Blue Bridge Lane
&
Fishergate House
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Period 7 has been defined largely for the grouping of industrial features at Blue Bridge Lane, and as such, the period is characterised by a marked land-use changes. At Blue Bridge Lane, the intensity of occupation has allowed the period to be broken down into three distinct phases of activity (A, B and C) which are summarised in Table 3. These phases consisted of small-scale organised pit digging (A), followed by the construction of a pottery kiln, clay quarrying and pottery production (B). The kiln was then dismantled systematically and partially backfilled. Short-lived rubbish disposal and some demarcation of areas followed (C), but were soon disused and truncated by a large landscaping operation and importation of soils to level the area during Period 8A.
Features and deposits which contained Humber Ware type pottery without the presence of Humber Ware wasters (understood as the product of the kiln), as well as Brandsby-type Ware, have been assigned to sub-phases A and B; features which preceded Period 8A landscaping and which did contain Humber Ware wasters were allocated to sub-phase C.
At Fishergate House, pottery condition analysis from graves suggested that burial became more frequent during the early to mid-14th century; the establishment of the cemetery has been allocated to Period 6 on the basis of a small assemblage of pottery and a furnished grave.
PHASE A
This sub-phase of Period 7 consists of small-scale pit digging and refuse disposal in areas already used for the same purpose during Period 6 (Figure 45). As in the preceding periods, there is evidence for zones of organised rubbish disposal within areas used previously for refuse, and elsewhere, areas are associated with poorly defined post-built structures and possible fence lines. Indeed, boundary markers and physical division is clearest during this period of monastic precinct activity, suggesting more investment in its organisation. The contents of pits also appear to contain quantities of lost personal items belonging to inhabitants of the priory, most notably a highly decorative bone knife handle.
Figure 45. Location of Period 7A features (Interactive SVG image)
An eastern pit cluster was identified cutting into several Period 5 and 6 pits F234B, F249B and F255B (Figure 46). The group consisted of three small rubbish pits (F235B, F236B and F247B). Pit F235B was identified as an irregular sub-circular feature measuring 1.20m in diameter, but had been cut by F247B and later features F243B, and F219B, so its original form was unclear. Upon excavation, F235B proved to be 0.55m in depth, and had been backfilled on three occasions with mixed clayey silts, C1557B to C1559B. A copper alloy finger-ring made of drawn twisted wire fastened together with a further piece of wire was recovered from basal backfill C1559B, and is dateable to the 14th century. Once disused, F247B was excavated truncating the eastern edge of F235B. The pit was defined as a probably elongated oval-shaped feature measuring c.0.95m x 0.45m, but had been truncated by subsequent Period 7B construction cut F243B. Upon excavation, it proved to be only 0.20m deep, backfilled once with a very dark greyish-brown clayey silt C1547B. No ceramic was recovered from F247B, although large quantities of plain and peg roof tile resulted in its allocation to Period 7.
Figure 46. Blue Bridge Lane Period 7A features, post-excavation (Interactive SVG image)
Nearby, sub-rectangular pit F236B was identified and excavated. The feature measured 1.10m x 1.20m, was 0.45m at its deepest point, and had been truncated by Period 8 F219B. The feature contained two backfills, C1431B and C1432B, which consisted of two mixed sandy-silts (Figure 47). A D-shaped copper alloy belt buckle and a small annular iron shoe buckle were recovered from F236B, as well as a shank of a copper alloy wire dress pin.
Figure 47. Blue Bridge Lane Period 7A pits, section portfolio (Interactive SVG image)
To the south of these features, two isolated rubbish pits (F259B and F451B) were identified closer to the southern limit of excavation. Pit F259B was defined as a sub-circular feature measuring c.1.20m in diameter. Upon excavation, it proved to be between 0.30m and 0.40m deep, u-shaped and steep-sided. Contained within the feature were six distinct backfills, C1583B to C1588B, which consisted of mixed brown and grey sandy silts with charcoal, gravel and pebbles (see Figure 47). Recovered pottery included several sherds of Humber Ware as well as residual Period 4 to Period 6 pottery. Some structural ironwork and a copper alloy dress pin shank were also recovered. Pit F451B was defined as a large sub-oval pit measuring 2.40m x 1.20m, proving to be no greater than 0.30m in depth. The pit had been backfilled once with C1960B, and contained residual Period 6 pottery, as well as sherds of Humber Ware.
Some distance to the east of F259B and F451B, F153B was identified as an isolated pit, although its form may be suggestive of a structural feature. After removal of Period 9D F47B, the feature was defined as a truncated sub-rectangular pit measuring 1.65m x 0.50m. Upon excavation, it proved to be 0.30m deep, and a clod of redeposited subsoil within the profile of the secondary backfill does not preclude the presence of a post. Initial backfilling consisted of C1183B, a dark greyish-brown sand deposit defined as a thin layer on the base of the feature, which did not appear in section and may relate to the original excavation of the feature. Subsequent backfilling consisted of a more substantial deposit of very dark grey silty clay, C1182B, which contained Brandsby-type and Humber Ware pottery and articulated bird bone.
At the western side of Intervention 15, a few pits and postholes have been identified as belonging to Period 7A: F183B, F185B, F193B, F195B to F197B, F202B, F208B, F218B/F354B, F226B, F229B, F238B, F260B, F286B, F289B, F298B, F335B, F372B, F414B, F416B, F431B and F478B (see Figure 45 and 46), with a northern cluster consisting of F223B, F239B, F245B, F254B and F347B, most of which were cut by Period 7B quarry pit F198B. Several of the postholes within this group could belong to the larger group within western Intervention 15, but are presented here since they contained what was considered to be reliable pottery.
Pit F183B was defined during excavation of Phase B quarry pit F162B, and
was found to have been cut by it. It appeared as a truncated pit of uncertain
original form, with surviving dimensions of 2.1m x 0.8m x 0.45m. F183B was
backfilled once with C1358B, a dark greyish-brown clayey sand containing
animal bone, mortar and ceramic. To its south, F218B/F354B was defined initially
as a sub-circular pit measuring 1.30m in diameter, F218B, but was later redefined
as a larger feature measuring c.1.70m in diameter, F354B. The feature
proved to be 0.50m at its deepest and was backfilled initially with a greyish-brown
clayey silt with redeposited subsoil clods, which may represent trample from
its initial digging, followed by a brown silty clay with frequent CBM, mortar
flecks and ceramic. Also recovered from F218B/F354B was a carved bone knife
handle depicting a lady in aristocratic dress holding a jessied bird of prey
(Plate 67, right). The subject of the bone handle is parallelled throughout Northern
Europe in a small group of similar handles, but the piece has its closest
match in two examples from Britain (Coventry and Crowland, Lincs.) (Paul
Thompson, pers. comm. and Howe 1983, 146). Other examples are not
well-dated, although a 14th century date was mooted generally by Howe and
this is strengthened by the Blue Bridge Lane example.
F218B/F354B appeared to be positioned inside a formation of three postholes, F202B, F277B and F289B, which form a right-angle around the pit. The postholes were all small, simple circular postholes, backfilled once, with no direct evidence for a post other than the general dimensions of the feature. The backfills of all of the postholes produced pottery of Period 5 (C1390B, C1599B and C1594B), although the sherds were small and abraded, ranging in date from early 11th to mid-12th century; the arrangement, however, seems more than coincidence.
To the north and northwest of F218B/F354B, an isolated pit and two isolated postholes were identified (F260B, F298B and F516B). F260B consisted of a small scoop which appeared to have been circular in plan but was truncated by a concrete stanchion base to the east. The feature had been backfilled once with C1603B, which was a dark brown silty-clay containing CBM, residual Period 2, 4 and 6 pottery and a single sherd of Humber Ware. Postholes F298B and F516B were not clearly associated with any surrounding contemporary or later features, but both contained sherds of Humber Ware and were assigned to Period 7 accordingly.
The northern cluster of pits was situated in an area used for pit digging during Period 6 and continued as an area for rubbish disposal into Period 8, although interrupted by the presence of Period 7B quarry F198B. Some depth of sequence is suggested, since the cluster demonstrated high incidences of intercutting which proved difficult to define and excavate.
F245B and F254B were the earliest pits in the cluster, and were identified
as sub-circular and sub-square respectively. F245B measured approximately
2.0m in diameter and upon excavation, proved to be up to 0.60m deep in places,
truncated by subsequent pits F347B and F239B. Its backfilling sequence appeared
to have been reasonably gradual, with episodes of rubbish dumping represented
by black and very dark greyish-brown clayey silts C1549B and C1546B, interleaved
with evidence for collapse in the form of redeposited subsoil C1551B, following
by final levelling with dark greyish-brown clayey silt C1542B (see Figure
47). A range of artefacts was recovered from F254B, including a pair of copper
alloy tweezers, a fragmentary barrel lock and a small jet cross ornamented
with possible silver inlay in a ring and dot ornament (Plate
68, right). Residual
Period 2 to Period 6 ceramic was recovered from F245B, including a near-complete
Gritty Ware jar, suggesting that material from Period 6 pits was being recycled.
The jet cross, in particular, has several 11th to 12th century parallels,
including one from York, which also suggests recycling. The presence of several
sherds of Humber Ware resulted in the allocation of F245B to Period 7. F254B
appeared after the excavation of F239B and proved to be a steep-sided sub-square
pit, 0.40m deep, and backfilled twice with C1650B, a dark brown greasy deposit
of clayey silt containing CBM, animal bone and charcoal, and C1572B, a very
dark grey clayey silt with the same components.
Once backfilled, F245B and F254B were cut by F347B and F239B respectively. In addition, a nearby pit, F223B, was excavated. F347B was first identified in section during excavation of F245B, and the remaining fills were excavated stratigraphically, revealing a possibly sub-oval pit surviving to a depth of 0.75m. Definition of the feature's backfills against the backfill system of F254B was problematic, but improved considerably against subsoil. These deposits appeared to consist of a trampled subsoil of brown sandy clay with gravel, followed by a single backfill of dark grey sandy clay containing CBM, animal bone, ceramic and limestone and mortar fragments. Ceramic recovered from C1760B included only Period 6 wares, but nearly 1kg of CBM was recovered and, alongside the stratigraphic sequence, resulted in an allocation to Period 7. Also cut into F245B was nearby pit F239B, which was identified as a sub-oval pit measuring 2.40m x 1.25m and proving to be 1.25m deep. The backfill sequence consisted of a relatively rapid, but distinct, deposition of C1512B to C1514B and C1520B, interrupted only by a superficial collapse of subsoil C1519B. The backfill deposits were fairly uniform and consisted of brown, dark brown and dark grey sandy clays and clayey sands, containing animal bone, CBM, ceramic and occasional limestone, mortar and charcoal flecks. Ceramic recovered from F239B included residual Period 2 to Period 6 pottery, the latter being strongly represented; intrusive Period 8 to 9 pottery was represented by a sherd of Cistercian Ware and a fragment of sewer pipe. The presence, albeit as a minority, of Brandsby-type Ware and Humber Ware, as well as the stratigraphic information, resulted in an allocation to Period 7.
Although it did not belong to the intercutting pits, F223B was also allocated to this pit cluster, since it lay close by, had a similar ceramic profile and was cut by a subsequent truncated pit also assigned to Period 7. F223B was defined as a sub-rectangular pit measuring 1.9m x 1.6m and 0.6m deep, and was found to have been backfilled twice. The earlier backfill represented an initial rubbish dump, comprising a very dark grey sandy clay containing CBM, mortar flecks, ceramic and animal bone (C1489B), followed by a levelling deposit of very dark greyish-brown sandy clay with the same components (C1484B). Once levelled, a small pit (F231B) truncated the eastern edge of F223B. This feature was identified as a sub-circular pit and upon excavation proved to be shallow, backfilled once with C1500B, a mixed brown silty clay which contained 130g of plain tile, which resulted in its allocation to Period 7.
The clustered pit digging seems to have been defined by an alignment of
nine postholes, running north-south for a distance of c.8.0m and
possibly further, representing a possible fenceline, which has been allocated
to Period 7A (F193B, F195B to F197B, F335B, F336B, F414B, F416B and F431B) (see
Figure 46; Figure 48, Plate 69, right). These
postholes belong to the general western group of postholes, some of which
are believed to relate to a Period 6 structure. Ceramic material was recovered
from four of the features, and although Period 4 and 6 pottery was the latest
from two postholes (F197B and F416B), the features have been considered a
group on the strength of their alignment with F195B and F431B, which contained
secure Period 7 pottery. In addition, the southernmost feature F335B (=F175B)
was possibly integral to the excavation of a ditch along the precinct boundary
during Phase A (F208B). Supporting allocation to sub-phase A was their relationship
to Phase B quarry pit F38/9B, which cut postholes F197B and F416B; however,
the fenceline could well have been present during quarrying and may have
limited F38/9B in a westward direction.
Figure 48. Blue Bridge Lane Period 7A, fenceline posthole section portfolio (Interactive SVG image)
Several features of the posthole group (F295B, F398B and F399B) are cut by the excavation of Period 7B quarry pits, demonstrating that the zone of structural activity established in Period 6 persisted into at least Period 7A, and probably into Period 8. It may be significant that the fenceline bisects the quad of quarry pits, with the northern cluster of Period 7A pits being situated to the east of the boundary; its perpendicularity to the line of the precinct ditch is also notable. Together, these features demonstrate deliberate division and organisation of space, reaching to the limit of the monastic precinct.
A length of ditch was identified and allocated F208B, and during Period
7A appears to have been associated with a number of postholes F204B to F207B,
F348B, F335B and F375B(see Figure 46 for distribution; Figure 49). Upon excavation,
F208B was defined as a linear feature aligned with the southern boundary
of Intervention 15 and disappearing beneath it. Investigation was somewhat
hampered by the proximity of the feature to the modern concrete boundary,
and only a partial longitudinal section, undertaken in three sections, was
possible. Consequently a total of thirteen contexts were allocated to the
backfill system (excluding three recovery contexts), although most of these
amount to an equivalent of only three distinct deposits, interleaved with
more ephemeral and insubstantial layers. The excavated form of F208 measured c.13.0m
long x 0.20m (visible width), and was reasonably complex, appearing to vary
along the feature's length (Plate 70, right).
Where visible, the form of the ditch consisted of gently sloping edges becoming
steeper towards the presumed base of the ditch, where a potential post trench
was suggested in the post-excavation plan, particularly in the central excavated
section where a possible post base is suggested. The backfill system consisted
of three principal backfills which appear layered (in order: C1770B=C1767B=C1819B;
C1765B=C1769B; C1768B=C1780B) (Figure 50). The lowest backfill, C1770B=C1767B=C1819B
consisted of brown and very dark greyish-brown silty clays, which contained
mortar flecks, CBM, a sherd of residual Period 6 pottery and Period 7 pottery,
hence the allocation of the feature's construction to Period 7A, supported
by its association with fenceline posthole F335B. The feature represents
the earliest evidence encountered for the laying out of the monastic precinct,
and its excavated form suggests a shallow, possibly palisaded, trench. Since
this period, the alignment has been fossilised as a boundary under a number
of guises, and still survives today. The subsequent backfilling (including
a possible recut) of F208B contained Period 8A pottery and is discussed further
in the appropriate period.
Figure 49. Blue Bridge Lane Period 7A, F208B section portfolio (Interactive SVG image)
Figure 50. Blue Bridge Lane Period 7A, F208B associated posthole portfolio (Interactive SVG image)
Scattered over the area of Intervention 15 were several postholes which did not appear to belong with any contemporary or later features, and without more information must remain allocated to Period 7A (F55B, F185B F226B, F229B, F238B, F286B and F478B). There was an apparent cluster towards the northern limit of Intervention 15 which appeared slightly more coherent and may relate to an undefined structure (see Figure 46).
In Intervention 19, three pits have been identified as probably belonging to Period 7A pit digging within the precinct: F90B, F472B and F473B. All three were truncated by the excavation of Period 8B pit F88B, and appeared as shallow scoops backfilled once with C1232B, C2012B and C2010B respectively. Of the three homogenous dark grey and dark greyish brown clayey silts, only the latest produced dateable material, comprising a single Humber Ware waster sherd (suggesting the sequence may have continued into Period 7C).
In Intervention 22 a small number of features have been dated by pottery to Period 7, although they are difficult to understand in isolation (F425B, F420B, F397B, F435B); a single unremarkable posthole (F421B) was also identified in Intervention 25. Together these features demonstrate, somewhat unsurprisingly, that nearby areas of the precinct were used for similar activities and that the buildings of Period 6, S2 and S3, had fallen out of use.
F425B was identified as a small sub-oval pit measuring 1.00m x 1.00m, and proved to be 0.30m deep (see Figure 46 for distribution; Figure 51). The pit had been backfilled once with C1786B, a dark greyish-brown silty sand, which contained residual Roman brick and a sherd of Roman pottery, as well as a sherd of Humber Ware. Immediately to its south, another pit was defined and allocated F397B. This feature was a large sub-rectangular scoop with irregular sides and an uneven base which sloped slightly towards the south. The irregular sides are thought to result from the pit having been stone-lined, and several stone voids were noted during excavation. In addition, the feature was associated with a small posthole F420B, situated at its northern edge, close to a step in the eastern side of the pit. F397B did not appear to be a straightforward rubbish pit and may represent a lined cesspit, which also had a cover or superstructure associated with it. The basal backfill, C1884B, was sampled as cess since it was an olive brown sandy silt, and faecal concretions were identified during environmental assessment. After use as a cess pit, the feature appears to have been robbed of its stone lining and backfilled rapidly with C1787B. The feature is similar in form and use to the preceding Period 6 pits and the area may have been used for sometime, either directly as a latrine area, or for the disposal of cess which may then have been used for nightsoiling.
Figure 51. Blue Bridge Lane Period 7A Intervention 22, feature portfolio (Interactive SVG image)
To the southwest of F397B/F420B, another pit was identified and allocated F435B. The feature was poorly defined both in plan and during excavation and it seems possible that more than one feature was represented, although no evidence for this was detected in section. The excavated form of this feature was irregular, and its southern side lay beyond the limit of intervention. F435B had been backfilled on three occasions with mixed clayey-silts, C1801B, C1938B and C1945B, containing gravel, CBM and twenty sherds of Humber Ware pottery.
An isolated posthole, F421B, was located close to the western limit of Intervention 22 and may have been associated with features beyond the limit of investigation. The circular feature was well-defined in plan, measuring 0.37m in diameter x 0.15m deep, and was found to have been backfilled once. The backfill, C1804B comprised a dark brown sandy silt with a high proportion of pebbles and cobbles, which appeared to predominate at the edge of the cut and are likely to represent packing material.
PHASE B
This phase marks a change in the intensity of occupation within Blue Bridge Lane, and the beginning of phases of industry within the priory precinct. It is characterised by on-site pottery production and clay quarrying.
Structure 4
The remains of a small kiln were identified during excavation, and have been allocated S4. The feature had suffered severe truncation by modern features, principally a large brick-built manhole, F49B, into which several deep Period 9 sewer pipes drained, as well as several concrete wall footings (Figure 52). Only the deepest parts of the original structure survived, including remnants of the main firing area, which appeared to be contained within a large, possibly sub-square scoop (F58B). Signs of heat reddening within the underlying subsoil were noted at the deepest point of the feature. A series of twenty-four postholes which had survived truncation were identified along its eastern edge, and appear to be associated with F58B. These features are thought to represent some form of structure, although neither the form of the kiln nor the presence of postholes compare easily to any known kilns forms (F57B, F62B, F121B, F325B, F330B, F332B, F333B, F355B, F356B, F376B, F382B, F383B, F482B, F490B, F494B, F495B, F509B, F521B and F528B). S4 was allocated during post-excavation, and the form of the kiln has been reconstructed from the main north-south section drawing and the positions and hachure plans of individual features.
The presence of a pottery kiln at Blue Bridge Lane was first indicated by
a small sub-square scoop, F50B, filled with pottery wasters, which was later
defined as integral to the feature but which had been separated from the
main body of the kiln by the insertion of Period 9 manhole F49B (Plate
71, right).
Upon excavation, F50B proved to be the southeastern corner of larger F58B,
and was found to have been filled with two mixed clayey-silts (C1355B and
C1356B) over which a well-ordered layer had been deposited, consisting only
of pot wasters and roof tile fragments (C1173B). A total of 289 sherds of
waste pottery was recovered from F50B, as well as 864 grams of roof tile.
A possible post-setting (F180B) was identified in the post-excavation plan
of F50B/F58B and is answered in the southwestern corner of the feature, initially
by post-void F509B in construction cut F376B and later replaced by F325B
in construction cut F332B. The earliest layers filling F50B may represent
the original lining of the kiln, which had been lost in other areas of the
feature. An equivalent possible lining was identified in the eastern area
of the kiln, north of F50B, and allocated C1369B. This deposit consisted
of a thin layer of puddled clay with lenses of charcoal, directly overlying
subsoil; an initial lining of puddled clay would concur with the burnt in
situremains within F58B.
Other areas of F58B were less well-defined, and were excavated as a backfilled depression measuring 4.50m x 4.00m; an average depth of 0.30m and a maximum depth of 1.40m (coincident with the area of burning) is suggested by the recorded heights. The excavated form consisted of a large sub-square feature, although the true shape in plan had been removed by later activity. The possible post settings F509/376B and F325/332B identified in the southeastern and southwestern corners of F58B were answered in the northwestern and northeastern corners. In the northwestern corner, a double post arrangement consisting of F62B and F482B was identified; in the northeastern corner a single posthole F57B was defined. These features either appear to have been cut directly into subsoil or were recorded in the field as being cut by F58B, which suggests that they were only identifiable following the removal of the backfill F58B and could therefore be contemporary. In addition, post-voids appear to have been defined initially as separate postholes which cut later 'pit' features; post-excavation reassessment of the records suggests that these features could equally be interpreted as post voids in construction cuts.
The kiln was found to be deeper towards its southern edge, where deposits
belonging to the firing of the kiln had survived very deep truncation by
modern manholes. A north-south section was possible through the feature which
contained deposits relating to the firing of the kiln, C2136B and C1885B=C2137B.
These deposits represented a small area of kiln base measuring 0.80m x 0.70m
in plan and consisted of a brown burnt sandy deposit (C2136B) overlying a
reddened in situsubsoil (C1885B=C2137B) (Plate
72, right). It seems possible
that these soils represent the remains of a kiln lining. Although truncated,
the dimensions of C2136/7B suggest a well-used small kiln form, which may
have been used for quick batch production (J. Hudson, pers. comm.).
The external structure has been defined by a series of postholes which survived truncation by overlying modern concrete footing F63B. These postholes, F482B, F62B, F490B, F509B, F325B, F332B, F355B and F356B, hug the eastern side of the kiln area; the most substantial of these features, which were set in construction cuts, were found to correspond with the corners of S4 (F509B/F376B, F62B and F482B, and F325B). These posts may have been integral to the form of the structure, whilst the smaller, intermediate posts, namely F490B, F355B and F356B, appeared to have been less important structurally. A timber structure within the body of a kiln would simply not survive the firing process and it is likely that these posts represent an associated cover or enclosure for the industrial feature.
The pottery being produced at the site was a Humber Ware-type pottery, and the remains represent the first archaeological contact with a medieval pottery kiln in the city. An assemblage of Humber Ware-type wasters, reused as foundation hardcore, were excavated by the YAT at Walmgate in 1978, and are thought to relate to the presence of a kiln nearby (Brooks 1987, 157). The pottery has been named Walmgate Ware, and is considered to date to the later 14th or 15th century. Walmgate Ware pottery was recovered in some quantity from excavations at 46-54 Fishergate and it now seems likely that these vessels were the products of the Blue Bridge Lane kiln, rather than a product of the putative Walmgate kiln.
The brown sandy make-up of the kiln base (C2136B) was sampled for archaeomagnetic dating by Geoquest, and returned two possible date brackets for the last firing of the kiln: 1320AD to 1340AD or 1360AD to 1430AD. An early to mid-14th century, or a mid-14th century to early 15th century date, would fit within the known date ranges for Humber Ware-type pottery; further analysis will determine the range of vessels in production, and identify associated wares with which they are frequently deposited, which will in turn determine the favoured date range. The latter date bracket would suggest that the putative Walmgate kiln was operating at the same time as that of Blue Bridge Lane, which may reflect wider trends of this particular pottery industry in York.
Although the levels of truncation on the site had removed any in situevidence that the kiln had been fired more than once, it seems likely to have been used for more than one batch. The arrangement and possible replacement of at least one of the corner posts suggests that the kiln was fired more than once, and therefore the surrounding structure needed to be maintained. The clusters of postholes identified on the eastern side of the structure, which could be contemporary, might suggest further maintenance, alteration and post replacement, or could alternatively represent a more sophisticated superstructure than the one posited. However, it does appear from the date of backfilling and prompt intrusion of subsequent features that the industry was relatively short-lived.
After firing, the deepest area of the feature was rapidly levelled with six distinct dumps and deposits (C1186B, C1367B, C1368B, C1712B, C1947B and C1941B). These deposits consisted of silty sands and sandy clays, with high proportions of burnt CBM and lenses of burnt red clay, which may represent redeposited kiln lining and covering detritus. A total of 146 pot wasters and 14.46kg of CBM was recovered from the backfill the main chamber, F58B. Features which had subsequently truncated the kiln structure, including Period 7C gully F450B and Period 8 landscaping F352B, were found to contained the largest assemblages of Humber Ware wasters. It seems possible that the earliest backfilling of F58B comprised the temporary superstructure of the last firing of the kiln. By analogy with other kilns, the superstructure may have consisted simply of a cover of turves, CBM and pot wasters, which is certainly suggested by the contents of F50B (Musty 1974, 41-63).
Quarry pits, clay storage pit and well
Four large pits were found to be markedly different in character to features
assigned to earlier periods, and are thought to relate to clay quarrying
for the pottery kiln. These pits, identified as F38B/F39B, F198B, F162B,
and F215B (Figure 53, Plate 73, right), bear
testament to the suitability of York's boulder clay for the manufacture of
pottery, which has occurred since the Roman period (J. Hudson, pers.
comm.).
The excavation of these features has been assigned to Period 7B, although
the subsequent backfilling appears to have occurred in Phase C, since the
fills contained Humber Ware wasters, which provide the distinction between
sub-phases. It is presumed that the excavation of the quarries was undertaken
within the same general phase of activity as the pottery production, although
the actual extraction of clay is likely to have occurred in the autumn preceding
firing; the clay would have been weathered during the winter months, and
potted and fired during the spring. These large quarry pits later provided
areas for the dumping of priory rubbish, and the fill systems and material
recovered are discussed further in Phase C. In addition to the quarry pits,
two further features are thought to have related to pottery production at
the site, F211B and F150B, and have been assigned to this period.
Figure 53. Blue Bridge Lane Period 7B Structure 4 and associated features (Interactive SVG image)
The four quarry pits appear to be arranged in a confined area, downslope of Structure 4. The easternmost pits, F162B and F215B, appear to oppose one another, and are of similar dimensions. F162B was identified towards the northern limit of Intervention 15, and its excavated form measured 3.80m x 3.00m x c.1.00m deep, while F215B, which had been cut by concrete stanchion base F167B, was situated 1.00m to the south and measured c.2.90m x 3.20m x c.1.00m deep (Plates 74 and 75). F38B/F39B was more difficult to define and was identified as two separate features, which are considered to represent one pit. The gap between F38B and F39B results from the presence of Intervention 1 (Plate 76). Within the confines of the evaluation trench it was not easy to detect the presence of the large feature. F38B/F39B may well have been abandoned as a source of clay, since the quarry cut into an area already disturbed by the excavation of F13B, F29B, F393B and F4B. This may explain the comparative lack of depth, and the creeping shape of the feature in plan may have been created as more suitable clay was chased. The excavated dimensions of F38B/F39B were 5.30m x 2.70m x c.0.80m. The fourth quarry pit, F198B, also cut into an area which had been used in preceding periods for rubbish disposal, but its depth reached beyond any previous pit-digging into virgin subsoil (Plate 77). The excavated dimensions of the feature were 3.30m x 2.50m x 1.00m, with the excavated form being notably deeper towards the southern side of the pit; the post-excavation photograph suggests that a seam of clean clay in the underlying glacial system had been deliberately quarried.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Plate 74 | Plate 75 | Plate 76 | Plate 77 |
A crude volumetric calculation of the quantity of subsoil extracted from these quarries suggests that approximately 40m 3 of material was obtained. No doubt the subsoil required refining, since the subsoil contains a component of glacial gravel; nonetheless, the figure represents the extraction of large quantities of clay. It seems likely that the extracted subsoil was not transported far in order to weather. During Phase B pottery production, this part of the precinct is likely to have been heavily industrial in character, dominated by clay and spoil heaps and large open quarries, and exacerbated further by the smoke and pollution caused when the kiln was in use. When considered in this light, it seems unlikely that any occupation would have been situated nearby and the normal refuse disposal and pit digging may also have been temporarily suspended. It is notable that the areas given over to quarries do not exhibit intense intercutting by later features, with the exception of F198B; the presence of large quarries, albeit backfilled, may have rendered the area unsuitable for buildings or later activity.
As well as the quarry pits, a single feature has tentatively been identified
as a pit for the storage of processed clay, and has subsequently been allocated
to this industrial phase. F211B was a well-defined feature consisting of
a four-sided, sub-surface chamber (see Figure 53, Plate
78, right). The walls of
the chamber comprised coursed, reused plain and peg roof tiles, reused walltile
and brick and stone rubble C1401B. The make-up had been placed directly against
the sides of the construction cut (F243B), and the small gap between the
feature edge and the make-up had been filled with clay. No clue as to the
purpose of this feature was encountered during excavation; the pit had been
backfilled with several clay deposits (C1522B to C1524B and C1532B), which
were presumably laid down to disuse the feature rapidly. Many sherds of Humber
Ware and some Brandsby-type Ware pottery were recovered from the backfills.
It is possible, though not demonstrable, that the feature was used for the
storage of processed clay (J. Hudson, pers. comm.) and its proximity to F58B
is noteworthy.
To the east of S4, an isolated, deep pit, F150B, has been interpreted as a possible water collector or well. Its excavated form consisted of a circular pit measuring 1.20m in diameter, with steep, near-vertical sides reaching to a depth of c.0.8m. Due to the nature of the basal fills, the pit was identified as a possible cesspit during excavation. However, despite exhaustive sampling, no faecal concretions were identified, nor were associated artefacts encrusted with characteristic mineralisation. It seems possible that the basal fills accumulated slowly in waterlogged conditions rather than representing cess deposits. The three basal deposits were distinct from subsequent backfilling, comprising C1339B, a fine, dark greyish-brown clayey silt, C1335B, a fine very dark greyish-brown clayey silt and C1334B, a fine dark greyish-brown clayey silt. Ceramic recovered from these deposits included residual Period 1 to Period 6 pottery, as well as several sherds of Humber Ware. Subsequent backfilling consisted of three distinct backfills C1333B, C1332B and C1312B, representing a brown and two very dark greyish-brown clayey silts. Ceramic recovered from these backfills included residual Period 2 to Period 6 pottery as well as sherds of unglazed Saintonge Ware, Humber Ware and Brandsby-type Ware and intrusive salt glazed sewer pipe.
Four nearby postholes were also allocated to Period 7B, on the basis of ceramic dating, and spatial association with F150B. The southernmost, F151B, consisted of a shallow, circular posthole measuring c.0.30m in diameter. Animal bone and Humber Ware were recovered from the single backfill of very dark greyish-brown silty clay, C1313B. To its north, F149B was a small, truncated, sub-circular posthole backfilled twice with C1349B, an ashy silty clay, and C1168B, a very dark greyish-brown silty clay, neither of which contained dateable material. The feature has been assigned to Period 7B due to its proximity and apparent alignment with F151B and its relationship with Period 5 posthole F179B. The northernmost posthole, F152B, was defined as a smaller circular feature measuring 0.29m in diameter. Upon excavation it proved to be a shallow feature with gently sloping sides, backfilled once with a very dark grey silty clay (C1316B). Like F149B, no dateable material was recovered from F152B, and the feature has been allocated to this period due to spatial arrangement. The westernmost feature, F148B, has been identified as a posthole, although the feature survived to a depth of no greater than 0.04m. Pottery recovered from its single backfill suggested a Period 6 date but the feature has been allocated to 7C due to its proximity to F150B and its association with the other postholes in the group. While not enough to suggest a boundary feature, the postholes do appear to be arranged around F150B, and may indicate division and organisation in this area.
PHASE C
This sub-phase has been identified by features and deposits which contained Humberware and Humberware waste sherds and thus post-dated the production of pottery on site. Notably, the disuse of the four large quarry pits took place during Phase C, apart from the final levelling of Pit F198B, which appears to have taken place during the wide scale landscaping of Period 8A. Where the stratigraphic relationships were present, those features which cut the partially backfilled Structure 4, but preceded the landscaping which marks the beginning of Period 8, were assigned to this industrial sub-phase. Once again, pit clusters were defined in areas used previously for refuse disposal.
Three adjacent pits, F122B, F76B and F518B, were situated close to the cluster of Period 5 and 6 pits F255B, F234B and F249B (Figure 54). Pit F518B cut into a Period 2 gully (F519B) and was defined as a large sub-circular pit measuring c.1.85m in width and surviving to a depth of 0.25-0.30m. The pit had been backfilled once with C2117B, a mottled dark greyish-brown silty clay flecked with charcoal, redeposited subsoil and gravel. Several sherds of waste Humber Ware were recovered during excavation, resulting in allocation to Phase C. Close to F518B, a large sub-rectangular pit was identified and allocated F122B/F261B. The feature measured 1.8m x 1.2m in plan and upon excavation proved to be up to 0.65m deep with a stepped profile. The feature had been backfilled with C1611B=C1604B, C1619B and C1267B. C1611B was allocated to a small restricted dump of clean, dark gray clayey silt on the eastern side of the pit and may relate to its initial excavation. This dump was followed by two more extensive backfills, firstly with C1619B, a brown clayey silt which contained animal bone and finally with C1267B, a material-rich dark brown clayey silt. Ceramic recovered from C1267B included sherds of a Siegburg stoneware drinking jug and a Dutch Red Earthenware cauldron. In addition, several conjoining fragments of a forest green glass urinal were recovered, and can be associated with medicinal practice, possibly within the Priory itself. Close to F122B, a feature was defined in the baulk and allocated F76B. Only a small area was available for excavation, but the feature appeared to represent the remains of a truncated pit, cut by Period 8A ditch F219B, hence its allocation to Period 7C.
Figure 54. Location of Period 7C features (Interactive SVG image)
A suite of four features was identified cut into the partially backfilled
F58B, including a gully and posthole arrangement, a large rubbish pit and
a small pit or possible posthole (F384B, F401B, F404B and F450B) (Figure 55).
F450B was defined against final backfill of F58B and, more specifically,
two of the postholes assigned S4 (F376B and F482B), as a butt-ending gully,
visible for a length of 3.3m x 0.7m. The sequence of features in the area
was poorly defined during fieldwork, and F450B was thought to have been cut
by F359B, which has subsequently been re-allocated to Period 3 during post-excavation.
Upon excavation, the feature proved to be a shallow sloping gully, backfilled
once with C1959B, a dark greyish-brown sandy clay mottled with dark yellowish-brown
clay, and containing CBM, ceramic (including Humber Ware wasters) and animal
bone (Plate 79,right). A small posthole was
defined in the southern butt-end of F450B and allocated F384B. This feature
proved to be a circular posthole with near-vertical sides, backfilled on
one occasion with C1839B, a very dark greyish-brown silty clay almost indistinguishable
from C1959B. It seems likely that the features were associated with one another,
and represent demarcation of a peripheral area of the precinct. Significantly,
F450B was finally taken out of use by Period 8 landscaping deposits.
Figure 55. Period 7C features, post-excavation (Interactive SVG image)
Nearby pits, F401B and F404B, have also been allocated to Period 7C, since they were first defined after the removal of Period 8 landscaping deposits. F404B cut into F401B and appeared as a small pit or possible posthole filled with roof tile fragments in a dark greyish-brown clayey silt C1997B (Figure 56). F401B was set slightly to the southeast of F404B and was defined as a sub-oval pit measuring c.1.1m x 0.6m, with relatively steep sides and a concave base, approximately 0.80m deep. The backfill system of F401B consisted of a primary deposit of brown clayey sand, mixed with olive brown and light brown clays which were considered to be cess-like, although no concretions were identified during assessment (C1713B). This deposit was overlain, or possibly capped, with a clean brown clayey sand (C1939B). Two rubbish deposits, C1902B and C1711B, were subsequently deposited, and consisted of mixed brown clayey sands containing CBM, ceramic, charcoal and animal bone. The pit was finally levelled by two deposits of sterile clay, C1709 and C1710B. Like F450B, F404B was sealed by the first deposits of Period 8 landscaping.
Quarry pit reclamation
The quarry pits excavated during Phase B appear to have lain open for some time after pottery production had ceased, before their backfilling during Phase C. The backfill systems consisted of trample deposits, overlain by periodic dumping of discrete materials, interleaved with superficial collapses or deliberate capping. Some of these episodes indicate shared horizons of refuse disposal within the pits, which may in turn indicate changes in the wider area of the monastic precinct. Pits F162B, F198B and F215B shared several characteristics, while F38/9B demonstrated a more simple disuse sequence, reflecting its comparatively shallow depth.
F162B contained basal fills of a brown and a reddish-brown silty clay (C1353B
and C1361B), which appeared to represent trample layers belonging to the
period of quarrying, overlain by a collapse of subsoil (see Figure 56, Plate
80, right). These layers were then sealed by two grey and brown sandy
clay deposits (C1360B and C1352B), which contained charcoal, animal bone,
ceramic and CBM, which were then partially overlain by C1351B, a shoulder
of dark reddish-grey sandy clay, which contained occasional finds but was
largely sterile and may be the result of further subsoil collapse. C1351B
was in turn overlain by three more substantial, and apparently rapidly accumulating,
sandy silt and silty sand deposits (C1314B, C1359B and C1315B). The final
backfill, C1315B, had been encountered as F83B C1224B, a layer within test
pit F87B, excavated to determine the depth of overlying orchard soils in
the early stages of excavation. All of the later deposits were material-rich
and contained assemblages of ceramic, animal bone, CBM and other building
materials. In total, an assemblage of 107kg of mixed medieval CBM, as well
as over 100 iron nails, was recovered from F162B. Dateable material included
sherds of residual Period 2 to Period 6 wares, and, crucially, several sherds
of Humber Ware waste.
Figure 56. Period 7C features, section portfolio (Interactive SVG image)
This sequence of trample, abandonment, and slow backfilling was encountered
in F215B, which had a basal deposit of trample consisting of a compact reddish-brown
clay between 0.01m and 0.03m thick (C1446B) (see Figure 56, Plate
81, right), overlain
by a greasy deposit of dark brown silt which contained frequent charcoal,
pottery, animal bone and CBM (C1436B). This initial dumping of refuse was
followed by two deposits of redeposited subsoil (C1440B and C1445B), both
containing occasional finds, but consisting in the main of yellowish-brown
and strong brown gravelly clay. These deposits may represent the abandonment,
collapse or deliberate sealing of the underlying refuse deposit (C1436B).
Subsequently, F215B saw six episodes of rubbish dumping, which appear to
have been relatively rapid, and were not associated with any evidence for
periodic abandonment (C1441B, C1435B, C1412B, C1406B and C1439B). These deposits
consisted mainly of shades of brown and greyish-brown sandy clays and sandy
silts, and all contained ceramic, animal bone, charcoal, mortar flecks and
CBM. Once again, the CBM assemblage consisted of mixed medieval forms (61kg),
a number of iron nails, and structural ironwork, including roves and hinge
pivots. Dateable material recovered from F215B included residual Period 2
to Period 6 pottery in addition to Phase C Humber Ware and Humber Ware wasters.
F38B/F39B was comparatively shallow, but more extensive in plan, and appears to contain material of a slightly different nature to the three other quarries. The sequences excavated within F38B and F39B is identical, strengthening the interpretation of the features as representing a single pit. Their respective basal fills, C1150B and C1140B consisted of dark yellowish-brown and brown sandy clays, which contained quantities of charcoal, mortar, ceramic and CBM (see Figure 56). These backfills were overlain by a final backfill of a dark brown and a very dark greyish-brown sandy clay, again containing a mixture of material (C1149B and C1139B), although the latter showed signs of sinkage from overlying Period 9 layer C1005B. Dateable material recovered from F38B/F39B included residual Period 2 to Period 6 pottery and Humber Ware, although no waste material.
Quarry pit F198B shares the backfill sequence of F162B and F215B, and was largely backfilled during Period 7C, although not finally disused until Period 8. The basal backfill consisted of a dark brown silty clay trample layer (C1443B), which contained mortar and CBM fragments, but was otherwise sterile (see Figure 56, Plate 82). This deposit was overlain by three rubbish deposits, consisting of brown, grey and very dark grey silty and sandy clays, which contained frequent animal bone, ceramic, charcoal, mortar, CBM and iron objects (C1442B, C1384B and C1444B). Dateable material recovered from this sequence of dumping included residual Period 2 to Period 7A pottery, suggesting these deposits accumulated soon after Phase B, confirmed by the presence of an English bronze jeton dated to the early 14th century within C1444B. The final backfill of F198B, C1383B, contained residual Period 2 to Period 6 ceramic, as well as ceramic of Period 7, and the latest pottery wares suggest final levelling during Period 8, possibly as the fills subsided. Pottery types represented include Period 8 Ryedale Ware and Tudor Glazed Ware, although the presence of asbestos cement represents unseen intrusion, and suggests that the pottery may not be entirely reliable. This deposit yielded an assemblage of finds including two bone styli, one of which may be a parchment pricker (Plate 83), a copper alloy mount, three coins (two halfpennies of Edward III (1327-77) and a French jeton of 15th century date) and a smooth chalk pebble with a cross incised on both sides (Plate 84). The upper fills of F198B had been encountered during excavation of a test pit to establish the depth of orchard soils early in the excavation, allocated F82B, and a thimble of 15th century date was recovered from C1214B (F82B=C1383B). Once again, the quarry pit contained 64kg of mixed medieval CBM, 169 iron nails as well as clench bolts, and hinge straps and pivots.
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| Plate 82 | Plate 83 | Plate 84 |
The assemblage of CBM and structural ironwork recovered from F162B, F198B and F215B was of sufficient quantity to suggest a period of structural alteration within the monastic precinct. The CBM assemblage was dominated by fragments of standard York pegtile (a single central peghole) and it is likely that the iron nails were actually roofing nails, while the iron hinge straps, clench bolts and hinge pivots are indicators of door furniture and timber construction. The horizon of rapid infilling identified in the quarry pits suggests that a single event had been preserved within their backfill systems. A mid- to late 14th century date is likely for this event, with the exception of the latest backfill of F198B, and, as such, would coincide with Periods 6c and 6d at 46-54 Fishergate, which saw substantial alterations and modification to the Priory church and ranges (Kemp and Graves 1996, 71). The buildings of the claustral range were almost certainly furnished with a roofing scheme of York peg tile, and while the building materials need not derive from these buildings specifically, the bone styli and cross-marked pebble are further indicators of the source of the rubbish dumped within these pits. By the end of Phase C, the pits had been largely levelled and following landscaping had been reclaimed for lighter industrial use.
Lay Cemetery
The cemetery is almost certainly of pre-14th century foundation, although pottery analysis suggests burial to be densest from the late 14th century, and the cemetery discussion therefore follows from this period onwards. A total of 249 inhumations was identified as belonging to the cemetery and is summarised in Table 4. Comprehensive osteological analyses have been undertaken on the cemetery population by Malin Holst and the results form Appendix D. The burials were found to include fifty-six male or probable male, fifty-four female or probable female, 113 subadult and twenty-three indeterminate burials. Seventy-three burials have been allocated to an early phase of the cemetery and the remaining 171 burials to a later phase. Two burials were defined but not excavated further, as they were not threatened by development and three burials were encountered during evaluation at Marlborough Grove and left in situ.
| Inh No | F No | C No | Preservation | Age group | Age | Sex | Rite | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7F | 1012F | excellent | j | 7-9 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 2 | 11F | 1013F | good | nb | 40w | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 3 | 8F | 1015F | good | j | 5-6 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 4 | 9F | 1017F | excellent | I | 6-15m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 5 | 10F | 1019F | poor | yma | 25-35 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 6 | 13F | 1021F | excellent | oma | 35-45 | m? | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 7 | 12F | 1023F | excellent | j | 5-6 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 8 | 16F | 1027F | moderate | j | 4.5-5.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 9 | 17F | 1029F | moderate | j | 2-3 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 10 | 18F | 1030F | excellent | j | 2.5-3.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 11 | 19F | 1033F | moderate | j | 3-4 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 12 | 20F | 1035F | good | j | 2-4 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 13 | 21F | 1037F | good | ma | 45-50 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 14 | 22F | 1039F | good | ad | 15-17 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed together over pelvis | late |
| 15 | 23F | 1041F | good | j | 4-5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 16 | 24F | 1042F | moderate | j | 4-5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 17 | 25F | 1045F | poor | ad | 14-16 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 18 | 26F | 1047F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 19 | 27F | 1049F | good | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 20 | 28F | 1051F | good | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 21 | 29F | 1053F | good | oma | 35-45 | f | burial in shroud with copper-alloy pin, without coffin, supine | late |
| 22 | 30F | 1055F | excellent | ya | 22-25 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 23 | 31F | 1057F | moderate | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 24 | 32F | 1059F | moderate | j | 3-5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 25 | 33F | 1061F | good | j | 2-3.5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 26 | 34F | 1063F | good | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 27 | 35F | 1065F | excellent | yma | 25-35 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 28 | 36F | 1067F | excellent | ad | 15-17 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 29 | 37F | 1069F | moderate | j | 2.5-3.5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 30 | 38F | 1071F | moderate | j | 1.5-2.5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 31 | 39F | 1073F | excellent | ya | 20-22 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 32 | 40F | 1075F | moderate | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 33 | 41F | 1077F | moderate | j | 2.5-3.2 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 34 | 42F | 1079F | good | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 35 | 43F | 1081F | poor | oma | 35-45 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 36 | 44F | 1083F | excellent | ya | 20-24 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 37 | 45F | 1085F | good | ad | 15-17 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 38 | 46F | 1087F | excellent | j | 11-13 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 39 | 47F | 1089F | moderate | j | 45+ | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 40 | 48aF | 1091F | moderate | ma | 45+ | f | ?mother, inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, hands placed at sides | late |
| 41 | 48bF | 1092F | moderate | j | 25-35 | s | ?child, inhumed with mother without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 42 | 49F | 1095F | excellent | yma | 25-35 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 43 | 50F | 1097F | poor | ma | 45+ | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 44 | 51F | 1099F | poor | oma | 35-45 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 45 | 52F | 1101F | excellent | oma | 35-45 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, hands placed at sides | late |
| 46 | 53F | 1103F | very poor | oma | 35-45 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 47 | 54F | 1104F | good | ma | 45+ | f? | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 48 | 55F | 1105F | very poor | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 49 | 56F | 1106F | poor | j | 10-12 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at side | late |
| 50 | 57F | 1108F | good | ya | 17-19 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 51 | 58F | 1110F | very poor | ma | 45+ | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 52 | 59F | 1111F | moderate | j | 2.5-3.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 53 | 60F | 1113F | excellent | oma | 35-45 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | early |
| 54 | 61F | 1115F | very poor | ma | 45+ | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 55 | 62F | 1117F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 56 | 63F | 1119F | poor | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 57 | 65F | 1122F | excellent | j | 3-4 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 58 | 66F | 1124F | good | j | 2-3 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud , supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 59 | 67F | 1128F | excellent | ya | 20-25 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 60 | 68F | 1130F | excellent | oma | 35-45 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 61 | 69F | 1132F | excellent | ad | 11-14 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 62 | 71F | 1135F | moderate | j | 4.5-5.5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 63 | 72F | 1137F | moderate | j | 9-14 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 64 | 73F | 1139F | good | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 65 | 74F | 1141F | good | ad | 12-14 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 66 | 75F | 1143F | excellent | ad | 14-16 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 67 | 76F | 1145F | good | yma | 25-35 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 68 | 77F | 1147F | good | oma | 35-45 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 69 | 78F | 1149F | excellent | j | 5-6 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 70 | 79F | 1150F | moderate | ma | 45+ | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 71 | 80F | 1151F | good | ad | 13-15 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 72* | 81F | 1153F | moderate | ya | 20-35 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 73 | 82F | 1155F | good | yma | 25-35 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 74 | 83F | 1157F | good | j | 2-3 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 75 | 84F | 1159F | excellent | yma | 25-35 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, hands placed at sides | late |
| 76 | 85F | 1161F | excellent | j | 8-9 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 77 | 86F | 1163F | excellent | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 78 | 87F | 1165F | good | ya | 20-25 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 79 | 88F | 1167F | good | j | 1.5-2.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 80 | 89F | 1169F | very poor | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 81 | 90F | 1171F | good | oma | 35-45 | m | burial in wooden coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 82 | 70F | 1172F | good | a | 0 | m? | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 83 | 91F | 1174F | excellent | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 84 | 92F | 1176F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 85 | 93F | 1178F | good | j | 5.5-6.5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 86 | 94F | 1180F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 87 | 95F | 1182F | good | j | 4.5-5.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed over the pelvis | late |
| 88 | 96F | 1184F | good | oma | 35-45 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 89 | 97F | 1186F | excellent | j | 9-10 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 90 | 98F | 1188F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, arms folded across torso | late |
| 91* | 99F | 1190F | poor | ma | 45+ | f | inhumation without coffin, or shroud, supine | late |
| 92 | 100F | 1192F | poor | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 93 | 101F | 1194F | excellent | yma | 25-35 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 94 | 102F | 1196F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | m? | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 95 | 106F | 1201F | excellent | a | 0 | u | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine | late |
| 96 | 108F | 1205F | poor | ad | 12-14 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 97 | 110F | 1208F | very poor | ma | 45+ | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 98 | 111F | 1210F | moderate | j | 4-5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 99 | 112F | 1212F | poor | ma | 45+ | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 100 | 113F | 1214F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands place at sides | early |
| 101 | 114F | 1216F | moderate | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 102 | 115F | 1218F | good | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 103 | 116F | 1220F | poor | yma | 25-35 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, arm folded across torso | late |
| 104 | 117F | 1222F | moderate | j | 11-12 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 105 | 118F | 1224F | moderate | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 106 | 119F | 1226F | moderate | I | 6-9m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 107 | 120F | 1228F | good | ma | 45+ | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 108 | 121F | 1230F | poor | oma | 35-45 | f | pilgrim burial, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 109 | 122F | 1233F | excellent | j | 4.5-5.5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 110 | 124F | 1237F | good | oma | 35-45 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 111 | 126F | 1242F | good | a | 0 | m? | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 112 | 127F | 1244F | moderate | ma | 45+ | f? | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 113 | 128F | 1246F | good | j | 6-7 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over the pelvis | late |
| 114 | 130F | 1249F | good | yma | 25-35 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 115 | 131F | 1251F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 116 | 132F | 1253F | excellent | f | 31w | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | early |
| 117 | 133F | 1255F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 118 | 134F | 1257F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 119 | 135F | 1259F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, arms folded across torso | early |
| 120 | 136F | 1261F | excellent | yma | 25-35 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, arms placed at sides | late |
| 121 | 137F | 1263F | excellent | j | 9.5-10.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 122 | 138F | 1265F | good | I | 3-9m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 123 | 139F | 1267F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | m | burial with mortuary cross, | late |
| 124 | 140F | 1269F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 125 | 141F | 1271F | very poor | j | 6-10 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 126 | 142F | 1273F | excellent | ad | 16-17 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, arms placed over pelvis | late |
| 127 | 143F | 1276F | very poor | yma | 25-35 | m? | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 128 | 144F | 1277F | excellent | ya | 18-20 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 129 | 324F | 1278F | moderate | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 130 | 145F | 1279F | poor | j | 8-13 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 131 | 146F | 1280F | moderate | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 132 | 147F | 1282F | good | yma | 25-35 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 133 | 148F | 1284F | very poor | oma | 35-45 | u | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 134 | 149F | 1286F | good | oma | 35-45 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 135 | 151F | 1289F | excellent | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 136 | 152F | 1290F | poor | j | 3-4 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 137 | 153F | 1293F | good | j | 9-10 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 138 | 154F | 1295F | good | yma | 25-35 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 139 | 155F | 1297F | good | oma | 35-45 | f | burial with ring, without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 140 | 156F | 1299F | excellent | j | 9-10 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | early |
| 141 | 157F | 1301F | excellent | j | 7-8 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 142 | 158F | 1303F | moderate | j | 7-9 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 143 | 159F | 1305F | good | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 144 | 160F | 1306F | good | j | 3-5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 145 | 162F | 1310F | very poor | yma | 25-35 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 146 | 163F | 1312F | good | oma | 35-45 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 147 | 164F | 1313F | excellent | ma | 45+ | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 148 | 165F | 1316F | moderate | j | 8.5-9.5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 149 | 166F | 1319F | good | j | 2-3 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 150 | 167F | 1320F | good | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 151 | 168F | 1322F | moderate | ya | 17-19 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 152 | 169F | 1323F | good | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 153 | 170F | 1324F | good | f | 38w | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 154 | 172F | 1327F | good | ma | 45+ | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 155 | 173F | 1328F | excellent | ya | 17-19 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 156 | 174F | 1330F | good | ad | 12-14 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 157 | 175F | 1332F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | early |
| 158 | 176F | 1333F | poor | j | 1.5-2.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 159 | 178F | 1336F | excellent | j | 4.5-6 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | early |
| 160 | 179F | 1337F | excellent | j | 7-9 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 161 | 186F | 1354F | moderate | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 162 | 187F | 1356F | excellent | f | 34w | s | ?twin, without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 163 | 188F | 1357F | moderate | f | 34w | s | ?twin, without coffin or shroud | late |
| 164 | 189F | 1359F | excellent | f | 36w | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 165 | 190F | 1361F | good | j | 6-7 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 166 | 191F | 1363F | very poor | nb | 40w-6m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 167 | 192F | 1365F | good | a | 0 | m? | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 168 | 193F | 1367F | moderate | j | 4-5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 169 | 194F | 1369F | good | j | 8-10 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 170 | 195F | 1371F | very poor | I | 6-15m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | late |
| 171 | 196F | 1372F | poor | a | 0 | u | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine | early |
| 172 | 197F | 1374F | good | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 173 | 198F | 1376F | very poor | I | 9-15m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 174 | 201F | 1380F | good | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 175 | 202F | 1382F | good | j | 4-5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 176 | 203F | 1383F | good | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, | late |
| 177 | 204F | 1385F | excellent | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended hands placed at sides | late |
| 178 | 205F | 1386F | moderate | I | 3-6m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 179 | 206F | 1387F | very poor | j | 4-6 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 180 | 207F | 1390F | moderate | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 181 | 208F | 1391F | good | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 182 | 209F | 1393F | good | ya | 17-25 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 183 | 210F | 1396F | good | j | 4-6 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | early |
| 184 | 211F | 1398F | moderate | j | 6.5-7.5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 185 | 212F | 1400F | excellent | j | 6-7 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 186 | 218F | 1410F | good | j | 10-14 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, hands placed at sides | late |
| 187 | 219F | 1412F | moderate | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 188* | 220F | 1414F | moderate | j | 4-5 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 189 | 221F | 1416F | moderate | j | 4-8 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 190 | 222F | 1418F | poor | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 191 | 223F | 1421F | excellent | ya | 17-18 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 192* | 224F | 1423F | poor | oma | 35-45 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 193 | 225F | 1425F | poor | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 194 | 226F | 1427F | good | j | 1-2 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 195 | 232F | 1434F | poor | j | 1-3 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 196 | 233F | 1441F | poor | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | early |
| 197 | 234F | 1443F | very poor | I | 0-1 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 198 | 245F | 1455F | very poor | oma | 35-45 | f | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 199 | 246F | 1458F | excellent | I | 0-6m | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 200 | 249F | 1463F | good | j | 5-6 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | early |
| 201 | 250F | 1465F | moderate | ad | 15-16 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | early |
| 202 | 251F | 1469F | poor | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands folded across torso | early |
| 203 | 252F | 1471F | very poor | oma | 35-45 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended hands placed at sides | early |
| 204 | 253F | 1473F | very poor | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, | late |
| 205 | 254F | 1475F | good | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 206 | 255F | 1477F | excellent | j | 2-3 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 207 | 257F | 1480F | good | j | 1-2 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 208 | 230F | 1481F | good | yma | 25-35 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 209 | 259F | 1484F | good | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 210 | 260F | 1486F | excellent | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 211 | 261F | 1488F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 212 | 262F | 1492F | good | j | 4-6 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | early |
| 213 | 275F | 1518F | moderate | j | 9-11 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 214 | 277F | 1521F | good | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis, iron slide key suspended from waist or neck | early |
| 215 | 278F | 1523F | good | nb | 40w-3m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 216 | 279F | 1525F | moderate | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | late |
| 217 | 285F | 1537F | poor | j | 2.5-4.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 218 | 286F | 1539F | moderate | j | 4-5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 219 | 287F | 1541F | good | ad | 14-16 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | early |
| 220 | 289F | 1545F | good | j | 3-4 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine | late |
| 221 | 290F | 1547F | moderate | a | 0 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 222 | 291F | 1549F | moderate | j | 9-13 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | early |
| 223 | 292F | 1551F | good | ya | 23-25 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 224 | 293F | 1553F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | early |
| 225 | 295F | 1556F | poor | a | 0 | m? | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 226* | 294F | 1558F | good | a | 0 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 227 | 296F | 1560F | good | oma | 35-45 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 228 | 300F | 1565F | moderate | yma | 25-35 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 229 | 301F | 1567F | very poor | ya | 20-25 | u | inhumation without coffin or shroud | early |
| 230 | 303F | 1569F | poor | oma | 35-45 | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 231* | 304F | 1571F | poor | a | 0 | u | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended | early |
| 232* | 305F | 1573F | moderate | ad | 15-17 | s | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 233 | 306F | 1575F | poor | I | 3-9m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud | late |
| 234 | 307F | 1577F | good | ad | 13-14 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 235 | 308F | 1579F | moderate | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 236 | 309F | 1581F | poor | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 237 | 310F | 1583F | excellent | ma | 45+ | m | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | late |
| 238 | 311F | 1585F | good | j | 4.5-5.5 | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 239 | 313F | 1589F | excellent | ma | 45+ | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed at sides | late |
| 240 | 314F | 1591F | good | a | 0 | m? | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 241 | 315F | 1593F | good | ya | 20-25 | m | inhumation without coffin or shroud, supine, extended | early |
| 242 | 316F | 1595F | good | nb | 40w-3m | s | inhumation without coffin or shroud, extended | late |
| 243 | 317F | 1597F | moderate | oma | 35-45 | f | burial in shroud, without coffin, supine, extended, hands placed over pelvis | early |
| 244 | 318F | 1705F | na | na | na | na | burial in composite stone coffin | late |
| 245 | 247F | 1460F | na | na | na | na | defined within Intervention 2, mitigation excavation not necessary | - |
| 246 | 312F | 1587F | na | na | na | na | defined within Intervention 4, mitigation excavation not necessary | - |
| 247 | 3M | 1008M | na | a | na | na | defined within Trench A at Marlborough Grove, analysed and left in situ | - |
| 248 | 4M | 1009M | na | a | na | na | defined within Trench A at Marlborough Grove, analysed and left in situ | - |
| 249 | 5M | 1011M | na | ?j | na | na | defined within Trench A at Marlborough Grove, analysed and left in situ | - |
Dating
The lay cemetery is dated at present by pottery, and although the ceramic from graves included sherds dateable from the 10th to the early 17th century, only pottery of Period 6 onwards, deposited sequentially, is considered reliable. Analysis of the condition of the pottery recovered from the graves demonstrates that the earlier ceramic wares are likely to have been recycled from earlier features by grave-digging activity, rather than having been contemporary with burial, since these sherds are by far the smaller and often abraded. Pottery of the 14th to 15th, i.e. Period 7 and 8 century is far more common and in a condition consistent with having been recycled to a lesser extent. See Appendix B for the full analysis.
Several graves cut into activity dating from Period 2 through to Period 4, and this would seem the most likely source of material of the late 1st century to early post-Conquest date, and, while the stratigraphically earliest graves often contained the earlier pottery wares, these were also the graves that made direct physical contact with the preceding occupation features. During excavation, the visibility of grave cuts was virtually non-existent and graves were defined largely by individual articulated skeletons. In some cases, particularly the deeper graves, the cut was defined successfully, although very often contained no dateable material; the few grave goods were not particularly diagnostic of date. Pottery of the mid-16th century onwards is considered intrusive and the cemetery is likely to have ceased being used by the late 15th to early 16th century, possibly coinciding with the Dissolution.
Stratigraphic analyses, using pottery dates and intercutting and overlying features gained from digitally superimposing plans, was undertaken, and 'strings' of sequential burials established. With so few dates available, it was decided that the earliest and latest graves from strings of burials would be targeted, in order to establish the life-span of the burial ground; a total of eight graves were selected for radiocarbon dating. Two strings from Intervention 1 were selected and a sequence from Intervention 2 was also chosen, so that the two areas could be related. A burial situated within the proposed earliest part of the cemetery was also selected, in order to test the hypothesis that burials outside ditch F288F were earlier (see below). Finally, the Period 2 inhumation was chosen for dating, to ascertain whether or not it could be ascribed to the Roman period. This burial was also proposed for dating following osteological analysis, which identified evidence for trauma; even if the burial proves to be medieval this will provide a possible spot-date for the group of trauma victims elsewhere in the cemetery. Evidence for sequence has been detected by stratigraphic analysis, but is also suggested by the results of post-excavation analysis of the cemetery boundaries, which indicates that the cemetery contracted, rather than expanded, during its lifetime.
Early cemetery boundary
Analysis of the associated boundary ditches for the cemetery presents some interesting information on the layout and development of the cemetery. Two ditches have been allocated to Period 7 on the basis of the ceramic contained within their backfills, F263F and F282F (Figure 57).
Figure 57. Fishergate House, early phase cemetery plan (Interactive SVG image)
F263F consisted of an east-west orientated ditch, situated in the NW-SE
trench of Intervention 4, and cut into Period 6 ditch F274F. Upon excavation,
the ditch was found to be 2.00m wide x 1.20m deep, backfilled with C1995F,
C1513F and C1514F. The composition of the basal backfill, C1514F, suggested
slow accumulation in water, due to a high proportion of clean fine sorted
clay and the presence of leached mineral-stained components (Plate
85, right). Subsequent
backfilling appears to have been more rapid and, significantly, contained
large amounts of plain and peg roof tile but no brick. Other dateable material
recovered from the feature included Humber Ware and Brandsby-type Ware, suggesting,
like the CBM, that the feature was backfilled soon after the mid-14th century.
This demonstrates that the cemetery certainly predates the mid-14th century,
corroborated by the evidence for the slow silting of F263F, which may indicate
that the feature lay open for some time.
In the eastern NE-SW extension of Intervention 4, a further ditch (F282F)
was identified and excavated. F282F was orientated east-west, and upon excavation
proved to be 0.60m deep, backfilled with two dark brown sandy-silts, C1528F
and C1529F (see Figure 57, Plate 86, right).
C1529F represented the partial backfilling of the ditch and although no evidence
for silting was identified, it was very clean and appeared to have accumulated
gradually. Subsequently, F282F was completely disused and levelled by C1528F,
which contained York Glazed Ware, York Gritty Ware, York Splashed Glazed
Ware and Brandsby-type Ware, as well as plain roof tile and no brick. When
projected, F263F and F282F would appear to represent two lengths of the same
boundary ditch.
Significantly, no inhumation burials were encountered to the south of ditch F263F/F282F. On the northern side of this feature, the slightest suggestion of an accompanying bank might be interpreted from the offset of the closest burial to the north (F275F); the distance of 1.20m is equivalent to the width of the ditch. The final backfill of F263F consists of a mixture of soil and subsoil, what can be interpreted as its original upcast and may represent bank make-up.
During Period 8, evidence for the contraction of the cemetery was detected, in the form of another boundary ditch, F288F, situated to the north of F263F/F282F. Unlike F263F/F282F, this ditch cut into, and removed, parts of preceding burials, and to the north of F288F, which arguably represents a new boundary ditch, burial is much more dense. Together, this evidence strongly suggests that the cemetery contracted over time. Consequently, burials encountered to the south of ditch F288F, but to the north of F263F/F282F, have been assigned to the earliest phase of burial in the cemetery; burials cut by the digging of F288F have also been included. In Interventions 1 and 2, where this type of sequential relationship was lacking, only the stratigraphically earliest graves have been included, albeit somewhat arbitrarily, in the early phase cemetery plan. As a result, the apparent density of burial between F263F/F282F and F288F, when compared to Intervention 1 and 2, is artificial, resulting from the enhanced stratigraphic and spatial information available for the area surrounding the shifting boundary ditches. The later phase plan is presented in Period 8, since the backfilling of ditch F288F contained a ceramic and CBM profile which appears to be later than that of F263F/F282F. Backfilling of ditch F288F appears to post-date the disuse of the cemetery, since the ditch in disuse is not cut by burials.
Cemetery organisation
The early cemetery phase plan does suggest some level of order. Some of graves appear regimented, with the western end of burials respecting the eastern end of the next 'row'. This indicates a degree of organisation in the burial ground, and the possibility that graves were marked or visible on the surface in some way. It seems remarkable that some of the earliest burials are complete, in spite of the density of overlying burial, although this can potentially be attributed to protection beneath accumulating soil from burial.
Neither the distribution of burials by sex, nor by age (based only on the distinction adult/subadult), demonstrated any specific segregation during the early phase of the cemetery. Of the seventy-three burials allocated to this phase, twenty male, fifteen female, twenty-eight subadult and ten undetermined burials were identified. These proportions are reflected in the overall demography of the cemetery, which, by comparison with other excavated burial grounds, contained an elevated numbers of subadults, but was otherwise unremarkable. The cemetery can therefore be considered characteristic of the mixed burial of known medieval churchyards. More comprehensive distributions plots are presented and discussed in Appendix D.
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