval<br />
settlement at Boteler’s Castle (Jones et al<br />
1997). A major research aim of the project<br />
was the consideration of changes in human<br />
activity and landscape use through time.<br />
The investigations were funded by the<br />
Highways Agency and carried out by the<br />
Warwickshire Museum.<br />
Samples for charred plant remains were taken<br />
following a strategy agreed between the<br />
project direc<strong>to</strong>r and the charred plant<br />
remains specialist, and reviewed during site<br />
visits by the specialist. The strategy was<br />
intended <strong>to</strong> recover evidence from every<br />
feature type and also <strong>to</strong> sample a number of<br />
similar features from each phase in order <strong>to</strong><br />
compare like with like. This was done for<br />
each phase of each site and thus the sampling<br />
was quite extensive. Bone preservation was<br />
reasonably good, but the actual amount<br />
present was fairly limited; thus, only hand<br />
collection of bone was undertaken, with the<br />
exception of a Bronze Age cremation pyre,<br />
where the pyre contexts were recovered in<br />
their entirety and wet-sieved <strong>to</strong> 1mm. The<br />
single waterlogged feature encountered, a<br />
Roman ditch, was sampled collectively by<br />
the specialists for beetles, plant macrofossils<br />
and pollen.<br />
Individual specialists under<strong>to</strong>ok assessment of<br />
the material. Cremated human remains,<br />
waterlogged plant remains, beetles and pollen<br />
were all recommended for full analysis. The<br />
animal bone specialist concluded that, given<br />
the limited size of the assemblage, no further<br />
analysis was needed on the animal bones, but<br />
the results of the assessment were included in<br />
the final report.<br />
All of the samples for charred plant<br />
macrofossils were assessed and selected<br />
samples were recommended for further<br />
analysis according <strong>to</strong> the specialist’s<br />
judgement of their potential <strong>to</strong> contribute <strong>to</strong><br />
the project research aims. The charred plant<br />
remains assessment identified which samples<br />
had abundant wood charcoal. These data<br />
provided a sufficient basis for the charcoal<br />
specialist and project direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> discuss and<br />
agree which samples should be analysed for<br />
wood charcoal, without the charcoal specialist<br />
having <strong>to</strong> look at all the flots.<br />
The integrated results of the environmental<br />
evidence, especially when considered within<br />
the whole picture for each site, show very<br />
clearly a changing s<strong>to</strong>ry of human landscape<br />
use. From possible ritual use in the Neolithic,<br />
probably within a landscape of still-abundant<br />
woodland resources, there emerged definite<br />
ritual use in the Bronze Age, with a small<br />
amount of evidence for managed woodland.<br />
The sparse Iron Age evidence appears <strong>to</strong><br />
suggest a domestic settlement with some<br />
arable activity. There is clear evidence that by<br />
the late Roman period there was a very open,<br />
managed landscape with a mixed arable and<br />
pas<strong>to</strong>ral economy. The greater amount of<br />
evidence from the Roman period enabled<br />
more detailed work <strong>to</strong> be done, which defined<br />
some of the possible human activities that<br />
had been taking place. There was also<br />
possibly an economic change in the use of<br />
the area from the early <strong>to</strong> later Roman<br />
periods. In the Saxon period there was a<br />
change in domestic activities related <strong>to</strong> the<br />
use of plant resources.<br />
The results of this study have contributed<br />
greatly <strong>to</strong> the current understanding of<br />
settlement and landscape change in southern<br />
Warwickshire, and have provided wider<br />
research implications for other archaeological<br />
studies in the Avon drainage system.<br />
28
Glossary<br />
agglutinated consisting of particles<br />
cemented <strong>to</strong>gether<br />
alluvial waterlain sediment; not marine or<br />
estuarine<br />
analogue an equivalent organism or<br />
environment – modern analogues are used<br />
<strong>to</strong> interpret past situations or species<br />
anoxic oxygen-depleted<br />
arachnids spiders, mites and various other<br />
eight-legged arthropods<br />
aragonite one of the crystalline forms of<br />
calcium carbonate<br />
Arthropoda phylum including approximately<br />
80% of all animals, among which are insects,<br />
spiders, centipedes and crabs<br />
biogenic formed by living organisms<br />
biomolecules biological molecules such as<br />
lipids, proteins and DNA<br />
bioturbation soil or sediment disturbance<br />
caused by living organisms<br />
calcareous containing or characteristic of<br />
calcium carbonate<br />
calcined burnt white<br />
calcite the commonest crystalline form of<br />
calcium carbonate<br />
chironomids non-biting midges<br />
chitin skeletal material found in certain<br />
invertebrates, especially arthropods; it is a<br />
carbohydrate, containing nitrogen<br />
cladocerans a group of freshwater<br />
crustaceans; ephippia (‘egg cases’) of<br />
Daphnia spp, the water flea, are the most<br />
commonly encountered on archaeological<br />
sites<br />
collagen fibrous protein, one of the key<br />
skeletal substances<br />
colluvium sediment transported by slope<br />
processes<br />
coprolites mineral-preserved faeces<br />
crustaceans class of Arthropoda including<br />
crabs and water fleas with an outer shell or<br />
cuticle<br />
demography the numerical study of human<br />
populations<br />
dendrochronology tree-ring dating<br />
desiccation extreme drying out (used <strong>to</strong><br />
describe a form of preservation)<br />
dia<strong>to</strong>ms unicellular aquatic algae<br />
DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid, which contains<br />
the genetic information of an organism<br />
ecdysis moulting (in the case of ostracods<br />
and other crustacea – shedding their old<br />
shell and secreting a new one approximately<br />
twice the size)<br />
ecology the study of the relationship of<br />
plants and animals <strong>to</strong> each other and their<br />
surroundings<br />
exoskele<strong>to</strong>n skele<strong>to</strong>n covering outside of<br />
body, or in the skin<br />
foraminifera mainly marine pro<strong>to</strong>zoa with<br />
shells or tests, generally microscopic<br />
frustule dia<strong>to</strong>m cell consisting of two valves<br />
gley a soil strongly affected by waterlogging<br />
interstadial short warm phase within glacial<br />
periods<br />
invertebrate collective term for all animals<br />
without backbones<br />
karst montane hard limes<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
Kubiena box sampling box used for soil<br />
micromorphology, open-sided with lids on<br />
both sides<br />
lignin complex carbohydrate polymer found<br />
in cell walls of many plants, giving strength<br />
and forming up <strong>to</strong> 30% of the wood of trees<br />
lipid fat<br />
loess wind-blown sediment, usually of silt<br />
machair fixed dune pasture/grassland of<br />
shell sand<br />
macrofossil small biological remains; term is<br />
usually applied <strong>to</strong> plant parts such as seeds,<br />
nut shells, fruit s<strong>to</strong>nes and stem parts but is<br />
also appropriate <strong>to</strong> any remains visible <strong>to</strong><br />
the naked eye<br />
marl a precipitated sediment found in lake<br />
bot<strong>to</strong>ms<br />
metadata data calculated from primary<br />
data, eg percentages derived from original<br />
counts of items; often used in syntheses<br />
micron a measurement: thousandths of a<br />
millimetre<br />
nema<strong>to</strong>de worm unsegmented worms,<br />
typically parasitic on plants or animals<br />
ostracods sub-class of crustaceans with twovalved<br />
shell, generally a few mm in length<br />
pH a measure of acidity/alkalinity<br />
phylum major group in classification of<br />
animals<br />
phy<strong>to</strong>liths microscopic silica bodies<br />
produced by many plants<br />
podzol an infertile acidic soil that forms in<br />
cool moist climates<br />
polarised light light vibrating in certain<br />
narrow planes<br />
polysaccharide complex carbohydrate of<br />
large, often fibrous molecules – important<br />
structural material<br />
protists single-celled organisms with a<br />
nucleus<br />
puparia the case in which some insects<br />
develop from larva <strong>to</strong> adult<br />
pyrite iron sulphide mineral<br />
rendzina dark soil that develops below<br />
grasslands in limes<strong>to</strong>ne or chalk areas<br />
silica an inert compound forming part or all<br />
of many minerals such as quartz, but<br />
deposited by some plants within their tissues<br />
stable iso<strong>to</strong>pe slightly different forms<br />
(different masses) of an element that behave<br />
in the same way chemically<br />
taphonomy study of post-depositional<br />
processes<br />
tephra fine, often microscopic, volcanic ash<br />
test type of shell (typically in foraminifera)<br />
thorax the section behind the head in insects<br />
bearing legs and wings<br />
tufa a calcareous precipitated sediment often<br />
found in springs, rivers and lakes<br />
vaterite a rare crystalline form of calcium<br />
carbonate<br />
vertebrate animals which have a skull, spinal<br />
column and skele<strong>to</strong>n of cartilage or bone<br />
29
Where <strong>to</strong> get advice<br />
The first point of contact should be your<br />
local English Heritage advisor for<br />
archaeological science. The nine regional<br />
advisors for archaeological science are<br />
available <strong>to</strong> provide independent noncommercial<br />
advice on environmental<br />
archaeology and other aspects of<br />
archaeological science. They are based in<br />
universities or in the English Heritage<br />
regional offices. Please contact regional<br />
advisors currently based in universities at<br />
their university addresses, using the regional<br />
office address as a further contact point<br />
when necessary.<br />
East of England (Bedfordshire,<br />
Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire,<br />
Norfolk, Suffolk)<br />
Mr Peter Murphy<br />
Centre of East Anglian Studies<br />
<strong>University</strong> of East Anglia<br />
Norwich<br />
NR4 7TJ<br />
Tel: 01603–592662<br />
Fax: 01603 592660<br />
E-mail: p.l.murphy@uea.ac.uk<br />
English Heritage Regional Office<br />
67–74 Burleigh Street<br />
Cambridge<br />
CB1 1DJ<br />
Tel: 01223 582700<br />
East Midlands (Derbyshire, Leicestershire,<br />
Rutland, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire,<br />
Northamp<strong>to</strong>nshire)<br />
Dr Jim Williams<br />
English Heritage regional office<br />
44 Derngate<br />
Northamp<strong>to</strong>n<br />
NN1 1UH<br />
Tel: 01604 735400<br />
E-mail: Jim.Williams@english-heritage.org.uk<br />
London<br />
Ms Jane Sidell<br />
<strong>University</strong> College London<br />
Institute of <strong>Archaeology</strong><br />
31–34 Gordon Square<br />
London<br />
WC1H OPY<br />
Tel: 0207 679 4928<br />
Fax: 0207 383 2572<br />
E-mail: j.sidell@ucl.ac.uk<br />
English Heritage Regional Office<br />
23 Savile Row<br />
London<br />
W1X 1AB<br />
Tel: 0207 973 3000<br />
North East (Northumberland, Durham<br />
(including former Cleveland), Tyne & Wear,<br />
all of Hadrian’s Wall)<br />
Mrs Jacqui Huntley<br />
Department of <strong>Archaeology</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> of Durham<br />
Science Labora<strong>to</strong>ries<br />
Durham<br />
DH1 3LE<br />
Tel and fax: 0191 374 3643<br />
E-mail: J.P.Huntley@durham.ac.uk<br />
English Heritage Regional Office<br />
Bessie Surtees House<br />
41–44 Sandhill,<br />
Newcastle upon Tyne<br />
NE1 3JF<br />
Tel: 0191 269 1585<br />
North West (Cheshire, former Greater<br />
Manchester, former Merseyside, Lancashire,<br />
Cumbria (excluding Hadrian’s Wall: see<br />
North East))<br />
Dr Sue Stallibrass<br />
<strong>University</strong> of Liverpool<br />
School of <strong>Archaeology</strong>, Classics and Oriental<br />
Studies (SACOS)<br />
William Hartley Building<br />
Brownlow Street<br />
Liverpool L69 3GS<br />
Tel: 0151 794 5046<br />
Fax: 0151 794 5057<br />
E-mail: Sue.Stallibrass@liv.ac.uk<br />
English Heritage Regional Office<br />
Canada House<br />
3 Cheps<strong>to</strong>w Street<br />
Manchester<br />
M1 5FW<br />
Tel: 0161 242 1400<br />
South East (Kent, Surrey, Sussex (East and<br />
West), Berkshire, Buckinghamshire,<br />
Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight)<br />
Dr Dominique de Moulins<br />
<strong>University</strong> College London<br />
Institute of <strong>Archaeology</strong><br />
Room 204A<br />
31–34 Gordon Square<br />
London WC1H OPY<br />
Tel: 0207 679 1539<br />
Fax: 0207 383 2572<br />
E-mail: d.moulins@ucl.ac.uk<br />
English Heritage Regional Office<br />
Eastgate Court<br />
195–205 High Street<br />
Guildford<br />
GU1 3EH<br />
Tel: 01483 252000<br />
South West (Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Devon,<br />
Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire,<br />
Bath and NE Somerset, Bris<strong>to</strong>l, South<br />
Gloucestershire, North Somerset)<br />
Ms Vanessa Straker<br />
School of Geographical Sciences<br />
Bris<strong>to</strong>l <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> Road<br />
Bris<strong>to</strong>l<br />
BS8 1SS<br />
Tel: 0117 928 7961<br />
Fax: 0117 928 7878<br />
E-mail: V.Straker@bris<strong>to</strong>l.ac.uk<br />
English Heritage Regional Office<br />
29 Queen Square<br />
Bris<strong>to</strong>l<br />
BS1 4ND<br />
0117 975 0700<br />
West Midlands (Herefordshire,<br />
Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire,<br />
the former county of ‘West Midlands’,<br />
Warwickshire)<br />
Ms Lisa Moffett<br />
Department of Ancient His<strong>to</strong>ry and<br />
<strong>Archaeology</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> of Birmingham<br />
Edgbas<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Birmingham<br />
B15 2TT<br />
Tel: 0121 414 5493<br />
Fax: 0121 414 3595<br />
E-mail: l.c.moffett@bham.ac.uk<br />
English Heritage Regional Office<br />
112 Colemore Row<br />
Birmingham<br />
B3 3AG<br />
Tel: 0121 625 6820<br />
Yorkshire Region (North Yorkshire, former<br />
South and West Yorkshire and Humberside<br />
(East Riding of Yorkshire, Kings<strong>to</strong>n-upon-<br />
Hull, North Lincolnshire and North East<br />
Lincolnshire))<br />
Mr Ian Panter<br />
English Heritage<br />
37 Tanner Row<br />
York<br />
Y01 6WP<br />
Tel: 01904 601983<br />
Fax: 01904 601997<br />
Mobile: 07967 706869<br />
E-mail: Ian.Panter@english-heritage.org.uk<br />
30
Advice can also be provided by the<br />
<strong>Environmental</strong> Studies section of the Centre<br />
for <strong>Archaeology</strong>, English Heritage, Fort<br />
Cumberland, Fort Cumberland Road,<br />
Eastney, Portsmouth PO4 9LD; Telephone:<br />
02392 856700; Fax: 02392 856701<br />
Plant macrofossils<br />
Gill Campbell: 02392 856780;<br />
Gill.Campbell@english-heritage.org.uk<br />
Pollen<br />
David Robinson: 02392 856776;<br />
David.Robinson@english-heritage.org.uk<br />
Geoarchaeology<br />
Matthew Canti: 02392 856775;<br />
Matt.Canti@english-heritage.org.uk<br />
Animal bones<br />
Polydora Baker: 02392 856774;<br />
Polydora.Baker@english-heritage.org.uk<br />
Human bones<br />
Simon Mays: 02392 856779;<br />
Simon.Mays@english-heritage.org.uk<br />
References<br />
<strong>Archaeology</strong> Data Service. Digital Archives<br />
from Excavation and Fieldwork: guide <strong>to</strong> good<br />
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Association for <strong>Environmental</strong><br />
<strong>Archaeology</strong> 1995 <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Archaeology</strong><br />
and Archaeological Evaluations:<br />
recommendations concerning the environmental<br />
archaeology component of archaeological<br />
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Association for <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Archaeology</strong><br />
Number 2 (also available online via<br />
http://www.envarch.net/)<br />
Association of County Archaeological<br />
Officers 1993 Model Briefs and Specifications<br />
for Archaeological Assessments and Field<br />
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Barker, G, and Webley, D 1978<br />
‘Causewayed camps and early Neolithic<br />
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Proc Prehist Soc 44, 161–86<br />
Baxter, P J, Brazier, M, and Young, S E J<br />
1988 ‘Is smallpox a hazard in church crypts?’<br />
Brit J Indust Med 45, 359–60<br />
Bell, M, and Johnson, S 1996 ‘Land<br />
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Bond, J M, and O’Connor, T P 1999,<br />
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Media<br />
Brunning, R 1995 Waterlogged Wood:<br />
guidelines on the recording, sampling,<br />
conservation and curation of waterlogged wood.<br />
London: English Heritage<br />
Buckland, P C, and Coope, G R 1991 A<br />
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Quaternary En<strong>to</strong>mology. Univ Sheffield: J<br />
Collis Publ<br />
Cameron, N, and Dobinson, S 2000<br />
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Canti, M G 1999 ‘Soil materials’, in<br />
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Gifford and Partners<br />
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Catt, J A 1999 ‘Particle size distribution and<br />
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Cattaneo, C, Gelsthorpe, K., Phillips, P,<br />
and Sokol, R J 1993 ‘Blood residues on<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne <strong>to</strong>ols’. World Archaeol 25, 29–43<br />
Cloutman, E W 1988 ‘Palaeoenvironments in<br />
the Vale of Pickering, Part 1: stratigraphy and<br />
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Cox, M, and Mays, S (eds) 2000 Human<br />
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London: Greenwich Medical Media<br />
Coy, J 1989 ‘The provision of fowls and fish<br />
for <strong>to</strong>wns’, in Serjeantson, D, and Waldron, T<br />
(eds) Diet and Crafts in Towns. BAR Brit Ser<br />
199, 25–40. Oxford<br />
Craig, O, Mulville, J, Parker Pearson, M,<br />
Sokol, R, Gelsthorp, K, and Collins, M<br />
2000 ‘Detecting milk proteins in ancient<br />
pots’. Nature 410, 6810<br />
Crowson, A, Lane, T, and Reeve, J 2000<br />
Fenland Management Project excavations<br />
1991–1995. Lincolnshire Archaeol Heritage<br />
Rep 3. Hecking<strong>to</strong>n: Heritage Lincolnshire<br />
Cutler, D F 1983 ‘Botanical reports’, in<br />
Bruce-Mitford, R (ed) The Sut<strong>to</strong>n Hoo Ship<br />
Burial 3, 402–4. London: Brit Mus<br />
Dark, P 1996 ‘Devensian late-glacial and<br />
early Flandrian environmental his<strong>to</strong>ry of the<br />
Vale of Pickering,Yorkshire, England’. J Quat<br />
Sci 11, 9–24<br />
Davidson, D A 1973 ‘Particle size and<br />
phosphate analysis – evidence for the<br />
evolution of a tell’. Archaeometry 15, 143–52<br />
Davis, S J M, and Beckett, J 1999: ‘Animal<br />
husbandry and agricultural improvement: the<br />
archaeological evidence from animal bones<br />
and teeth’. Rural Hist 10, 1–17<br />
de Moulins, D 1996 ‘Sieving experiment: the<br />
controlled recovery of charred plant remains<br />
from modern and archaeological samples’.<br />
Vegetation Hist Archaeobot 5, 153–6<br />
Department of the Environment 1990<br />
Planning Policy <strong>Guide</strong>line 16: <strong>Archaeology</strong> and<br />
planning. London: HMSO<br />
Department of the Environment 1994<br />
Planning Policy <strong>Guide</strong>line 15: Planning and the<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric environment. London: HMSO<br />
Department of the Environment,<br />
Transport and Regions 1999 Town and<br />
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Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations<br />
1999 (SI No. 293). London: HMSO<br />
Dickson, C 1995 ‘Macroscopic fossils of<br />
garden plants from British Roman and<br />
medieval deposits’, in Moe, D, Dickson, J H,<br />
and Jørgensen, P M (eds), Garden His<strong>to</strong>ry:<br />
garden plants, species forms and varieties from<br />
Pompeii <strong>to</strong> 1800. PACT 42, 47–72. Rixensart<br />
Dickson, C, and Dickson, J 1988 ‘The diet<br />
of the Roman army in deforested central<br />
Scotland’. Plants Today 1, 121–6<br />
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English Heritage 1991 The Management of<br />
Archaeological Projects. London: English<br />
Heritage<br />
English Heritage 1995 <strong>Guide</strong>lines for the<br />
Care of Waterlogged Archaeological Leather.<br />
Scientific and Technical <strong>Guide</strong>lines 4.<br />
London: English Heritage<br />
English Heritage forthcoming Model clauses<br />
on Archaeological Science for Briefs and<br />
Specifications<br />
<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Archaeology</strong> Bibliography (EAB)<br />
http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/eab/ (accessed<br />
December 2001)<br />
European Convention on the Protection of the<br />
Archaeological Heritage (revised),16.1.1992.<br />
European Treaty Series 143. Valetta<br />
Evans, J G 1972 Land Snails in <strong>Archaeology</strong>.<br />
London: Seminar Press<br />
Evans, J, and O’Connor, T 1999<br />
<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Archaeology</strong>: principles and<br />
methods. Stroud, Glos: Sut<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Evershed, R P, Dudd, S N, Lockheart, M J,<br />
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of oysters from archaeological sites and a<br />
discussion of oyster exploitation’. Unpubl<br />
PhD Thesis, Univ Southamp<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Acknowledgments<br />
These <strong>Guide</strong>lines were written by English<br />
Heritage <strong>Environmental</strong> Archaeologists and<br />
have benefited greatly from the comments<br />
and suggestions made by colleagues. These<br />
include Cura<strong>to</strong>rs, Contrac<strong>to</strong>rs, Specialists and<br />
other English Heritage staff, <strong>to</strong> all of whom<br />
we are extremely grateful. A special thanks <strong>to</strong><br />
Allan Hall who kindly proofread and edited<br />
the final draft.<br />
The following people have contributed text or<br />
provided comments:<br />
U Albarella, P Baker, G Barker, A Boucher,<br />
J Brett, M Brickley, T Brown, R Brunning,<br />
K Bux<strong>to</strong>n, G Campbell, N Campling,<br />
M Canti, W Carruthers, A Caseldine,<br />
C Cavenagh, D Challinor, A Clarke, P Clay,<br />
S Colledge, P Dark, P Davies, D de Moulins,<br />
G Edwards, J Erskine, V Fell, R Gale,<br />
J Georgi, S Gibson, D Gilbertson, J Greig,<br />
A Hall, P Hin<strong>to</strong>n, C and N Hollinrake,<br />
A Howard, C Hunt, J Huntley, A Jones,<br />
G Jones, J Jones, R Jones, D Jordan, H Keeley,<br />
H Kenward, K Leahy, S Limbrey, A Locker,<br />
R Macphail, S Mays, J McKinley, T Mighall,<br />
A Millard, A Monck<strong>to</strong>n, L Moffett, J Mulville,<br />
P Murphy, R Nicholson, T O’Connor,<br />
N Palmer, I Panter, D Passmore, S Reed,<br />
J Richardson, M Robinson, D Serjeantson,<br />
J Sidell, H Smith, S Smith, W Smith,<br />
U Spence, S Stallibrass, K Stubbs, V Straker,<br />
K Thomas, H Tinsley, R Tipping, R Usai,<br />
M van der Veen, B Vyner, N Whitehouse,<br />
G Whitting<strong>to</strong>n, P Wiltshire<br />
The following people contributed<br />
illustrations:<br />
J R M. Allen, R Brunning, J R G Daniell,<br />
M Godwin, M Howard, J P Huntley, J Jones,<br />
H K Kenward, S Mays, D de Moulins,<br />
M Sharp, J Sidell, S Stallibrass, V Straker,<br />
J Tooby, T Woods<br />
Reconstruction for front cover: Judith Dobie<br />
35
Written and compiled by the English Heritage<br />
regional advisors for archaeological science<br />
and the staff of the <strong>Environmental</strong> Studies<br />
Branch, English Heritage Centre for<br />
<strong>Archaeology</strong>.<br />
English Heritage is the Government’s<br />
statu<strong>to</strong>ry adviser on the his<strong>to</strong>ric environment.<br />
English Heritage provides expert advice <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Government about all matters relating <strong>to</strong> the<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ric environment and its conservation.<br />
For further information (and copies of this<br />
leaflet, quoting the Product Code, please<br />
contact:<br />
English Heritage<br />
Cus<strong>to</strong>mer Services Department<br />
PO Box 569<br />
Swindon<br />
SN2 2YP<br />
Telephone: 0870 333 1181<br />
Fax: 01793 414926<br />
E-mail: cus<strong>to</strong>mers@english-heritage.org.uk<br />
Published March 2002<br />
Copyright © English Heritage 2002<br />
Edited and brought <strong>to</strong> press by David M Jones,<br />
English Heritage Publications<br />
Designed by Simon Borrough<br />
Produced by English Heritage Publications<br />
Printed by Empress Litho<br />
Product Code 50691