Foul Drainage, RAF Lakenheath, Eriswell ERL 228 - Amazon Web ...
Foul Drainage, RAF Lakenheath, Eriswell ERL 228
Archaeological Monitoring Report SCCAS Report No. 2013/013
Client: Defence Infrastructure Organisation Author: Rob Brooks September/2013 © Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Foul Drainage, RAF Lakenheath, Eriswell ERL 228 Archaeological Monitoring Report SCCAS Report No. 2013/013 Author: Rob Brooks Contributions By: Andy Fawcett, Colin Pendleton, Sue Anderson and Justine Biddle Illustrator: Gemma Adams and Rob Brooks Editor: Richenda Goffin Report Date: September/2013
HER Information Site Code:
ERL 228
Site Name:
Foul Drainage monitoring
Report Number
2013/013
Planning Application No:
N/A
Date of Fieldwork:
20th August – 5th October, 2012
Grid Reference:
TL 7284 8077 (northern end) TL 7295 8046 (mid point) TL 7273 8019 (southern end)
Oasis Reference:
suffolkc1-142725
Curatorial Officer:
Jude Plouviez
Project Officer:
Rob Brooks
Client/Funding Body:
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Client Reference:
N/A
Digital report submitted to Archaeological Data Service: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/greylit
Disclaimer Any opinions expressed in this report about the need for further archaeological work are those of the Field Projects Team alone. Ultimately the need for further work will be determined by the Local Planning Authority and its Archaeological Advisors when a planning application is registered. Suffolk County Council’s archaeological contracting services cannot accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to the clients should the Planning Authority take a different view to that expressed in the report.
Prepared By:
Rob Brooks
Date:
26/09/2013
Approved By:
Jo Caruth
Position:
Senior Project Officer
Date:
26/09/2013
Signed:
Contents Summary Drawing Conventions 1.
Introduction
1
2.
Geology and topography
1
3.
Archaeology and historical background
1
4.
Methodology
7
5.
Results
8
5.1
Introduction
8
5.2
Features
8
6.
Finds and environmental evidence
13
6.1
Introduction
13
6.2
The Pottery
13
Introduction
13
Methodology
13
Prehistoric pottery
14
Roman pottery
14
6.3
Worked flint
14
6.4
Small finds
14
6.5
Human bone
15
6.6 Radiocarbon dating
16
6.7
Faunal Remains
16
6.8
Discussion of material evidence
18
7.
Discussion
19
8.
Conclusions and recommendations for further work
19
9.
Archive deposition
20
10. Acknowledgements
20
11. Bibliography
21
List of Figures Figure 1. Trench location (red) with HER listings (green) and figure outlines (blue)
3
Figure 2. Northern sections with grave 0002 and extrapolated features (brown) along length of foul drain (black) plan 4 Figure 3. Monitored test pits (blue) along path of foul drain (black)
5
Figure 4. Test pits (blue) and Section 7 along length of foul drain (black)
6
Figure 5. Sections and Test Pit 14 plan
9
Figure 6. Grave plan and profile
10
List of Tables Table 1. HER listings as shown on Figure 1
2
Table 2. Soil profiles within test pits
12
Table 3. Finds quantities
13
Table 4. Number of fragments and weight by context
17
Table 5. Number of fragments by species
17
Table 6. Summary of additional information
17
List of Appendices Appendix 1.
Context list
Appendix 2.
OASIS form
Appendix 3.
Pottery catalogue
Appendix 4.
HSR catalogue
Appendix 5.
Radiocarbon dating report
Summary Monitoring of a foul drainage pipe trench on RAF Lakenheath, within the parish of Eriswell in Suffolk, revealed a Roman skeleton with evidence of a coffin stain and several coffin nails. Additionally several ditches are thought to be Roman, relating to the occupation seen at the northern end of the pipe trench, whilst a limited quantity of later prehistoric worked flint and pottery indicate a low level of later prehistoric occupation in this area.
Drawing Conventions
Plans Limit of Excavation Features Break of Slope Features - Conjectured Natural Features Sondages/Machine Strip Intrusion/Truncation S.14
Illustrated Section Cut Number
0008
Archaeological Features
Sections Limit of Excavation Cut Modern Cut Cut - Conjectured Deposit Horizon Deposit Horizon - Conjectured Intrusion/Truncation Top of Natural Top Surface Break in Section Cut Number Deposit Number Ordnance Datum
0008 0007 18.45m OD
1.
Introduction
Thirty-three test pits as well as the excavation of an 860m long pipe trench were monitored as part of a project to lay a new foul drainage pipe at RAF Lakenheath, in Suffolk (Fig. 1). An archaeological monitoring was required for the project in order to record any archaeological features and recover any finds that could otherwise be uncovered or destroyed by the groundworks. The work was carried out under the supervision of Jude Plouviez (SCCAS Conservation Team). The client, Defence Infrastructure Organisation funded the work that was carried out between 20th August and 5th October, 2012.
2.
Geology and topography
The site’s topography is fairly flat, being positioned on the 10m contour. Levels close to the site have been recorded between 10m and 16m above the Ordnance Datum. The general area gently slopes very slightly up to the west, before falling again at the fen edge.
There is no recorded superficial geology for the site, although bedrock formations of Holywell Nodular Chalk and New Pit Chalk are listed (BGS, 2013). On site, the geology presented itself as yellow and orange sand, with chalk uncovered in places.
3.
Archaeology and historical background
Eriswell and the neighbouring parishes of Lakenheath and Wangford are renowned for possessing a rich, multi-period archaeological landscape. RAF Lakenheath itself has a particularly concentrated archaeological horizon that continues from the Prehistoric through to the Anglo-Saxon period.
Notable prehistoric sites nearby comprise two Bronze-Age barrows to the south of the site at ERL 148 and 203. Late Iron Age and early Roman agricultural activity was identified on sites at ERL 089, 120, 130 and 147.
The hub of Roman settlement is located at the northern end of the site at the natural spring, Caudle head. Excavations at Nato place (ERL 212), Kennedy Street (ERL 112) 1
and Thunderbird way found evidence of Roman occupation whilst excavations to the west of the site revealed a possible Early Roman shrine (ERL 214). Other notable Roman sites are positioned at the northern end of the pipeline, marking intensive settlement (ERL 086, 135 and 141).
Three large Anglo-Saxon cemeteries have been excavated to the east at ERL 046, 104 and 114, with ERL 104 immediately east of the pipeline. Anglo-Saxon evidence has been found to the south of these at ERL 154 and further south still at ERL 203 where several inhumations were cut into the Bronze Age monument.
Medieval occupation for Eriswell is focused around the church of St Peter (ERL 011 to the west of the development area (adapted from Beverton, 2012).
HER No. ERL 107
ERL 140 ERL 124 ERL 117 ERL 109 ERL 086 ERL 128 ERL 024 ERL 098 ERL 152 ERL 160 ERL 058 ERL 008 ERL 092 ERL 118 ERL 217 ERL 211 ERL 213 ERL 105
Description A shallow natural sand filled hollow containing Mesolithic/Early Neolithic flints was found during excavation. Excavating either side of building 937, in advance of redevelopment, uncovered Roman & Saxon features. Large area with the entire centre badly truncated. Ditches seen on east and west edge, indicative of settlement but cannot be dated or defined. Undated ditch found on opposite side of Norwich Road to cemetery, ERL 104. Monitoring during June and July 2001 revealed presence of Late Iron Age and Roman features. Roman. Several features seen at south-east corner of Building 868. Roman. Evaluation trenches revealed extensive area of features and buried soil with prehistoric and mainly Rom finds. Undated (probably Rom) pit and ditches found during monitoring of footing trenches. Roman. Male skeleton found in digging posthole, associated with rim sherd (S1)(R1). Preh and Rom. Fieldwalking' survey by SAU, mainly of molehills/rabbit workings, prior to creation of `Peacekeeper Park' by USAF. Monitoring identified Roman features in the eastern half of the site. Rom. Monitoring, located a buried soil, and an area of dense features seen in a pipe trench. Saxon burials & finds reputedly found during original excavations for swimming pool construction (? 1960s-1970s). Saxon. Inhumation cemetery. Prehistoric(?) `dark brown feature with diffused edges which produced (a) burnt flint during surface cleaning'. Late Iron Age, early Roman and undated ditches found during evaluation for classroom extensions. Evaluation identified isolated Iron Age activity with evidence of early Roman activity in two small areas. Monitoring identified a continuation of the late Iron Age and early Roman settlement, including pits, field ditches and evidence of a building or entrance structure. Evaluation identified Iron Age features and finds, a single Bronze Age cremation and a series of undated rectilinear field system. Rectangular enclosure (earthwork?), circa 90m x 50m depicted on OS 1:2500 map (S1).
Table 1. HER listings as shown on Figure 1
2
Norfolk
SUFFOLK
Essex
0
25km
0
1km
ERL 152 ERL 023
573000
572800
572600
280800
ERL 160
0.5
ERL 098 Caudle Head
N
ERL 024 ERL 141 ERL 060
ERL 086
ERL 105
ERL 128
F.2 ERL 109
Tennis courts
280600
ERL 132
ERL 117
F.3
ERL 107 ERL 140
Lakenheath airfield
Lakenheath Senior High School
ERL 124
Running track
280400 F.4
ERL 104
ERL 092 Exeter Cres cent
ERL 058 ERL 008
ERL 161
ERL 114 ERl 046 ERL 214
ERL 130 ERL 118
280200 Brandon Street
0
100
ERL 211
200m
ERL 213
ERL 217
Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk Win ds or C ircle County Council Licence No. 100023395 2013
Figure 1. Trench location (red) with HER listings (green) and figure outlines (blue)
3
N
Sec 2 Ditch 0006
Grave 0002
Sec 4 Ditch 0012
Sec 5 Sec 3 Ditch 0017
Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2013
Sec 6 Ditch 0019
0
15
30m
Figure 2. Northern sections with grave 0002 and extrapolated features (brown) along length of foul drain (black)
4
5
15
30m
Figure 3. Monitored test pits (blue) along path of foul drain (black)
Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2013
0
Test pits to search for cable locations
Tennis courts
TP.20
N
N
TP.1
TP.2 TP.3 Running track
TP.4 TP.5 TP.6 TP.7
TP.8 TP.9 TP.10
TP.11 TP.12 TP.13 Sec 7
TP.14
TP.15 TP.16 TP.17
TP.21
TP.18
0
15
30m
TP.22 TP.19 Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2013
TP.23
Figure 4. Test pits (blue) and Section 7 along length of foul drain (black)
6
4.
Methodology
The main trenching was excavated using a mechanical digger equipped with a toothed bucket, whilst test pits were hand-excavated by the contractors. The excavations were between 0.5-1.6m deep. The works were monitored by the supervising archaeologist, with upcast spoil being examined for finds. Sections were cleaned down by hand and soil profiles recorded on pro forma trench sheets, with any features being drawn at 1:20 scale. Digital colour photographs were taken of features, soil stratigraphy and the site in general. Any features were hand excavated, although both ditch 0017 and grave 0002/skeleton 0004 were truncated before they became visible. The site was recorded using a single context continuous numbering system (Appendix 1), and the pipe trench measured 617sqm, whilst the test pits measured c.30sqm. No environmental samples were taken.
Site data has been input onto an MS Access database and recorded using the Suffolk Historic Environment Record (HER) code ERL 228. An OASIS form has been completed for the project (reference no. suffolkc1-142725, Appendix 2) and a digital copy of the report submitted for inclusion on the Archaeology Data Service database (http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/greylit). The site archive is kept in the main store of Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service at Bury St Edmunds, under the HER code ERL 228. A full analysis and quantification has been carried out of the finds and is presented in this report, including a radiocarbon date report for the skeleton.
7
5.
Results
5.1
Introduction
Across the site the soil profiles varied considerably and were often quite disturbed due to the high levels of development that have occurred on the airbase. In the northern area of the trenching several ditch cuts were recorded, as well as a Roman grave and a buried soil layer (Figs. 2-6). Only one further cut feature was seen within the remaining trenching. The soil profiles that were observed in the test pits are recorded in Table 2.
5.2
Features
Ditch 0006 In the trench section above grave 0002 was cut 0006; a ditch with a 40-45° straight southern edge and a flat base (Figs. 2 and 5). Its northern side was not revealed, but it measured >1.85m wide and 0.9m deep and was filled with banded mid and dark greybrown silty-sand lenses, recorded as 0007, which produced no finds. The fill was indistinguishable from the subsoil in the area. In the section, a 0.1m thick deposit of topsoil formed the top layer.
Grave 0002 Grave cut 0002 was a north to south aligned burial that was sub-rectangular cut in plan with 70-80° slightly convex sides and a flat base (Figs. 2 and 6). It had been partially truncated during the excavation of the trenching. It was 2.08m long x 0.54m wide x c.0.15m deep and the partially surviving skeleton, recorded as 0004 was aligned with its skull to the north. Much of the left arm and left leg survived, as well as the skull and jaw. However, much of the right arm and leg, as well as the hands and feet were not present. The ribs and spine were also missing. A coffin stain was present on the eastern side of the skeleton and eleven nails were present within this deposit. The fill, 0003, was friable brown sand that contained a single sherd of prehistoric pottery. A radiocarbon date obtained from a metatarsal of the left foot shows that the skeleton is from the Roman period, probably dating from the early 1st to early 3rd century. Disarticulated human bone and Roman pottery were found close to the grave, recorded as 0005 and 0008, and are probably associated. 8
9
1.00m
natural
0011
0010
topsoil
S.5
natural
bone
2.00m
digger scoop
S
topsoil
natural
bone found at this level
S
0006
0007
topsoil
S.2
Figure 5. Sections and Test Pit 14 plan
Section Scale 1:40
0
N
N
0020
natural
S
0019
0018
subsoil
S.6
natural
0016
N
subsoil
topsoil
S.3
0017
NW
0014
SE
0015
subsoil
S.7
N
topsoil
0013
TP.14
1.00m
0015
Plan Scale 1:50
0
Pipe trench
0012
subsoil
S.4
S.7
S
N
2.50m
N
0002 1004 1002
1001 1009 1012 1008
1003
1007
1010
Coffin stain
S
N
0002
0 Plan and profile scale 1:20
Figure 6. Grave plan and profile 10
1.00m
Ditch 0012 Just south of grave 0002 and ditch 0006 was ditch 0012 (Figs. 2 and 5). This cut was east to west aligned and 35-45° slightly concave sides, curving rapidly to a concave base, measuring >2.9m wide x 0.7m deep. Its fill consisted of laminated layers of middark brown sandy-silt, recorded as 0013. Overlying this was 0.5m of buried soil.
Buried soil 0011 In one small area of trenching a 0.2m deep buried soil layer was recorded as 0011 (Figs. 2 and 5). It consisted of dark brown silty-sands with small-medium chalk flecks and fragments. No finds were recovered from it, but it is interpreted as a possible small pocket of an occupation soil, or as feature fill. Overlying this layer was subsoil 0010, comprising 0.5m of mid grey-brown silty-sands. This was underneath 0.2m of topsoil.
Ditch 0017 Ditch 0017 was an east to west aligned linear shape in plan, with a 'V' shaped profile that measured ~0.6m wide x ~0.54m deep (Figs. 2 and 5). The cut was only recorded in the trench section, having been truncated by the machine excavation and it could not be accurately recorded as it was in an area of deep, unstable trenching. The fill consisted of dark brown sandy-silt, recorded as 0016 and this was overlaid by 0.4m of subsoil and 0.2m of topsoil.
Ditch 0019 Within Test Pit 20 a ditch was recorded on a roughly east to west alignment and recorded as cut 0019 (Figs. 3 and 5). It had irregular stepped sides and a narrow, concave base, and it measured 1.3m wide x ~0.48m deep. It had two fills, 0018 and 0020. Fill 0018 was the top fill that was light to mid brownish-grey silty-sand with a diffuse upper horizon and one piece of later prehistoric worked flint. The basal fill, 0020 was dark greyish-brown sandy-silt basal fill with no inclusions or finds.
Ditch 0015 The most southerly cut was a possible ditch visible in Test Pit 14 (Figs. 4 and 5). It appeared to have a linear shape in plan, aligned NE-SW, although when the machining of the pipe trench was carried out the cut was not seen again. The feature had an 11
asymmetrical profile with a steep concave south-west side and a shallow, concave north-west side. The overall dimensions of the cut were >0.72m wide x 0.32m deep. It was filled with yellowish-greyish-brown silty-sand with no inclusions or finds.
Test Pit No., dimensions & location 1 1.2m x 0.45m 2 1.2m x 0.45m 3 1.2m x 0.45m 4 1.2m x 0.45m 5 1.2m x 0.45m 6 1.2m x 0.45m 7 1.2m x 0.45m 8 1.2m x 0.45m 9 1.2m x 0.45m 10 1.2m x 0.45m 11 1.2m x 0.45m 12 1.2m x 0.45m 13 1.2m x 0.45m 14 1.2m x 0.45m 15 1.2m x 0.45m 16 1.2m x 0.45m 17 1.2m x 0.45m 18 1.2m x 0.45m 19 1.2m x 0.45m 20 1.6m 0.7m
21-23 1.45m x 0.8m Tennis courts 1.7-2m x 0.6m
Soil profile
0.42m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.11m of reddish-grey-brown silty-sand overSand natural Not seen 0.68m of topsoil, chalky topsoil and mixed sandy-chalk/modern disturbed material over0.26m of reddish-grey-brown silty-sand subsoil overNatural sand 0.8m of topsoil and disturbed/modern sand over0.65m of grey-brown silty-sand (possibly a preserved soil horizon?) 0.93m of topsoil and disturbed/modern sand over0.65m of grey-brown silty-sand (possibly a preserved soil horizon?) 0.93m of topsoil and disturbed/modern sand over0.65m of grey-brown silty-sand (possibly a preserved soil horizon?) 0.5m of topsoil and disturbed/modern sand overNatural chalk 0.45m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material overNatural chalk 0.5m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material overNatural sand 0.42m of concrete, hoggin and levelling sand overNatural chalk Not seen Up to 0.5m of concrete, hoggin and levelling sand overNatural chalk Not seen 0.08m of topsoil over0.12m of mixed sandy subsoil over0.34m of greyish-brown silty-sand Not seen 0.4m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.13m of natural sand 0.4m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.1m of brownish-grey silty-sand 0.3m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.2m of orangish-brown-grey silty-sand 0.16m of topsoil over0.14m of mixed sandy subsoil over0.28m of natural sand 0.55m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.4m of greyish-brown buried soil over0.1m of redeposited chalk over0.4m of dark greyish-brown sandy-silt revealing top of degraded chalk (natural?) 0.5m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material overYellow natural sand These test pits (Fig. 3) were only partially excavated to trace cable positions, revealing disturbed material.
Table 2. Soil profiles within test pits
12
6.
Finds and environmental evidence
Andy Fawcett
6.1
Introduction
Table 3 shows the quantities of finds recovered from the monitoring. Finds were retrieved from eight contexts which include four unstratified, two from the grave (including the skeleton) and two ditch fills. Also present are eleven small finds which have been recorded separately.
Context 0001 0003 0004 0005 0008 0013 0018 0021 Total
No 8 1
2
2 13
Pottery Wgt/g 149 3
Animal bone No Wgt/g 21 207
HSR HSR HSR
15
5 172
Other
2
94
31 54
709 1010
Worked flint 1 @ 11g Worked flint 1 @ 10g
Spot date L3rd-4th C Early-later IA AD25-235 Roman Late preh Late Roman
Table 3. Finds quantities
6.2
The Pottery
Introduction A total of thirteen sherds of pottery weighing 172g was recorded in three contexts from the monitoring. All of the sherds except one are dated to the Roman period. The condition of the larger part of the assemblage may be described as abraded. A complete contextual breakdown of the assemblage can be seen in Appendix 3.
Methodology All of the pottery has been examined at x20 vision and allocated to fabric groups. Codes have been assigned to these groups using the Suffolk fabric series (SCCAS) and form types (where possible) have been catalogued using the Suffolk form type series (unpub). All of the pottery has been recorded by sherd count, weight and EVE.
13
Prehistoric pottery A single abraded body sherd of prehistoric pottery was recorded in grave fill 0003. The sherd is hand-made in a black fabric with abundant quartz and sparse organics (HMSO), which are mostly visible on the surface. The sherd is dated from the early to later Iron Age. Prehistoric activity has previously been identified in close proximity to the grave fill however the condition, as well as the size of the sherd, suggests that it is residual, as does the Roman radiocarbon date for the skeleton.
Roman pottery The majority of Roman sherds were recorded in the unstratified context 0001 (8 sherds @ 149g). All of the datable sherds within this group are late Roman, which include a late shell-tempered (SH) hook rimmed jar sherd (4.5), a flanged dish decorated with a wavy line (6.17.5) and a groove rimmed dish (6.19). Also present is Lower Nene Valley colour-coated ware body sherd (NVC). The remaining sherds were also recorded as unstratified but were not closely datable within the Roman period.
6.3
Worked flint
Identified by Colin Pendleton Two pieces of worked flint were recorded in separate contexts. The first in ditch fill 0018 is an unpatinated snapped flake with limited edge retouch. The second was noted in the unstratified context 0021. This is an unpatinated hard hammer struck flake with limited edge retouch. It also displays an obtuse striking platform and a hinge fracture. Both of the flakes are dated to the later prehistoric period.
6.4
Small finds
A total of eleven small finds have been identified (SF1001-1011) all of which are complete nails or nail fragments. These have all been recorded in grave fill 0003 (24 fragments @ 121g). Three nails appear complete (SF 1002, 1004 and 1005) however most are snapped fragments and all are heavily corroded. There is some consistency in the shape and size of the nail heads. Where they can be observed they are flat and rounded and several are 17mm in diameter. The nails were mostly recovered from the undisturbed right hand side of the skeleton and at some points are fairly evenly spaced. 14
This dispersal, their consistency of size and shape, suggests they were all part of the same burial coffin.
6.5
Human bone
Sue Anderson Remains of a single individual were recovered from a grave (0004). Some bones were recovered from contexts 0005 (lower right leg) and 0008 (left tarsals and a few other fragments) but were part of the same individual. The skull and lower leg bones were in fair condition but other surviving bones were poor with a high degree of surface erosion. Very little of the torso survived and fragments of the spine were chemically altered making identification of individual bones impossible. One fragment (1.2g) of calcined long bone shaft of indeterminate species (probably animal) was also recovered from context 0003.
The remains comprised fragments of a near-complete skull and mandible with some loss of the face on the right side, cervical vertebrae, thoracic/lumbar vertebrae, small pieces of clavicle and scapula, right and left humerus shafts, shafts of the left radius and ulna, several bones of the left hand, fragments of both innominates, partial or complete pieces of all the leg bones, and most of the left ankle and foot.
The skull and long bones were medium to large and robust, and the sciatic notch of the pelvis was fairly narrow suggesting that the individual was male. Tooth wear was moderate to heavy, suggesting that he was middle-aged or older at the time of death. No degenerative changes were noted but few joints survived intact.
Only three measurements could be recorded, the diameter of the femoral head (49mm), and the diameters of the left tibia shaft, which produced a cnemic index of 69.7 (mesocnemic, or moderately flattened). Marked flattening of the tibia has been suggested to occur more frequently in earlier groups.
Non-metric traits were recorded systematically (see Appendix 4). The individual had several large lambdoid wormian bones, most notably on the left, as well as several common cranial traits (posterior condylar canal, double hypoglossal canal, supra-oribital foramen complete). The most unusual was the presence of two small squame-parietal 15
ossicles on the left.
The dentition was complete. All teeth were present but the crowns of all three upper left molars had been destroyed by carious lesions and the exposure of the pulp cavities had resulted in the formation of abscesses above each tooth root. It is likely that there would also have been maxillary sinusitis caused by these abscesses, but the internal surface of the antrum could not be assessed due to the completeness of the skull. Alveolar resorption was marked, suggesting some exposure of the roots above the gum line in life.
There were few signs of pathology. New bone formation was noted on the anterior margin of the right fibula shaft close to the distal end, possibly resulting from small tears to the ligaments. Both deltoid tuberosities were very large, indicating well-muscled upper arms. There was some superior-lateral bowing of both tibiae, suggestive of genu valgum (knock-knee).
In summary, the bones are those of a mature adult male with evidence of chronic dental disease and some physical stress.
6.6 Radiocarbon dating A complete metatarsal from the left foot was submitted to the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating (Appendix 5).
The bone from grave fill 0004 (Laboratory code SUERC-45382/GU30000) produced a radiocarbon age BP (before 1950) of 1889 + 45, which calibrated at 95.4% probability is between AD25 and 235.
6.7
Faunal Remains
Justine Biddle In total fifty-four fragments of faunal material were recorded from three contexts. All of the material was hand-collected and it was possible to indentify 30% (sixteen fragments) of the assemblage to species and element. 16
Table 3 shows the number of fragments and total weight by context.
Context 0001 0013 0021 Total
No 21 2 31 54
Wgt/g 211 95 710 1016
Table 4. Number of fragments and weight by context
Table 4 shows the number of fragments by species. The relatively high number of horse elements is unusual but due to the overall size of the assemblage and high proportion of unidentifiable fragments, it is not possible to say whether this is significant.
Context 0001 0013 0021 Total
Cow 2 0 5 7
Horse 2 0 6 8
Pig 0 0 1 1
Large mammal 17 2 19 38
Table 5. Number of fragments by species
There are no specific butchery techniques or other details which would suggest a particular period for this assemblage but a medieval or post-medieval date is likely.
Table 5 shows a summary of additional information which can be obtained from the assemblage. Modifications Butchered 2
Ageing Toothwear 0
Epiphyseal fusion 2
Metrical Measureable
Complete
2
6
Table 6. Summary of additional information
Due to the composition of the assemblage and lack of additional information which can be obtained from the recovered fragments further analysis of the material would not be required.
17
6.8
Discussion of material evidence
This is a small assemblage of finds whose chief components are human skeletal remains, pottery and animal bone.
The later prehistoric period is represented by two flint flakes and a single residual early to later Iron Age pottery sherd which was recorded in the Roman grave fill 0003. Almost the entire pottery assemblage is dated to the later Roman period, although the majority of these sherds were unstratified. The radiocarbon date taken from the skeletal remains in fill 0003 provided further evidence of Roman activity on the site, albeit of a slightly earlier date; also associated with this burial were eleven iron coffin nails. Intense Roman settlement activity has been recorded within a short distance of the northern end of this site (for instance ERL 112 and 212) and therefore the presence of finds dated to this period is a continuation of the known occupation.
18
7.
Discussion
The monitoring revealed a series of features and finds indicative of Roman occupation, but also late prehistoric activity. Features were concentrated at the northern end of the trenching, despite frequent truncation in the area relating to modern groundworks. This part of the trenching is relatively close to the main focus of Roman settlement on the airbase and it is likely that the ditches relate to this, probably representing field systems/stock enclosures or property boundaries. The skeleton was buried within a coffin and may be contemporary with the Roman coffin burials recorded at ERL 023 and 024, close to the northern end of the trenching. Although the radiocarbon date produced a date of AD25-235, the likelihood is that the burial is 2nd century or later, when inhumation began to be favoured over cremation.
Whilst not unusual, the prehistoric artefacts are likely to relate to the Bronze Age and Iron Age areas investigated previously within Eriswell and Lakenheath. These include sites such as ERL 104, 132 and 213 that are located close to the pipe trench and uncovered funerary remains, field systems and domestic deposits. An undated feature by the running track did not appear to be related to the known archaeology in the immediate vicinity, which was the Anglo-Saxon cemetery and was not traced beyond Test Pit 14.
8.
Conclusions and recommendations for further work
Monitoring of the pipe trench has shown that late prehistoric finds evidence, as well as Roman occupation and funerary features were present along the pipe trench. The series of ditches and skeletal remains are likely to be continuations of the Roman occupation. Whilst modern disturbances were present in almost all areas of the trenching, features and finds were present in several areas, demonstrating the potential of the site to produce further archaeological deposits.
19
9.
Archive deposition
Paper archive: SCCAS Bury St Edmunds Digital archive: SCCAS R:\Environmental Protection\Conservation\Archaeology\ Archive\Eriswell\ERL 228 Monitoring foul drainage Digital photographic archive: SCCAS R:\Environmental Protection\Conservation\ Archaeology\Catalogues\Photos\HTA-HTZ\HTK 1-99 and HTL 1-23 Finds archive: SCCAS Bury St Edmunds. Store location: H/88/1
10. Acknowledgements The fieldwork was carried out by Simon Cass, Jo Caruth, Andy Beverton and Rob Brooks. Project management was undertaken by Jo Caruth who also provided advice during the production of the report.
Post-excavation management was provided by Richenda Goffin. Finds processing was undertaken by Jonathan van Jennians. The specialist finds report was produced by Andy Fawcett, with additional specialist advice provided by Sue Anderson.
The report illustrations were created by Rob Brooks and Gemma Adams and the report was edited by Richenda Goffin.
20
11. Bibliography Bass, W., 1971, Human Osteology. Missouri Archaeol. Soc Beverton, A. V., 2012, Halifax Street, Eriswell, ERL 217, Post-Excavation Assessment Report, SCCAS Report No. 2012/044, Bury St Edmunds: SCCAS BGS, 2013, Information obtained from http://www.bgs.ac.uk/products/digitalmaps/ and reproduced with the permission of the British Geological Survey ©NERC. All rights Reserved. Bouts, W. and Pot, Tj., 1989, ‘Computerized recording and analysis of excavated human dental remains’, in Roberts, C.A., Lee, F. and Bintliff, J. (eds), Burial Archaeology: current research, methods and developments, BAR Brit. Ser. 211 Brothwell, D., 1981, Digging up Bones. London, BM(NH)/OUP Cotta, H., 1978, Orthopaedics, a brief textbook. Stuttgart, Georg Thiem Verlag Krogman, W., 1978, The Human Skeleton in Forensic Medicine. Illinois, C.C. Thomas Ortner, D. and Putschar, W., 1981, Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains. Washington, Smithsonian Institute Trotter, M., 1970, ‘Estimation of stature from intact long limb bones’, in Stewart, T.D. (ed), Personal Identification in Mass Disasters. Washington, Smithsonian Institute WEA, 1980, ‘Recommendations for age and sex diagnoses of skeletons’, J. Human Evolution 9, 517–49
21
Appendix 1.
Context list
Context No Feature No Grid Sq. Feature Type
Description
0001
Finds Unstratified
Unstratified finds.
0002
0002
Grave Cut
N-S aligned burial. Under ditch 0006. Sub-rectangular cut. Partially truncated by digger - some disarticulated bone. Clear coffin stain present within the cut. Cut was not fully excavated. 70-80° slightly convex sides, with curving break of slope to flat base.
0003
0002
Grave Fill
Soft brown sand, with a dark grey coffin stain and 10+ nails.
0004
0002
Skeleton
0005
0002
Bone Disarticulated
Disarticulated bone, probably associated with grave 0002, skeleton 0004.
0006
0006
Ditch Cut
Ditch cut. Southern edge = 40-45° straight slope, with curving break of slope at both top of cut and to the base, which is flat. Northern side not revealed.
0007
0006
Ditch Fill
Banded mid and dark grey-brown silty-sand lenses. Fill of ditch 0006. Animal bone present in section but not collected.
0008
Finds Unstratified
Unstratified finds from the area around grave 0002.
0010
Subsoil Layer
Subsoil 17.5m south of manhole. Mid grey-brown gritty silty-sands.
0011
Soil Layer
Buried soil 17.5m south of manhole. Dark brown siltysands with small-medium chalk flecks and fragments.
Ditch Cut
East-west aligned ditch. 35-45° slightly concave sides, curving rapidly to a thin concave base. Just south of skeleton 0004, cut 0002.
Length Width Depth Small Finds Cuts
2.08
0.54
Cut by
Over
0.15?
Under
0004
Finds Sample Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Grave cut within coffin stain and nails. SF1001, SF1002, SF1003, SF1004, SF1005, SF1006, SF1007, SF1008, SF1009, SF1010, SF1011
0004
Grave fill. Skeleton, consisting of consisting, all the major bones of the right hand side and most of the left hand side, though some of this was just caught by the machine. Some foot bones present as well as 2-3 hand bones.
0002
0003
Skeleton.
>1.85 0.9
0007
Ditch, which is above grave 0002. 0.9
0006
Ditch fill.
Unstratified finds.
Subsoil.
0012
0012
Ditch cut.
>2.9
0.7
0013
Group No Phase Spotdate
Context No Feature No Grid Sq. Feature Type
Description
0013
Fill of ditch 0012. Laminated mid-dark brown sandy-silt.
0012
Ditch Fill
Length Width Depth Small Finds Cuts
Cut by
Over
Under
Finds Sample
0012
Yes
No
0015
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
0020
No
No
0018
No
No
Yes
No
Ditch fill. 0014
0015
Ditch Fill
Ditch was filled with a yellowish-greyish-brown siltysand. The fill was soft and friable. No inclusions were present. The fill had an extremely diffuse upper horizon.
>0.72 0.32
Clean fill of ditch. Made up of the common yellowishgreyish-brown silty-sand seen across Eriswell. 0015
0015
Ditch Cut
0016
0017
Ditch Fill
A dark greyish-brown sandy-silt with rare inclusions of rounded and sub-angular flint pebbles. Clear horizons, with no finds.
0017
0017
Ditch Cut
A linear shape in plan, with 'V' shaped profile. Ditch was observed in the trench wall. Ditch runs E-W. Ditch could not be accurately recorded due to depth of trench and unstable sides.
0018
0019
Ditch Fill
The upper fill of ditch 0019 is a light to mid brownishgrey silty-sand. The fill was soft and friable with a diffuse upper horizon.
0019
0019
Ditch Cut
0020
0019
Ditch Fill
Dark greyish-brown sandy-silt basal fill that was fairly compacted. The fill was free of inclusions and finds. The upper horizon was clear and sharp.
Finds Unstratified
Unstratified finds
Feature which was only seen in Test Pit 14. Appears to have a linear plan that's aligned NE-SW. The ditch has an asymmetrical profile; the south-west side if a steep concave shape, whilst the north-west side is shallowly convex. The ditch base is narrow and slightly concave.
>0.72 0.32
0014
Ditch running NE-SW. Not seen in adjacent test pits. ~0.6
~0.54
~0.6
~0.54
1.3
0.38
1.3
~0.48
~0.3
0.9
0017
Ditch fill. 0016
Ditch cut. 0020
Ditch fill. Concave profiled ditch, with undulating/stepped sides leading to a narrow, rounded base. Boundary ditch. 0019
Basal fill of ditch 0019. 0021
Group No Phase Spotdate
Appendix 2.
OASIS form
OASIS DATA COLLECTION FORM: England List of Projects | Manage Projects | Search Projects | New project | Change your details | HER coverage | Change country | Log out
Printable version
OASIS ID: suffolkc1-142725 Project details Project name
ERL 228 Foul Drainage monitoring, RAF Lakenheath
Short description of the project
Monitoring of a foul drainage pipe trench on RAF Lakenheath, within the parish of Eriswell in Suffolk, revealed a Roman skeleton with evidence of a coffin stain and several coffin nails. Additionally several ditches are thought to be Roman, relating to the occupation seen at the northern end of the pipe trench, whilst a limited quantity of later prehistoric worked flint and pottery indicate a low level of later prehistoric occupation in this area.
Project dates
Start: 20-08-2012 End: 05-10-2012
Previous/future work
Yes / Not known
Any associated project reference codes
ERL 228 - HER event no.
Any associated project reference codes
ERL 228 - Sitecode
Any associated project reference codes
2013/013 - Contracting Unit No.
Type of project
Recording project
Site status
Area of Archaeological Importance (AAI)
Current Land use
Other 12 - Verge
Current Land use
Other 3 - Built over
Monument type
DITCH Uncertain
Monument type
GRAVE Roman
Monument type
BURIED SOIL HORIZON Uncertain
Significant Finds
HUMAN SKELETON Roman
Significant Finds
LITHIC IMPLEMENTS Late Prehistoric
Significant Finds
CERAMICS Late Prehistoric
Significant Finds
CERAMICS Roman
Significant Finds
NAILS Roman
Significant Finds
ANIMAL REMAINS Uncertain
Investigation type
''''Watching Brief''''
Prompt
National Planning Policy Framework - NPPF
Project location Country
England
Site location
SUFFOLK FOREST HEATH ERISWELL ERL 228 Foul Drainage monitoring, RAF Lakenheath
Postcode
IP27
Study area
617.00 Square metres
Site coordinates
TL 7284 8077 52 0 52 23 49 N 000 32 26 E Point
Site coordinates
TL 7295 8046 52 0 52 23 39 N 000 32 31 E Point
Site coordinates
TL 7273 8019 52 0 52 23 31 N 000 32 19 E Point
Project creators Name of Organisation
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Project brief originator
Local Authority Archaeologist and/or Planning Authority/advisory body
Project design originator
Jude Plouviez
Project director/manager
Jo Caruth
Project supervisor
Rob Brooks
Type of sponsor/funding body
Military body
Name of sponsor/funding body
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Project archives Physical Archive recipient
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Physical Archive ID
H/88/1
Physical Contents
''Animal Bones'',''Ceramics'',''Human Bones'',''Worked stone/lithics''
Digital Archive recipient
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Digital Archive ID
ERL 228
Digital Contents
''Animal Bones'',''Ceramics'',''Human Bones'',''Worked stone/lithics'',''other''
Digital Media available
''Database'',''Images raster / digital photography'',''Survey'',''Text''
Paper Archive recipient
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Paper Archive ID
ERL 228
Paper Contents
''Animal Bones'',''Ceramics'',''Human Bones'',''Worked stone/lithics'',''other''
Paper Media available
''Context sheet'',''Plan'',''Report'',''Section'',''Survey ''
Project
bibliography 1 Grey literature (unpublished document/manuscript) Publication type Title
Foul Drainage, RAF Lakenheath, Eriswell, ERL 228, Archaeological Monitoring Report
Author(s)/Editor(s)
Brooks, R.
Other bibliographic SCCAS Report No. 2013/013 details Date
2013
Issuer or publisher SCCAS Place of issue or publication
Bury St Edmunds
Description
A4, comb bound, white card covers, in colour, with 5 appendices. Also available as a pdf.
Entered by
Rob Brooks ([email protected])
Entered on
26 September 2013
OASIS:
Please e-mail English Heritage for OASIS help and advice © ADS 1996-2012 Created by Jo Gilham and Jen Mitcham, email Last modified Wednesday 9 May 2012 Cite only: /export/home/web/oasis/form/print.cfm?ID=159963 for this page
Appendix 3. Ctxt
Fabric
Pottery catalogue Form
Dec
No
EVE
Wgt/g
State
Comments
Date range
Context date
0001
NVC
Body
1
0
7
Abr
0001
SH
Jar 4.5
2
0.25
53
Sli
Plus one body sherd, but not from the same vessel.
L3rd-4th C
0001
GMG
Dish 6.17
1
0.14
26
Sli
Sherd is shattered with one complete half of fabric missing
M/L3rd-4th C
0001
GMG
Body
1
0
18
Abr
Roman
0001
GMG
Dish 6.19
1
0.07
16
Sli
E2nd/3rd-4th
0001
GMG
Jar 4.6
1
0.04
6
Abr
2nd-4th C
0001
GX
Jar 4.6
1
0.1
23
Sli
2nd-4th C
0003
HMSO
Body
1
0
3
Sli
Dark fabric with abundant ill- E-L IA sorted quartz and sparse oragnics
E-L IA
0008
GMG
Base
2
0
15
Abr-sli
0.11. Plus one body sherd, not the same vessel.
Roman
Roman
0021
WX
Body
2
0
5
Abr
Not a classic but has some similarities to NVW
Late Roman
Late Roman
wavy line
groove
L3rd-4th C
L3rd-4th C
Appendix 4.
HSR catalogue
Methodology Measurements were taken using the methods described by Brothwell (1981), together with a few from Bass (1971) and Krogman (1978). Sexing and ageing techniques follow Brothwell (1981) and the Workshop of European Anthropologists (WEA 1980), with the exception of adult tooth wear scoring which follows Bouts and Pot (1989). Stature was estimated according to the regression formulae of Trotter and Gleser (Trotter 1970). All systematically scored non-metric traits are listed in Brothwell (1981), and grades of cribra orbitalia and osteoarthritis can also be found there. Pathological conditions were identified with the aid of Ortner and Putschar (1981) and Cotta (1978).
Notes Methods of age and sex determination are generalised to give an idea of the bones used. Sexing based on the pelvis used more traits than entries might suggest. ‘DF’ stands for discriminant function, a statistical method of determining sex, where +2.0 is very male, -2.0 very female (WEA, 1980). Teeth are recorded in the form illustrated below. Maxilla Mandible
R.
Code 1 2 3 etc. X / U, u O, o C - - A C
Meaning Tooth present in jaw. Tooth lost ante-mortem. Tooth lost post-mortem. Tooth unerupted. Tooth in process of erupting. Tooth congenitally absent. Jaw missing. Abscess present (above/below tooth number). Caries present (above/below tooth number).
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 O 7 6 5 4 - - A C
1 2 3 4 5 X 7 U / / 3 4 5 6 7 C
L.
Lower case letters a-e and u/o are used for deciduous teeth. Attrition patterns are coded according to the scores suggested by Bouts and Pot (1989, modified version of Brothwell's original tooth wear chart). A few abbreviations have been used in the catalogue for commonly occurring pathological conditions and anatomical regions. These are as follows: OA OP C T L
osteoarthritis osteophytosis, osteophytes cervical vertebra thoracic vertebr lumbar vertebra
L.
MT MC left R.
metatarsal metacarpal right
Any other abbreviations should be self-explanatory, since they are simply shortened forms of bone names or anatomical areas (prox = proximal, etc.).
Articulated skeleton Sk. 0004
Male, mature to older adult
Description:
Condition: Determination of age: Determination of sex: Stature: Cranial index: Teeth:
Tooth wear: Dental pathology: Pathology: Cribra orbitalia: Neoplasm:
Trauma: Miscellaneous:
Most of the major bones are present, but the torso is largely missing (very fragmentary vertebrae and parts of the innominates only) and the lower right arm and right foot are also lost. Some bones recovered from 0005 (lower R leg) and 0008 (tarsals, one toe phal, prox tibia). Skull and lower legs fair, rest poor with surface erosion. Tooth wear moderate to heavy. Cranial sutures closed but not fully obliterated. Glabella and occipital crest large, sciatic notch narrow, long bones medium to large and robust. Cranium DF +1.6. 1.719m (5’ 8”) from tibia 73.9 – dolichocranial (appears broader?) C C C A A A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 34 5 32+ 4 5 5+ 5+ 5 3+ 2+ 36 4 4+ 4+ 2+ 2+ 34+ 4+ 4+ 4+ 3 2+ 2+ 3+ Considerable alveolar resorption; slight calculus; no enamel hypoplasia.
7 3-
7 4
None. A small rounded lump behind the left lower second incisor and canine may be caused by a bent root of one of these teeth, but is perhaps more likely to be a benign osteoma. New bone formation anterior margin distal R fibula. Genu valgum due to slight sup-lat bowing of tibiae. Very large deltoid tuberosities both humeri (L v eroded).
Cranial measurements
Post-cranial measurements
Cranium Max Length Max Breadth Max Height Basi-nasal Length Basi-alveolar Length Upper facial Height Bimaxillary Breadth Bizygomatic Breadth Nasal Height Nasal Breadth Simotic Chord Bi-dacryonic Chord Orbital Breadth R Orbital Breadth L Orbital Height R Orbital Height L Biorbital Breadth Palatal Length Palatal breadth Biauricular Breadth Min Frontal Breadth Upper Facial Breadth Biasterionic Breadth Foramen Magnum Length Foramen Magnum Breadth Frontal Chord Parietal Chord Occipital Chord Mastoid Process Height R Mastoid Process Height L Cranial Index Height/Length Index Height/Breadth Index Upper Facial Index Nasal Index Orbital Index R Orbital Index L Foramen Magnum Index Palatal Index
0004 196 145 136 105 100 75
Gnathic Index
105.0
Mandible Bicondylar Width Bigonial Breadth Foramen mentale Breadth Symphyseal Height Mandibular Length Bicoronoid Breadth Minimum Ramus Breadth R Minimum Ramus Breadth L Maximum Ramus Breadth R Maximum Ramus Breadth L Maximum Ramus Height R Maximum Ramus Height L Breadth mandibular body R Breadth mandibular body L
53 23 9 23 41 38 97 43 36 124 102 111 34 30 115 116 99 33 73.9 69.4 93.8 43.4 92.7 88.2 83.7
44 37
29 39 72 13 12
Sk. Tibia Maximum length
R L A-P diameter at nutrient foramen TiD1 R L M-L diameter at nutrient foramen TiD2 R L Cnemic Index 100(TiD2/TiD1) R L
Measurements in mm.
0004
TiL3
370 33 35 26 25 78.8 71.4
Cranial non-metric traits
Post-cranial non-metric traits Sk.
Highest nuchal line Ossicle at lambda/Inca Lambdoid wormian bones Parietal foramen Bregmatic bone Metopism Coronal wormian bones Epipteric bone Fronto-temporal articulation Parietal notch bone Asterionic ossicle Auditory torus Huschke's foramen Post-condylar canal Double condylar facet Precondylar tubercle Double hypoglossal canal Foramen ovale incomplete Extra palatine foramen Palatine torus Maxillary torus Zygoma-facial foramen Supra-orbital foramen complete Extra infra-orbital foramen Sagittal wormian Squame parietal ossicle Multiple mental foramen Mandibular torus
R L R L R L
R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L
0004 0 0 0 + ++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 1 0 + 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0
Atlas bridge lateral Atlas bridge posterior Atlas double facet Suprascapular foramen Detached acromion epiphysis Sterno-manubrial fusion Septal aperture of humerus Epicondylar process of humerus Sacralisation of L5 Four sacral segments Six sacral segments Acetabular crease Allen's fossa of femur Poirier's facet of femur Plaque formation of femur Third femoral trochanter Vastus notch of patella Calcaneus double facet Cuboid-navicular articulation
Sk. R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L
R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L
0004 0 0 0
Appendix 5.
Radiocarbon dating report Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre Director: Professor R M Ellam Rankine Avenue, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 0QF, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)1355 223332 Fax: +44 (0)1355 229898 www.glasgow.ac.uk/suerc
RADIOCARBON DATING CERTIFICATE 02 May 2013 Laboratory Code
SUERC-45382 (GU30000)
Submitter
Andy Fawcett Suffolk CC Archaeological Service 9-10 The Churchyard Shire Hall Bury St Edmunds IP33 2AR
Site Reference Context Reference
ERL228 0004
Material
Bone : Human
δ 13 C relative to VPDB δ 15 N relative to air C/N ratio (Molar)
-18.6 ‰ 10.7 ‰ 3.3
Radiocarbon Age BP
1889 ± 45
N.B.
The above 14 C age is quoted in conventional years BP (before 1950 AD). The error, which is expressed at the one sigma level of confidence, includes components from the counting statistics on the sample, modern reference standard and blank and the random machine error. The calibrated age ranges are determined from the University of Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit calibration program (OxCal4). Samples with a SUERC coding are measured at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre AMS Facility and should be quoted as such in any reports within the scientific literature. Any questions directed to the Radiocarbon Laboratory should also quote the GU coding given in parentheses after the SUERC code. The contact details for the laboratory are email [email protected] or telephone 01355 270136 direct line.
Conventional age and calibration age ranges calculated by :-
Date :-
Checked and signed off by :-
Date :-
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336
Calibration Plot
Archaeological services Field Projects Team Delivering a full range of archaeological services
Desk-based assessments and advice
Site investigation
Outreach and educational resources
Historic Building Recording
Environmental processing
Finds analysis and photography
Graphics design and illustration
Contact:
Jo Caruth Tel: 01284 741250 Fax: 01284 741257 [email protected] www.suffolk.gov.uk/Environment/Archaeology/
Archaeological Monitoring Report SCCAS Report No. 2013/013
Client: Defence Infrastructure Organisation Author: Rob Brooks September/2013 © Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Foul Drainage, RAF Lakenheath, Eriswell ERL 228 Archaeological Monitoring Report SCCAS Report No. 2013/013 Author: Rob Brooks Contributions By: Andy Fawcett, Colin Pendleton, Sue Anderson and Justine Biddle Illustrator: Gemma Adams and Rob Brooks Editor: Richenda Goffin Report Date: September/2013
HER Information Site Code:
ERL 228
Site Name:
Foul Drainage monitoring
Report Number
2013/013
Planning Application No:
N/A
Date of Fieldwork:
20th August – 5th October, 2012
Grid Reference:
TL 7284 8077 (northern end) TL 7295 8046 (mid point) TL 7273 8019 (southern end)
Oasis Reference:
suffolkc1-142725
Curatorial Officer:
Jude Plouviez
Project Officer:
Rob Brooks
Client/Funding Body:
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Client Reference:
N/A
Digital report submitted to Archaeological Data Service: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/greylit
Disclaimer Any opinions expressed in this report about the need for further archaeological work are those of the Field Projects Team alone. Ultimately the need for further work will be determined by the Local Planning Authority and its Archaeological Advisors when a planning application is registered. Suffolk County Council’s archaeological contracting services cannot accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to the clients should the Planning Authority take a different view to that expressed in the report.
Prepared By:
Rob Brooks
Date:
26/09/2013
Approved By:
Jo Caruth
Position:
Senior Project Officer
Date:
26/09/2013
Signed:
Contents Summary Drawing Conventions 1.
Introduction
1
2.
Geology and topography
1
3.
Archaeology and historical background
1
4.
Methodology
7
5.
Results
8
5.1
Introduction
8
5.2
Features
8
6.
Finds and environmental evidence
13
6.1
Introduction
13
6.2
The Pottery
13
Introduction
13
Methodology
13
Prehistoric pottery
14
Roman pottery
14
6.3
Worked flint
14
6.4
Small finds
14
6.5
Human bone
15
6.6 Radiocarbon dating
16
6.7
Faunal Remains
16
6.8
Discussion of material evidence
18
7.
Discussion
19
8.
Conclusions and recommendations for further work
19
9.
Archive deposition
20
10. Acknowledgements
20
11. Bibliography
21
List of Figures Figure 1. Trench location (red) with HER listings (green) and figure outlines (blue)
3
Figure 2. Northern sections with grave 0002 and extrapolated features (brown) along length of foul drain (black) plan 4 Figure 3. Monitored test pits (blue) along path of foul drain (black)
5
Figure 4. Test pits (blue) and Section 7 along length of foul drain (black)
6
Figure 5. Sections and Test Pit 14 plan
9
Figure 6. Grave plan and profile
10
List of Tables Table 1. HER listings as shown on Figure 1
2
Table 2. Soil profiles within test pits
12
Table 3. Finds quantities
13
Table 4. Number of fragments and weight by context
17
Table 5. Number of fragments by species
17
Table 6. Summary of additional information
17
List of Appendices Appendix 1.
Context list
Appendix 2.
OASIS form
Appendix 3.
Pottery catalogue
Appendix 4.
HSR catalogue
Appendix 5.
Radiocarbon dating report
Summary Monitoring of a foul drainage pipe trench on RAF Lakenheath, within the parish of Eriswell in Suffolk, revealed a Roman skeleton with evidence of a coffin stain and several coffin nails. Additionally several ditches are thought to be Roman, relating to the occupation seen at the northern end of the pipe trench, whilst a limited quantity of later prehistoric worked flint and pottery indicate a low level of later prehistoric occupation in this area.
Drawing Conventions
Plans Limit of Excavation Features Break of Slope Features - Conjectured Natural Features Sondages/Machine Strip Intrusion/Truncation S.14
Illustrated Section Cut Number
0008
Archaeological Features
Sections Limit of Excavation Cut Modern Cut Cut - Conjectured Deposit Horizon Deposit Horizon - Conjectured Intrusion/Truncation Top of Natural Top Surface Break in Section Cut Number Deposit Number Ordnance Datum
0008 0007 18.45m OD
1.
Introduction
Thirty-three test pits as well as the excavation of an 860m long pipe trench were monitored as part of a project to lay a new foul drainage pipe at RAF Lakenheath, in Suffolk (Fig. 1). An archaeological monitoring was required for the project in order to record any archaeological features and recover any finds that could otherwise be uncovered or destroyed by the groundworks. The work was carried out under the supervision of Jude Plouviez (SCCAS Conservation Team). The client, Defence Infrastructure Organisation funded the work that was carried out between 20th August and 5th October, 2012.
2.
Geology and topography
The site’s topography is fairly flat, being positioned on the 10m contour. Levels close to the site have been recorded between 10m and 16m above the Ordnance Datum. The general area gently slopes very slightly up to the west, before falling again at the fen edge.
There is no recorded superficial geology for the site, although bedrock formations of Holywell Nodular Chalk and New Pit Chalk are listed (BGS, 2013). On site, the geology presented itself as yellow and orange sand, with chalk uncovered in places.
3.
Archaeology and historical background
Eriswell and the neighbouring parishes of Lakenheath and Wangford are renowned for possessing a rich, multi-period archaeological landscape. RAF Lakenheath itself has a particularly concentrated archaeological horizon that continues from the Prehistoric through to the Anglo-Saxon period.
Notable prehistoric sites nearby comprise two Bronze-Age barrows to the south of the site at ERL 148 and 203. Late Iron Age and early Roman agricultural activity was identified on sites at ERL 089, 120, 130 and 147.
The hub of Roman settlement is located at the northern end of the site at the natural spring, Caudle head. Excavations at Nato place (ERL 212), Kennedy Street (ERL 112) 1
and Thunderbird way found evidence of Roman occupation whilst excavations to the west of the site revealed a possible Early Roman shrine (ERL 214). Other notable Roman sites are positioned at the northern end of the pipeline, marking intensive settlement (ERL 086, 135 and 141).
Three large Anglo-Saxon cemeteries have been excavated to the east at ERL 046, 104 and 114, with ERL 104 immediately east of the pipeline. Anglo-Saxon evidence has been found to the south of these at ERL 154 and further south still at ERL 203 where several inhumations were cut into the Bronze Age monument.
Medieval occupation for Eriswell is focused around the church of St Peter (ERL 011 to the west of the development area (adapted from Beverton, 2012).
HER No. ERL 107
ERL 140 ERL 124 ERL 117 ERL 109 ERL 086 ERL 128 ERL 024 ERL 098 ERL 152 ERL 160 ERL 058 ERL 008 ERL 092 ERL 118 ERL 217 ERL 211 ERL 213 ERL 105
Description A shallow natural sand filled hollow containing Mesolithic/Early Neolithic flints was found during excavation. Excavating either side of building 937, in advance of redevelopment, uncovered Roman & Saxon features. Large area with the entire centre badly truncated. Ditches seen on east and west edge, indicative of settlement but cannot be dated or defined. Undated ditch found on opposite side of Norwich Road to cemetery, ERL 104. Monitoring during June and July 2001 revealed presence of Late Iron Age and Roman features. Roman. Several features seen at south-east corner of Building 868. Roman. Evaluation trenches revealed extensive area of features and buried soil with prehistoric and mainly Rom finds. Undated (probably Rom) pit and ditches found during monitoring of footing trenches. Roman. Male skeleton found in digging posthole, associated with rim sherd (S1)(R1). Preh and Rom. Fieldwalking' survey by SAU, mainly of molehills/rabbit workings, prior to creation of `Peacekeeper Park' by USAF. Monitoring identified Roman features in the eastern half of the site. Rom. Monitoring, located a buried soil, and an area of dense features seen in a pipe trench. Saxon burials & finds reputedly found during original excavations for swimming pool construction (? 1960s-1970s). Saxon. Inhumation cemetery. Prehistoric(?) `dark brown feature with diffused edges which produced (a) burnt flint during surface cleaning'. Late Iron Age, early Roman and undated ditches found during evaluation for classroom extensions. Evaluation identified isolated Iron Age activity with evidence of early Roman activity in two small areas. Monitoring identified a continuation of the late Iron Age and early Roman settlement, including pits, field ditches and evidence of a building or entrance structure. Evaluation identified Iron Age features and finds, a single Bronze Age cremation and a series of undated rectilinear field system. Rectangular enclosure (earthwork?), circa 90m x 50m depicted on OS 1:2500 map (S1).
Table 1. HER listings as shown on Figure 1
2
Norfolk
SUFFOLK
Essex
0
25km
0
1km
ERL 152 ERL 023
573000
572800
572600
280800
ERL 160
0.5
ERL 098 Caudle Head
N
ERL 024 ERL 141 ERL 060
ERL 086
ERL 105
ERL 128
F.2 ERL 109
Tennis courts
280600
ERL 132
ERL 117
F.3
ERL 107 ERL 140
Lakenheath airfield
Lakenheath Senior High School
ERL 124
Running track
280400 F.4
ERL 104
ERL 092 Exeter Cres cent
ERL 058 ERL 008
ERL 161
ERL 114 ERl 046 ERL 214
ERL 130 ERL 118
280200 Brandon Street
0
100
ERL 211
200m
ERL 213
ERL 217
Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk Win ds or C ircle County Council Licence No. 100023395 2013
Figure 1. Trench location (red) with HER listings (green) and figure outlines (blue)
3
N
Sec 2 Ditch 0006
Grave 0002
Sec 4 Ditch 0012
Sec 5 Sec 3 Ditch 0017
Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2013
Sec 6 Ditch 0019
0
15
30m
Figure 2. Northern sections with grave 0002 and extrapolated features (brown) along length of foul drain (black)
4
5
15
30m
Figure 3. Monitored test pits (blue) along path of foul drain (black)
Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2013
0
Test pits to search for cable locations
Tennis courts
TP.20
N
N
TP.1
TP.2 TP.3 Running track
TP.4 TP.5 TP.6 TP.7
TP.8 TP.9 TP.10
TP.11 TP.12 TP.13 Sec 7
TP.14
TP.15 TP.16 TP.17
TP.21
TP.18
0
15
30m
TP.22 TP.19 Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2013
TP.23
Figure 4. Test pits (blue) and Section 7 along length of foul drain (black)
6
4.
Methodology
The main trenching was excavated using a mechanical digger equipped with a toothed bucket, whilst test pits were hand-excavated by the contractors. The excavations were between 0.5-1.6m deep. The works were monitored by the supervising archaeologist, with upcast spoil being examined for finds. Sections were cleaned down by hand and soil profiles recorded on pro forma trench sheets, with any features being drawn at 1:20 scale. Digital colour photographs were taken of features, soil stratigraphy and the site in general. Any features were hand excavated, although both ditch 0017 and grave 0002/skeleton 0004 were truncated before they became visible. The site was recorded using a single context continuous numbering system (Appendix 1), and the pipe trench measured 617sqm, whilst the test pits measured c.30sqm. No environmental samples were taken.
Site data has been input onto an MS Access database and recorded using the Suffolk Historic Environment Record (HER) code ERL 228. An OASIS form has been completed for the project (reference no. suffolkc1-142725, Appendix 2) and a digital copy of the report submitted for inclusion on the Archaeology Data Service database (http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/greylit). The site archive is kept in the main store of Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service at Bury St Edmunds, under the HER code ERL 228. A full analysis and quantification has been carried out of the finds and is presented in this report, including a radiocarbon date report for the skeleton.
7
5.
Results
5.1
Introduction
Across the site the soil profiles varied considerably and were often quite disturbed due to the high levels of development that have occurred on the airbase. In the northern area of the trenching several ditch cuts were recorded, as well as a Roman grave and a buried soil layer (Figs. 2-6). Only one further cut feature was seen within the remaining trenching. The soil profiles that were observed in the test pits are recorded in Table 2.
5.2
Features
Ditch 0006 In the trench section above grave 0002 was cut 0006; a ditch with a 40-45° straight southern edge and a flat base (Figs. 2 and 5). Its northern side was not revealed, but it measured >1.85m wide and 0.9m deep and was filled with banded mid and dark greybrown silty-sand lenses, recorded as 0007, which produced no finds. The fill was indistinguishable from the subsoil in the area. In the section, a 0.1m thick deposit of topsoil formed the top layer.
Grave 0002 Grave cut 0002 was a north to south aligned burial that was sub-rectangular cut in plan with 70-80° slightly convex sides and a flat base (Figs. 2 and 6). It had been partially truncated during the excavation of the trenching. It was 2.08m long x 0.54m wide x c.0.15m deep and the partially surviving skeleton, recorded as 0004 was aligned with its skull to the north. Much of the left arm and left leg survived, as well as the skull and jaw. However, much of the right arm and leg, as well as the hands and feet were not present. The ribs and spine were also missing. A coffin stain was present on the eastern side of the skeleton and eleven nails were present within this deposit. The fill, 0003, was friable brown sand that contained a single sherd of prehistoric pottery. A radiocarbon date obtained from a metatarsal of the left foot shows that the skeleton is from the Roman period, probably dating from the early 1st to early 3rd century. Disarticulated human bone and Roman pottery were found close to the grave, recorded as 0005 and 0008, and are probably associated. 8
9
1.00m
natural
0011
0010
topsoil
S.5
natural
bone
2.00m
digger scoop
S
topsoil
natural
bone found at this level
S
0006
0007
topsoil
S.2
Figure 5. Sections and Test Pit 14 plan
Section Scale 1:40
0
N
N
0020
natural
S
0019
0018
subsoil
S.6
natural
0016
N
subsoil
topsoil
S.3
0017
NW
0014
SE
0015
subsoil
S.7
N
topsoil
0013
TP.14
1.00m
0015
Plan Scale 1:50
0
Pipe trench
0012
subsoil
S.4
S.7
S
N
2.50m
N
0002 1004 1002
1001 1009 1012 1008
1003
1007
1010
Coffin stain
S
N
0002
0 Plan and profile scale 1:20
Figure 6. Grave plan and profile 10
1.00m
Ditch 0012 Just south of grave 0002 and ditch 0006 was ditch 0012 (Figs. 2 and 5). This cut was east to west aligned and 35-45° slightly concave sides, curving rapidly to a concave base, measuring >2.9m wide x 0.7m deep. Its fill consisted of laminated layers of middark brown sandy-silt, recorded as 0013. Overlying this was 0.5m of buried soil.
Buried soil 0011 In one small area of trenching a 0.2m deep buried soil layer was recorded as 0011 (Figs. 2 and 5). It consisted of dark brown silty-sands with small-medium chalk flecks and fragments. No finds were recovered from it, but it is interpreted as a possible small pocket of an occupation soil, or as feature fill. Overlying this layer was subsoil 0010, comprising 0.5m of mid grey-brown silty-sands. This was underneath 0.2m of topsoil.
Ditch 0017 Ditch 0017 was an east to west aligned linear shape in plan, with a 'V' shaped profile that measured ~0.6m wide x ~0.54m deep (Figs. 2 and 5). The cut was only recorded in the trench section, having been truncated by the machine excavation and it could not be accurately recorded as it was in an area of deep, unstable trenching. The fill consisted of dark brown sandy-silt, recorded as 0016 and this was overlaid by 0.4m of subsoil and 0.2m of topsoil.
Ditch 0019 Within Test Pit 20 a ditch was recorded on a roughly east to west alignment and recorded as cut 0019 (Figs. 3 and 5). It had irregular stepped sides and a narrow, concave base, and it measured 1.3m wide x ~0.48m deep. It had two fills, 0018 and 0020. Fill 0018 was the top fill that was light to mid brownish-grey silty-sand with a diffuse upper horizon and one piece of later prehistoric worked flint. The basal fill, 0020 was dark greyish-brown sandy-silt basal fill with no inclusions or finds.
Ditch 0015 The most southerly cut was a possible ditch visible in Test Pit 14 (Figs. 4 and 5). It appeared to have a linear shape in plan, aligned NE-SW, although when the machining of the pipe trench was carried out the cut was not seen again. The feature had an 11
asymmetrical profile with a steep concave south-west side and a shallow, concave north-west side. The overall dimensions of the cut were >0.72m wide x 0.32m deep. It was filled with yellowish-greyish-brown silty-sand with no inclusions or finds.
Test Pit No., dimensions & location 1 1.2m x 0.45m 2 1.2m x 0.45m 3 1.2m x 0.45m 4 1.2m x 0.45m 5 1.2m x 0.45m 6 1.2m x 0.45m 7 1.2m x 0.45m 8 1.2m x 0.45m 9 1.2m x 0.45m 10 1.2m x 0.45m 11 1.2m x 0.45m 12 1.2m x 0.45m 13 1.2m x 0.45m 14 1.2m x 0.45m 15 1.2m x 0.45m 16 1.2m x 0.45m 17 1.2m x 0.45m 18 1.2m x 0.45m 19 1.2m x 0.45m 20 1.6m 0.7m
21-23 1.45m x 0.8m Tennis courts 1.7-2m x 0.6m
Soil profile
0.42m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.11m of reddish-grey-brown silty-sand overSand natural Not seen 0.68m of topsoil, chalky topsoil and mixed sandy-chalk/modern disturbed material over0.26m of reddish-grey-brown silty-sand subsoil overNatural sand 0.8m of topsoil and disturbed/modern sand over0.65m of grey-brown silty-sand (possibly a preserved soil horizon?) 0.93m of topsoil and disturbed/modern sand over0.65m of grey-brown silty-sand (possibly a preserved soil horizon?) 0.93m of topsoil and disturbed/modern sand over0.65m of grey-brown silty-sand (possibly a preserved soil horizon?) 0.5m of topsoil and disturbed/modern sand overNatural chalk 0.45m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material overNatural chalk 0.5m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material overNatural sand 0.42m of concrete, hoggin and levelling sand overNatural chalk Not seen Up to 0.5m of concrete, hoggin and levelling sand overNatural chalk Not seen 0.08m of topsoil over0.12m of mixed sandy subsoil over0.34m of greyish-brown silty-sand Not seen 0.4m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.13m of natural sand 0.4m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.1m of brownish-grey silty-sand 0.3m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.2m of orangish-brown-grey silty-sand 0.16m of topsoil over0.14m of mixed sandy subsoil over0.28m of natural sand 0.55m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material over0.4m of greyish-brown buried soil over0.1m of redeposited chalk over0.4m of dark greyish-brown sandy-silt revealing top of degraded chalk (natural?) 0.5m of topsoil and disturbed/modern material overYellow natural sand These test pits (Fig. 3) were only partially excavated to trace cable positions, revealing disturbed material.
Table 2. Soil profiles within test pits
12
6.
Finds and environmental evidence
Andy Fawcett
6.1
Introduction
Table 3 shows the quantities of finds recovered from the monitoring. Finds were retrieved from eight contexts which include four unstratified, two from the grave (including the skeleton) and two ditch fills. Also present are eleven small finds which have been recorded separately.
Context 0001 0003 0004 0005 0008 0013 0018 0021 Total
No 8 1
2
2 13
Pottery Wgt/g 149 3
Animal bone No Wgt/g 21 207
HSR HSR HSR
15
5 172
Other
2
94
31 54
709 1010
Worked flint 1 @ 11g Worked flint 1 @ 10g
Spot date L3rd-4th C Early-later IA AD25-235 Roman Late preh Late Roman
Table 3. Finds quantities
6.2
The Pottery
Introduction A total of thirteen sherds of pottery weighing 172g was recorded in three contexts from the monitoring. All of the sherds except one are dated to the Roman period. The condition of the larger part of the assemblage may be described as abraded. A complete contextual breakdown of the assemblage can be seen in Appendix 3.
Methodology All of the pottery has been examined at x20 vision and allocated to fabric groups. Codes have been assigned to these groups using the Suffolk fabric series (SCCAS) and form types (where possible) have been catalogued using the Suffolk form type series (unpub). All of the pottery has been recorded by sherd count, weight and EVE.
13
Prehistoric pottery A single abraded body sherd of prehistoric pottery was recorded in grave fill 0003. The sherd is hand-made in a black fabric with abundant quartz and sparse organics (HMSO), which are mostly visible on the surface. The sherd is dated from the early to later Iron Age. Prehistoric activity has previously been identified in close proximity to the grave fill however the condition, as well as the size of the sherd, suggests that it is residual, as does the Roman radiocarbon date for the skeleton.
Roman pottery The majority of Roman sherds were recorded in the unstratified context 0001 (8 sherds @ 149g). All of the datable sherds within this group are late Roman, which include a late shell-tempered (SH) hook rimmed jar sherd (4.5), a flanged dish decorated with a wavy line (6.17.5) and a groove rimmed dish (6.19). Also present is Lower Nene Valley colour-coated ware body sherd (NVC). The remaining sherds were also recorded as unstratified but were not closely datable within the Roman period.
6.3
Worked flint
Identified by Colin Pendleton Two pieces of worked flint were recorded in separate contexts. The first in ditch fill 0018 is an unpatinated snapped flake with limited edge retouch. The second was noted in the unstratified context 0021. This is an unpatinated hard hammer struck flake with limited edge retouch. It also displays an obtuse striking platform and a hinge fracture. Both of the flakes are dated to the later prehistoric period.
6.4
Small finds
A total of eleven small finds have been identified (SF1001-1011) all of which are complete nails or nail fragments. These have all been recorded in grave fill 0003 (24 fragments @ 121g). Three nails appear complete (SF 1002, 1004 and 1005) however most are snapped fragments and all are heavily corroded. There is some consistency in the shape and size of the nail heads. Where they can be observed they are flat and rounded and several are 17mm in diameter. The nails were mostly recovered from the undisturbed right hand side of the skeleton and at some points are fairly evenly spaced. 14
This dispersal, their consistency of size and shape, suggests they were all part of the same burial coffin.
6.5
Human bone
Sue Anderson Remains of a single individual were recovered from a grave (0004). Some bones were recovered from contexts 0005 (lower right leg) and 0008 (left tarsals and a few other fragments) but were part of the same individual. The skull and lower leg bones were in fair condition but other surviving bones were poor with a high degree of surface erosion. Very little of the torso survived and fragments of the spine were chemically altered making identification of individual bones impossible. One fragment (1.2g) of calcined long bone shaft of indeterminate species (probably animal) was also recovered from context 0003.
The remains comprised fragments of a near-complete skull and mandible with some loss of the face on the right side, cervical vertebrae, thoracic/lumbar vertebrae, small pieces of clavicle and scapula, right and left humerus shafts, shafts of the left radius and ulna, several bones of the left hand, fragments of both innominates, partial or complete pieces of all the leg bones, and most of the left ankle and foot.
The skull and long bones were medium to large and robust, and the sciatic notch of the pelvis was fairly narrow suggesting that the individual was male. Tooth wear was moderate to heavy, suggesting that he was middle-aged or older at the time of death. No degenerative changes were noted but few joints survived intact.
Only three measurements could be recorded, the diameter of the femoral head (49mm), and the diameters of the left tibia shaft, which produced a cnemic index of 69.7 (mesocnemic, or moderately flattened). Marked flattening of the tibia has been suggested to occur more frequently in earlier groups.
Non-metric traits were recorded systematically (see Appendix 4). The individual had several large lambdoid wormian bones, most notably on the left, as well as several common cranial traits (posterior condylar canal, double hypoglossal canal, supra-oribital foramen complete). The most unusual was the presence of two small squame-parietal 15
ossicles on the left.
The dentition was complete. All teeth were present but the crowns of all three upper left molars had been destroyed by carious lesions and the exposure of the pulp cavities had resulted in the formation of abscesses above each tooth root. It is likely that there would also have been maxillary sinusitis caused by these abscesses, but the internal surface of the antrum could not be assessed due to the completeness of the skull. Alveolar resorption was marked, suggesting some exposure of the roots above the gum line in life.
There were few signs of pathology. New bone formation was noted on the anterior margin of the right fibula shaft close to the distal end, possibly resulting from small tears to the ligaments. Both deltoid tuberosities were very large, indicating well-muscled upper arms. There was some superior-lateral bowing of both tibiae, suggestive of genu valgum (knock-knee).
In summary, the bones are those of a mature adult male with evidence of chronic dental disease and some physical stress.
6.6 Radiocarbon dating A complete metatarsal from the left foot was submitted to the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating (Appendix 5).
The bone from grave fill 0004 (Laboratory code SUERC-45382/GU30000) produced a radiocarbon age BP (before 1950) of 1889 + 45, which calibrated at 95.4% probability is between AD25 and 235.
6.7
Faunal Remains
Justine Biddle In total fifty-four fragments of faunal material were recorded from three contexts. All of the material was hand-collected and it was possible to indentify 30% (sixteen fragments) of the assemblage to species and element. 16
Table 3 shows the number of fragments and total weight by context.
Context 0001 0013 0021 Total
No 21 2 31 54
Wgt/g 211 95 710 1016
Table 4. Number of fragments and weight by context
Table 4 shows the number of fragments by species. The relatively high number of horse elements is unusual but due to the overall size of the assemblage and high proportion of unidentifiable fragments, it is not possible to say whether this is significant.
Context 0001 0013 0021 Total
Cow 2 0 5 7
Horse 2 0 6 8
Pig 0 0 1 1
Large mammal 17 2 19 38
Table 5. Number of fragments by species
There are no specific butchery techniques or other details which would suggest a particular period for this assemblage but a medieval or post-medieval date is likely.
Table 5 shows a summary of additional information which can be obtained from the assemblage. Modifications Butchered 2
Ageing Toothwear 0
Epiphyseal fusion 2
Metrical Measureable
Complete
2
6
Table 6. Summary of additional information
Due to the composition of the assemblage and lack of additional information which can be obtained from the recovered fragments further analysis of the material would not be required.
17
6.8
Discussion of material evidence
This is a small assemblage of finds whose chief components are human skeletal remains, pottery and animal bone.
The later prehistoric period is represented by two flint flakes and a single residual early to later Iron Age pottery sherd which was recorded in the Roman grave fill 0003. Almost the entire pottery assemblage is dated to the later Roman period, although the majority of these sherds were unstratified. The radiocarbon date taken from the skeletal remains in fill 0003 provided further evidence of Roman activity on the site, albeit of a slightly earlier date; also associated with this burial were eleven iron coffin nails. Intense Roman settlement activity has been recorded within a short distance of the northern end of this site (for instance ERL 112 and 212) and therefore the presence of finds dated to this period is a continuation of the known occupation.
18
7.
Discussion
The monitoring revealed a series of features and finds indicative of Roman occupation, but also late prehistoric activity. Features were concentrated at the northern end of the trenching, despite frequent truncation in the area relating to modern groundworks. This part of the trenching is relatively close to the main focus of Roman settlement on the airbase and it is likely that the ditches relate to this, probably representing field systems/stock enclosures or property boundaries. The skeleton was buried within a coffin and may be contemporary with the Roman coffin burials recorded at ERL 023 and 024, close to the northern end of the trenching. Although the radiocarbon date produced a date of AD25-235, the likelihood is that the burial is 2nd century or later, when inhumation began to be favoured over cremation.
Whilst not unusual, the prehistoric artefacts are likely to relate to the Bronze Age and Iron Age areas investigated previously within Eriswell and Lakenheath. These include sites such as ERL 104, 132 and 213 that are located close to the pipe trench and uncovered funerary remains, field systems and domestic deposits. An undated feature by the running track did not appear to be related to the known archaeology in the immediate vicinity, which was the Anglo-Saxon cemetery and was not traced beyond Test Pit 14.
8.
Conclusions and recommendations for further work
Monitoring of the pipe trench has shown that late prehistoric finds evidence, as well as Roman occupation and funerary features were present along the pipe trench. The series of ditches and skeletal remains are likely to be continuations of the Roman occupation. Whilst modern disturbances were present in almost all areas of the trenching, features and finds were present in several areas, demonstrating the potential of the site to produce further archaeological deposits.
19
9.
Archive deposition
Paper archive: SCCAS Bury St Edmunds Digital archive: SCCAS R:\Environmental Protection\Conservation\Archaeology\ Archive\Eriswell\ERL 228 Monitoring foul drainage Digital photographic archive: SCCAS R:\Environmental Protection\Conservation\ Archaeology\Catalogues\Photos\HTA-HTZ\HTK 1-99 and HTL 1-23 Finds archive: SCCAS Bury St Edmunds. Store location: H/88/1
10. Acknowledgements The fieldwork was carried out by Simon Cass, Jo Caruth, Andy Beverton and Rob Brooks. Project management was undertaken by Jo Caruth who also provided advice during the production of the report.
Post-excavation management was provided by Richenda Goffin. Finds processing was undertaken by Jonathan van Jennians. The specialist finds report was produced by Andy Fawcett, with additional specialist advice provided by Sue Anderson.
The report illustrations were created by Rob Brooks and Gemma Adams and the report was edited by Richenda Goffin.
20
11. Bibliography Bass, W., 1971, Human Osteology. Missouri Archaeol. Soc Beverton, A. V., 2012, Halifax Street, Eriswell, ERL 217, Post-Excavation Assessment Report, SCCAS Report No. 2012/044, Bury St Edmunds: SCCAS BGS, 2013, Information obtained from http://www.bgs.ac.uk/products/digitalmaps/ and reproduced with the permission of the British Geological Survey ©NERC. All rights Reserved. Bouts, W. and Pot, Tj., 1989, ‘Computerized recording and analysis of excavated human dental remains’, in Roberts, C.A., Lee, F. and Bintliff, J. (eds), Burial Archaeology: current research, methods and developments, BAR Brit. Ser. 211 Brothwell, D., 1981, Digging up Bones. London, BM(NH)/OUP Cotta, H., 1978, Orthopaedics, a brief textbook. Stuttgart, Georg Thiem Verlag Krogman, W., 1978, The Human Skeleton in Forensic Medicine. Illinois, C.C. Thomas Ortner, D. and Putschar, W., 1981, Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains. Washington, Smithsonian Institute Trotter, M., 1970, ‘Estimation of stature from intact long limb bones’, in Stewart, T.D. (ed), Personal Identification in Mass Disasters. Washington, Smithsonian Institute WEA, 1980, ‘Recommendations for age and sex diagnoses of skeletons’, J. Human Evolution 9, 517–49
21
Appendix 1.
Context list
Context No Feature No Grid Sq. Feature Type
Description
0001
Finds Unstratified
Unstratified finds.
0002
0002
Grave Cut
N-S aligned burial. Under ditch 0006. Sub-rectangular cut. Partially truncated by digger - some disarticulated bone. Clear coffin stain present within the cut. Cut was not fully excavated. 70-80° slightly convex sides, with curving break of slope to flat base.
0003
0002
Grave Fill
Soft brown sand, with a dark grey coffin stain and 10+ nails.
0004
0002
Skeleton
0005
0002
Bone Disarticulated
Disarticulated bone, probably associated with grave 0002, skeleton 0004.
0006
0006
Ditch Cut
Ditch cut. Southern edge = 40-45° straight slope, with curving break of slope at both top of cut and to the base, which is flat. Northern side not revealed.
0007
0006
Ditch Fill
Banded mid and dark grey-brown silty-sand lenses. Fill of ditch 0006. Animal bone present in section but not collected.
0008
Finds Unstratified
Unstratified finds from the area around grave 0002.
0010
Subsoil Layer
Subsoil 17.5m south of manhole. Mid grey-brown gritty silty-sands.
0011
Soil Layer
Buried soil 17.5m south of manhole. Dark brown siltysands with small-medium chalk flecks and fragments.
Ditch Cut
East-west aligned ditch. 35-45° slightly concave sides, curving rapidly to a thin concave base. Just south of skeleton 0004, cut 0002.
Length Width Depth Small Finds Cuts
2.08
0.54
Cut by
Over
0.15?
Under
0004
Finds Sample Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Grave cut within coffin stain and nails. SF1001, SF1002, SF1003, SF1004, SF1005, SF1006, SF1007, SF1008, SF1009, SF1010, SF1011
0004
Grave fill. Skeleton, consisting of consisting, all the major bones of the right hand side and most of the left hand side, though some of this was just caught by the machine. Some foot bones present as well as 2-3 hand bones.
0002
0003
Skeleton.
>1.85 0.9
0007
Ditch, which is above grave 0002. 0.9
0006
Ditch fill.
Unstratified finds.
Subsoil.
0012
0012
Ditch cut.
>2.9
0.7
0013
Group No Phase Spotdate
Context No Feature No Grid Sq. Feature Type
Description
0013
Fill of ditch 0012. Laminated mid-dark brown sandy-silt.
0012
Ditch Fill
Length Width Depth Small Finds Cuts
Cut by
Over
Under
Finds Sample
0012
Yes
No
0015
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
0020
No
No
0018
No
No
Yes
No
Ditch fill. 0014
0015
Ditch Fill
Ditch was filled with a yellowish-greyish-brown siltysand. The fill was soft and friable. No inclusions were present. The fill had an extremely diffuse upper horizon.
>0.72 0.32
Clean fill of ditch. Made up of the common yellowishgreyish-brown silty-sand seen across Eriswell. 0015
0015
Ditch Cut
0016
0017
Ditch Fill
A dark greyish-brown sandy-silt with rare inclusions of rounded and sub-angular flint pebbles. Clear horizons, with no finds.
0017
0017
Ditch Cut
A linear shape in plan, with 'V' shaped profile. Ditch was observed in the trench wall. Ditch runs E-W. Ditch could not be accurately recorded due to depth of trench and unstable sides.
0018
0019
Ditch Fill
The upper fill of ditch 0019 is a light to mid brownishgrey silty-sand. The fill was soft and friable with a diffuse upper horizon.
0019
0019
Ditch Cut
0020
0019
Ditch Fill
Dark greyish-brown sandy-silt basal fill that was fairly compacted. The fill was free of inclusions and finds. The upper horizon was clear and sharp.
Finds Unstratified
Unstratified finds
Feature which was only seen in Test Pit 14. Appears to have a linear plan that's aligned NE-SW. The ditch has an asymmetrical profile; the south-west side if a steep concave shape, whilst the north-west side is shallowly convex. The ditch base is narrow and slightly concave.
>0.72 0.32
0014
Ditch running NE-SW. Not seen in adjacent test pits. ~0.6
~0.54
~0.6
~0.54
1.3
0.38
1.3
~0.48
~0.3
0.9
0017
Ditch fill. 0016
Ditch cut. 0020
Ditch fill. Concave profiled ditch, with undulating/stepped sides leading to a narrow, rounded base. Boundary ditch. 0019
Basal fill of ditch 0019. 0021
Group No Phase Spotdate
Appendix 2.
OASIS form
OASIS DATA COLLECTION FORM: England List of Projects | Manage Projects | Search Projects | New project | Change your details | HER coverage | Change country | Log out
Printable version
OASIS ID: suffolkc1-142725 Project details Project name
ERL 228 Foul Drainage monitoring, RAF Lakenheath
Short description of the project
Monitoring of a foul drainage pipe trench on RAF Lakenheath, within the parish of Eriswell in Suffolk, revealed a Roman skeleton with evidence of a coffin stain and several coffin nails. Additionally several ditches are thought to be Roman, relating to the occupation seen at the northern end of the pipe trench, whilst a limited quantity of later prehistoric worked flint and pottery indicate a low level of later prehistoric occupation in this area.
Project dates
Start: 20-08-2012 End: 05-10-2012
Previous/future work
Yes / Not known
Any associated project reference codes
ERL 228 - HER event no.
Any associated project reference codes
ERL 228 - Sitecode
Any associated project reference codes
2013/013 - Contracting Unit No.
Type of project
Recording project
Site status
Area of Archaeological Importance (AAI)
Current Land use
Other 12 - Verge
Current Land use
Other 3 - Built over
Monument type
DITCH Uncertain
Monument type
GRAVE Roman
Monument type
BURIED SOIL HORIZON Uncertain
Significant Finds
HUMAN SKELETON Roman
Significant Finds
LITHIC IMPLEMENTS Late Prehistoric
Significant Finds
CERAMICS Late Prehistoric
Significant Finds
CERAMICS Roman
Significant Finds
NAILS Roman
Significant Finds
ANIMAL REMAINS Uncertain
Investigation type
''''Watching Brief''''
Prompt
National Planning Policy Framework - NPPF
Project location Country
England
Site location
SUFFOLK FOREST HEATH ERISWELL ERL 228 Foul Drainage monitoring, RAF Lakenheath
Postcode
IP27
Study area
617.00 Square metres
Site coordinates
TL 7284 8077 52 0 52 23 49 N 000 32 26 E Point
Site coordinates
TL 7295 8046 52 0 52 23 39 N 000 32 31 E Point
Site coordinates
TL 7273 8019 52 0 52 23 31 N 000 32 19 E Point
Project creators Name of Organisation
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Project brief originator
Local Authority Archaeologist and/or Planning Authority/advisory body
Project design originator
Jude Plouviez
Project director/manager
Jo Caruth
Project supervisor
Rob Brooks
Type of sponsor/funding body
Military body
Name of sponsor/funding body
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Project archives Physical Archive recipient
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Physical Archive ID
H/88/1
Physical Contents
''Animal Bones'',''Ceramics'',''Human Bones'',''Worked stone/lithics''
Digital Archive recipient
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Digital Archive ID
ERL 228
Digital Contents
''Animal Bones'',''Ceramics'',''Human Bones'',''Worked stone/lithics'',''other''
Digital Media available
''Database'',''Images raster / digital photography'',''Survey'',''Text''
Paper Archive recipient
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Paper Archive ID
ERL 228
Paper Contents
''Animal Bones'',''Ceramics'',''Human Bones'',''Worked stone/lithics'',''other''
Paper Media available
''Context sheet'',''Plan'',''Report'',''Section'',''Survey ''
Project
bibliography 1 Grey literature (unpublished document/manuscript) Publication type Title
Foul Drainage, RAF Lakenheath, Eriswell, ERL 228, Archaeological Monitoring Report
Author(s)/Editor(s)
Brooks, R.
Other bibliographic SCCAS Report No. 2013/013 details Date
2013
Issuer or publisher SCCAS Place of issue or publication
Bury St Edmunds
Description
A4, comb bound, white card covers, in colour, with 5 appendices. Also available as a pdf.
Entered by
Rob Brooks ([email protected])
Entered on
26 September 2013
OASIS:
Please e-mail English Heritage for OASIS help and advice © ADS 1996-2012 Created by Jo Gilham and Jen Mitcham, email Last modified Wednesday 9 May 2012 Cite only: /export/home/web/oasis/form/print.cfm?ID=159963 for this page
Appendix 3. Ctxt
Fabric
Pottery catalogue Form
Dec
No
EVE
Wgt/g
State
Comments
Date range
Context date
0001
NVC
Body
1
0
7
Abr
0001
SH
Jar 4.5
2
0.25
53
Sli
Plus one body sherd, but not from the same vessel.
L3rd-4th C
0001
GMG
Dish 6.17
1
0.14
26
Sli
Sherd is shattered with one complete half of fabric missing
M/L3rd-4th C
0001
GMG
Body
1
0
18
Abr
Roman
0001
GMG
Dish 6.19
1
0.07
16
Sli
E2nd/3rd-4th
0001
GMG
Jar 4.6
1
0.04
6
Abr
2nd-4th C
0001
GX
Jar 4.6
1
0.1
23
Sli
2nd-4th C
0003
HMSO
Body
1
0
3
Sli
Dark fabric with abundant ill- E-L IA sorted quartz and sparse oragnics
E-L IA
0008
GMG
Base
2
0
15
Abr-sli
0.11. Plus one body sherd, not the same vessel.
Roman
Roman
0021
WX
Body
2
0
5
Abr
Not a classic but has some similarities to NVW
Late Roman
Late Roman
wavy line
groove
L3rd-4th C
L3rd-4th C
Appendix 4.
HSR catalogue
Methodology Measurements were taken using the methods described by Brothwell (1981), together with a few from Bass (1971) and Krogman (1978). Sexing and ageing techniques follow Brothwell (1981) and the Workshop of European Anthropologists (WEA 1980), with the exception of adult tooth wear scoring which follows Bouts and Pot (1989). Stature was estimated according to the regression formulae of Trotter and Gleser (Trotter 1970). All systematically scored non-metric traits are listed in Brothwell (1981), and grades of cribra orbitalia and osteoarthritis can also be found there. Pathological conditions were identified with the aid of Ortner and Putschar (1981) and Cotta (1978).
Notes Methods of age and sex determination are generalised to give an idea of the bones used. Sexing based on the pelvis used more traits than entries might suggest. ‘DF’ stands for discriminant function, a statistical method of determining sex, where +2.0 is very male, -2.0 very female (WEA, 1980). Teeth are recorded in the form illustrated below. Maxilla Mandible
R.
Code 1 2 3 etc. X / U, u O, o C - - A C
Meaning Tooth present in jaw. Tooth lost ante-mortem. Tooth lost post-mortem. Tooth unerupted. Tooth in process of erupting. Tooth congenitally absent. Jaw missing. Abscess present (above/below tooth number). Caries present (above/below tooth number).
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 O 7 6 5 4 - - A C
1 2 3 4 5 X 7 U / / 3 4 5 6 7 C
L.
Lower case letters a-e and u/o are used for deciduous teeth. Attrition patterns are coded according to the scores suggested by Bouts and Pot (1989, modified version of Brothwell's original tooth wear chart). A few abbreviations have been used in the catalogue for commonly occurring pathological conditions and anatomical regions. These are as follows: OA OP C T L
osteoarthritis osteophytosis, osteophytes cervical vertebra thoracic vertebr lumbar vertebra
L.
MT MC left R.
metatarsal metacarpal right
Any other abbreviations should be self-explanatory, since they are simply shortened forms of bone names or anatomical areas (prox = proximal, etc.).
Articulated skeleton Sk. 0004
Male, mature to older adult
Description:
Condition: Determination of age: Determination of sex: Stature: Cranial index: Teeth:
Tooth wear: Dental pathology: Pathology: Cribra orbitalia: Neoplasm:
Trauma: Miscellaneous:
Most of the major bones are present, but the torso is largely missing (very fragmentary vertebrae and parts of the innominates only) and the lower right arm and right foot are also lost. Some bones recovered from 0005 (lower R leg) and 0008 (tarsals, one toe phal, prox tibia). Skull and lower legs fair, rest poor with surface erosion. Tooth wear moderate to heavy. Cranial sutures closed but not fully obliterated. Glabella and occipital crest large, sciatic notch narrow, long bones medium to large and robust. Cranium DF +1.6. 1.719m (5’ 8”) from tibia 73.9 – dolichocranial (appears broader?) C C C A A A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 34 5 32+ 4 5 5+ 5+ 5 3+ 2+ 36 4 4+ 4+ 2+ 2+ 34+ 4+ 4+ 4+ 3 2+ 2+ 3+ Considerable alveolar resorption; slight calculus; no enamel hypoplasia.
7 3-
7 4
None. A small rounded lump behind the left lower second incisor and canine may be caused by a bent root of one of these teeth, but is perhaps more likely to be a benign osteoma. New bone formation anterior margin distal R fibula. Genu valgum due to slight sup-lat bowing of tibiae. Very large deltoid tuberosities both humeri (L v eroded).
Cranial measurements
Post-cranial measurements
Cranium Max Length Max Breadth Max Height Basi-nasal Length Basi-alveolar Length Upper facial Height Bimaxillary Breadth Bizygomatic Breadth Nasal Height Nasal Breadth Simotic Chord Bi-dacryonic Chord Orbital Breadth R Orbital Breadth L Orbital Height R Orbital Height L Biorbital Breadth Palatal Length Palatal breadth Biauricular Breadth Min Frontal Breadth Upper Facial Breadth Biasterionic Breadth Foramen Magnum Length Foramen Magnum Breadth Frontal Chord Parietal Chord Occipital Chord Mastoid Process Height R Mastoid Process Height L Cranial Index Height/Length Index Height/Breadth Index Upper Facial Index Nasal Index Orbital Index R Orbital Index L Foramen Magnum Index Palatal Index
0004 196 145 136 105 100 75
Gnathic Index
105.0
Mandible Bicondylar Width Bigonial Breadth Foramen mentale Breadth Symphyseal Height Mandibular Length Bicoronoid Breadth Minimum Ramus Breadth R Minimum Ramus Breadth L Maximum Ramus Breadth R Maximum Ramus Breadth L Maximum Ramus Height R Maximum Ramus Height L Breadth mandibular body R Breadth mandibular body L
53 23 9 23 41 38 97 43 36 124 102 111 34 30 115 116 99 33 73.9 69.4 93.8 43.4 92.7 88.2 83.7
44 37
29 39 72 13 12
Sk. Tibia Maximum length
R L A-P diameter at nutrient foramen TiD1 R L M-L diameter at nutrient foramen TiD2 R L Cnemic Index 100(TiD2/TiD1) R L
Measurements in mm.
0004
TiL3
370 33 35 26 25 78.8 71.4
Cranial non-metric traits
Post-cranial non-metric traits Sk.
Highest nuchal line Ossicle at lambda/Inca Lambdoid wormian bones Parietal foramen Bregmatic bone Metopism Coronal wormian bones Epipteric bone Fronto-temporal articulation Parietal notch bone Asterionic ossicle Auditory torus Huschke's foramen Post-condylar canal Double condylar facet Precondylar tubercle Double hypoglossal canal Foramen ovale incomplete Extra palatine foramen Palatine torus Maxillary torus Zygoma-facial foramen Supra-orbital foramen complete Extra infra-orbital foramen Sagittal wormian Squame parietal ossicle Multiple mental foramen Mandibular torus
R L R L R L
R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L
0004 0 0 0 + ++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 1 0 + 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0
Atlas bridge lateral Atlas bridge posterior Atlas double facet Suprascapular foramen Detached acromion epiphysis Sterno-manubrial fusion Septal aperture of humerus Epicondylar process of humerus Sacralisation of L5 Four sacral segments Six sacral segments Acetabular crease Allen's fossa of femur Poirier's facet of femur Plaque formation of femur Third femoral trochanter Vastus notch of patella Calcaneus double facet Cuboid-navicular articulation
Sk. R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L
R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L
0004 0 0 0
Appendix 5.
Radiocarbon dating report Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre Director: Professor R M Ellam Rankine Avenue, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 0QF, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)1355 223332 Fax: +44 (0)1355 229898 www.glasgow.ac.uk/suerc
RADIOCARBON DATING CERTIFICATE 02 May 2013 Laboratory Code
SUERC-45382 (GU30000)
Submitter
Andy Fawcett Suffolk CC Archaeological Service 9-10 The Churchyard Shire Hall Bury St Edmunds IP33 2AR
Site Reference Context Reference
ERL228 0004
Material
Bone : Human
δ 13 C relative to VPDB δ 15 N relative to air C/N ratio (Molar)
-18.6 ‰ 10.7 ‰ 3.3
Radiocarbon Age BP
1889 ± 45
N.B.
The above 14 C age is quoted in conventional years BP (before 1950 AD). The error, which is expressed at the one sigma level of confidence, includes components from the counting statistics on the sample, modern reference standard and blank and the random machine error. The calibrated age ranges are determined from the University of Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit calibration program (OxCal4). Samples with a SUERC coding are measured at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre AMS Facility and should be quoted as such in any reports within the scientific literature. Any questions directed to the Radiocarbon Laboratory should also quote the GU coding given in parentheses after the SUERC code. The contact details for the laboratory are email [email protected] or telephone 01355 270136 direct line.
Conventional age and calibration age ranges calculated by :-
Date :-
Checked and signed off by :-
Date :-
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336
Calibration Plot
Archaeological services Field Projects Team Delivering a full range of archaeological services
Desk-based assessments and advice
Site investigation
Outreach and educational resources
Historic Building Recording
Environmental processing
Finds analysis and photography
Graphics design and illustration
Contact:
Jo Caruth Tel: 01284 741250 Fax: 01284 741257 [email protected] www.suffolk.gov.uk/Environment/Archaeology/
