Medieval Archaeology 35

This survey of recent research on measurements of Anglo-Saxon buildings reviews three papers in the same volume (see 92/537, 92/541 & 92/546), and also a paper by Peter Kidson (J Warburg Cortauld Inst, 53, 1990) which relates medieval metrology to that of the Roman Empire. It concludes that the English foot may have a much more ancient origin than previously supposed.

A database containing information on Anglo-Saxon structures has been devised and installed on a computer. A preliminary analysis of the data concentrating on the dimensions of the buildings has revealed some significant trends in their lengths, widths and proportions. These trends are interpreted within what is known of the social and economic context of the period. In addition, a method of comparing the complete set of buildings on a site has been developed. It can be used, for example, to find sites with similar sets of buildings which may, therefore, also share other characteristics. See also 92/537, 92/539 and 92/541.

Re-examination of the affinities and dating of the post-Roman phase I buildings suggests that they might be attributed equally well to a sixth century AD Anglo-Saxon as to a post Romano-British context. This would accord with other evidence for sixth or early-seventh century AD Anglian communities in the Milfield Basin of Northumberland.

Documentary references to the use of clay tiles and stone slates are used to build up a picture showing where tiles were produced and where they were used. A chronology for the industry is established and some of the influences on its location and expansion are discussed. The continuity of production at a number of centres is established, as is the growth of the industry in the Later Middle Ages.

Description of a decorated silver object discovered recently with a metal detector.

Analysis of the cauldron indicates that it is likely to date from c AD 1400 as it is a heavily-leaded bronze with a high tin content. It is unique in having four arms round the circumference which probably rested on a frame straddling the fire. It is compared both compositionally and typologically with other cauldrons from Trinity Hospital, Leicester and Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire.

A note on the index maintained by RCHME which now contains information on over 25,000 excavations, including over 6,500 which produced material and/or structures of medieval date, and 2,400 including evidence dating from the early medieval period.

County-by-county summaries of recent work, with subject index, and short reports from specialist medieval groups.