Society for Medieval Archaeology Monograph Series

TL 676680. This report describes the results of a rescue excavation of a moated site at Writtle. The documentary background of the site is briefly described and correlated with the evidence from the excavation. There were three main periods of occupation broadly corresponding to the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, with buildings founded on timber, cob, tile and brick. The first building complex included a royal hunting lodge visited by John, Henry III and Edward I; the second is equated with the tenure of the Bohun family; and the third mainly with that of the Buckingham family. The site was abandoned after the execution of the then duke in 1521. There were also traces of prehistoric (?EIA) occupation. A number of interesting finds was made including some pottery dated by coins and documentary evidence. The finds have been deposited in Chelmsford Museum by the owners, the Essex County Council. Au

An introductory survey is followed by reports on individual excavated moated sites (E Haddesley, Rest Park, Newstead and Methley). In general, Yorkshire moats belong to the lowlands, follow the river lines, lie below the 200-ft contour, are associated more with cereal-growing than sheep-raising, are concentrated in Holderness and the southern Vale of York, and mostly lie in or near a village. They differ from Warwickshire moated sites and are similar to Cambridgeshire ones in that few are raised or embanked. The peak period for their construction is c 1250 to c 1325. A chapter treats small finds, another gives general conclusions, and the gazetteer contains 320 sites. J T Smith contributes a suggested reconstruction of the 80-ft timber building from Haddesley Phase 1, and a chronology of building techniques for the W Riding is put forward.

Describes the major and minor excavations performed during the period under review, catalogues the pottery, small finds and animal and plant remains, and discusses the results for our understanding of the evolution of a medieval port, particularly the effects of the changing riverline, the developing street and plot pattern, the extent of the built-up area, population estimates, defences, buildings and building materials, industry domestic occupation, the hinterland and trade connections. Four pottery phases are worked out from pre-1050 to 1600-1800.

Excavation of the church revealed a dozen phases, beginning in mid- to late 10th century, though a cross fragment suggests an 8th or 9th century Christian presence. The location is not easy to explain, even with six possible models of the village settlement: a pre-Christian sacred site may have been chosen. The successive enlargements and reductions of the church bear no simple relation to population changes, though after desertion of the village it was easier to remove aisles than maintain their fabric. Three township chapels were subordinate to St Martin's, and several models are suggested for the cause; they were pulled down in mid-16th despite continuance of their communities. Effects of aristocratic interest, the Reformation, etc on fabric are noted. Changes to the churchyard are insufficiently understood as yet.

Hulton Abbey was a minor Cistercian monastery in north Staffordshire, founded in 1219 and finally dissolved in 1538. This is the final report on the archaeological excavations undertaken there between 1987 and 1994. In particular, the chapter house was uncovered and re-assessed and the eastern part of the church and north aisle were completely excavated, together with the eastern half of the nave. The excavations are described by area and chronological phase with detailed specialist reports including architectural stonework and decorated floor tiles. An extensive programme of sampling and analysis of pollen remains from burials was also completed. The remains of ninety-one individuals, mainly men but also women and children, are reported on in detail, with sections on abnormalities and pathology as well as medieval burial goods such as a wax chalice and wooden wands. Comparisons with other published monastic sites in the region help to place Hulton into a wider context. An important element of the project was education and community involvement and today the site lies in a small urban park in Stoke-on-Trent. Includes French and Spanish summaries, and specialist reports on