Hertfordshire Archaeol 12

Analyses seventy coins, including illicit finds as well as those from the respective excavations of William Ransom (1884) and P Westell (1921--22). The assemblage includes a hoard accessioned by the Letchworth Museum circa 1941.

Limited excavations at the south of the castle uncovered some structural evidence, including the remains of at least two stone buildings and a cobbled surface. The courses of inner and outer castle ditches are confirmed, and a possible additional ditch defending the outer bailey is identified. Finds reports comprise: `Coins' by Barrie Cook (27); copper-alloy objects; iron objects; `Iron slags' by Gerry McDonnell (28--9); glass; worked bone (including a recorder or flute); stone objects; `pottery' (30--2) and `Glazed floor tiles' (32--3), both by Elizabeth Peiksma; brick and roof tile. A notable assemblage of fourteenth- to fifteenth-century food debris, including bird and fish bones, is discussed in `Animal bone' by Deborah Jacques & Keith Dobney (33--7) and `Molluscs and other macrofossils' by Peter Murphy (37--8).

The framing and layout of a recently discovered late medieval house is described and identified as an isolated instance of `double-Wealden' construction outside the Weald itself.

Combines an account of the life and career of philanthropist Richard Raynshawe (c. 1500--69) with a study of his house known as The Vine (now 17/19 Spicer Street).

Describes the early seventeenth-century paintings, comparing them with contemporary Dutch parallels.

Examines a document relating to a property that once stood on a site in Chequer Street, St Albans. The use of the plot, its relationship with the adjacent inn (The Chequers), and the method of construction are discussed.

Summary accounts of the activities of the East Herts Archaeological Society and the St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society, respectively. Also lists the occasional publications produced by the latter organisation.

Describes a seal matrix in the possession of Hertford Town Council. The date and circumstances of the object's acquisition by the Council are unknown.