Mitchell, S. and Anderson, S., (2011). A Rural Medieval Settlement and Early Iron Age Funerary Remains at Hallhill, Dunbar, East Lothian. York: Council for British Archaeology. https://doi.org/10.5284/1017938.

Title:

A Rural Medieval Settlement and Early Iron Age Funerary Remains at Hallhill, Dunbar, East Lothian

Series:

Scottish Archaeological Internet Reports

Volume:

Number of Pages:

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.5284/1017938

Publication Type:

Monograph Chapter (in Series)

Abstract:

An archaeological excavation at Hallhill, Dunbar, has revealed the remains of a rural medieval settlement. Few such sites have been identified in Scotland. Two irregular structures, an enclosure and other possible structures, as well as numerous pits and several gullies and ditches were identified. Large quantities of medieval pottery were recovered from the fills of many of the features, as well as animal bone, coarse stone and metal artefacts. Further to the north, a sub-square ditched enclosure was also found, although this could not be stratigraphically related to the medieval remains and is undated. Adjacent to it was a pit containing incomplete remains of a human skeleton which have been dated to the Late Bronze Age. The work was sponsored by George Wimpey East Scotland Ltd.

Author:

Stuart Mitchell
Sue Anderson

Issue Editor:

Helen Bleck

Publisher:

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Historic Scotland
Council for British Archaeology

Year of Publication:

2011

ISBN:

978-1-908332-00-4

Source:

DigitalBorn

Relations:

Created Date:

08 Jul 2014

Chapter Title	Author / Editor	Page Start/End	Abstract
Introduction		2 - 4	Evaluation and excavation was carried out during 2003 in advance of housing development. Site location, topography and geology are described along with excavation aims, methodology ad the site archive which contains full specialist reports. The evaluation revealed a long cist cemetery within enclosure ditches which was preserved in situ.
The square enclosure, possible grave and associated features (Trench 1)		5 - 6	A description of the square ditched enclosure which is undated. A nearby pit contained fragments of a human skeleton which has been radiocarbon dated to the late Bronze Age or possibly very early Iron Age.
The medieval rural settlement (Trench 2)		7 - 16	An archaeological description of the features in Trench 2 which include two broad linear gully systems, two discrete structures, several large pits, an enclosure and a possible structure with stone footings.
Artefactual and environmental evidence	Derek W Hall Adrian Cox Adam Jackson Catherine Smith	17 - 30	An assemblage of 1053 pottery sherds comprised mainly Scottish gritty ware with some Scottish redware and Rhenish stonewares. Copper alloy objects included costume fittings, vessel components and ferrules. Iron objects included an arrowhead, blades, a hasp and a possible spur arm. Window and vessel glass included a fragment of medieval window glass. Spindle whorls, a trough and a pivot stone were among the worked stone items. Animal bone was mainly cattle, sheep/goat, horse, pig and dog. Marine shells were mainly young periwinkle and limpet which would have been used as fishing bait.
Discussion		31 - 33	Very few rural medieval settlements are known in Lowland Scotland. The sunken floored structures have no close parallels in Scotland and are interpreted as possible workshops of uncertain function.
Conclusions		34	The features are difficult to relate to previously excavated rural medieval settlements and this may in part be due to the level of truncation. The dating evidence spans the 12th-15th centuries with a possible focus in the 13th-14th centuries. There is evidence for farming and stock-rearing, exploitation of animals for food, skins, wool and horn, grinding of grain, possible hunting and exploitation of marine resources.
Acknowledgements		35
References		36 - 37