Post-Medieval Archaeol 31

An account of excavations carried out between 1980 and 1988 at one of the earliest trace italienne forts in the British Isles (built by the English in 1547, ceded to Scotland in 1550 and altered by the French troops who garrisoned it between 1557 and 1559). Both English and French lines of fortifications were examined, as were some of the internal buildings, and some evidence was also found of earlier occupation of the site. Finds reports include: `Pottery' by Julie Franklin (96--103); brick and daub; `Coins' by Nicholas Holmes (104); `Metalwork' by Julie Franklin (104--7); `Textile' [a tassel] by Thea Gabra-Sanders (107); engraved slate fragments; `Roof slates' by Nigel A Ruckley (108); and animal bones.

Begins with the `Excavation', a report by Kevin Fryer, Andrea Selley [Shelley] & John D Boas (139--41) on the emergency investigation of the pit and associated medieval and later structures that were revealed during building work. The pit contained a large and coherent assemblage of a variety of artefacts dating from c 1650--1714 and deposited c 1702--14. `Documentary evidence' discussed by Shirley Corke (147--54) identifies the properties in the vicinity of the site, from where the artefacts are likely to have originated. `A report on analysis of the archaeological sample from 16 Tunsgate, Guildford' by Vaughan D Williamson (154--5) suggests, on the evidence of a bulk soil sample, that the pit was either a cess-pit, a sump for drainage from a stable or a pit for garden refuse. The important collections of pottery and glass vessels are discussed in detail, and a Spot-testing of the composition of the glass, undertaken by local `A'-level chemistry students, is reported in `Analysis of lead in glass' by P R Scott (189). Other finds covered are metalwork, tobacco pipes, and building material. A silver half crown of Charles II is discussed by Mary Alexander (196--7). `Food remains: the bones and shells' are examined by Pippa Smith & Dale Serjeantson (208--22).

Reports that excavation of a flint calcining kiln revealed that the structure had been altered, possibly in an attempt to roasting ochre, a layer of which was found within the kiln.