Medieval Archaeology 36

The functions of and attitudes towards precious metals in the late Roman and early Anglo-Saxon period are considered. An interpretation of the gold bracteates as active media in social and political transactions is put forward, centred on an analysis of the complexity of different types and issues within the larger groups of finds. Comparisons are made with other early coinage, special purpose monies and other types of pendant.

Three Anglo-Saxon inscribed sheaths are discussed in detail, and compared with other contemporary sheaths for small angle-backed weapons. An appendix lists all known examples.

Rumney Castle is a small ringwork close to the River Rhymney. Two phases of defensive banks, ditches and a palisade are described along with several phases of timber and stone buildings, which include a gate tower, halls and a variety of large and small buildings. During the late thirteenth century the site was converted into a manorial centre. A well-sealed coin hoard dated to c 1288 -- 1289 provides a terminus post quem for the abandonment of the site. Included in the article are notes on these topics: G C Boon `The coins' (134) and `Glass bead' (144), S Lloyd-Fern and S H Sell `Objects of iron, bronze and bone' (134--43), D R Evans `Lead objects' (144), J Parkhouse `Stone objects' (144), B E Vyner `The pottery' (145--53), G G Jones `The animal bone' (151--4), A K G Jones `Fish' (154), J L Wilkinson `Human bone' (154--5), D Williams `Plant macrofossil remains' (155--6).

A description of a copper alloy disc-headed linked pin with a gilt head. The pin is likely to have been eighth century in date and the motif on the head appears to be a Celtic-influenced Mercian design.

This fragment from an Anglo-Jewish tombstone, originally discovered in the 1840s, is one of only two known Hebrew inscriptions from medieval England. It is thought to commemorate either Solomon or Shalmon, who was apparently a member of a Talmudic scholarly group.