Post-Roman crop production and processing: Archaeological evidence from Goldthorpe, South Yorkshire

Abstract

The remains of a ditched field system dating from the late Iron Age to the early post-Roman period, and two associated corn drying ovens (dating to the 5th–6th centuries AD) were revealed during archaeological excavations at Goldthorpe, South Yorkshire. The site was excavated during 2012 and 2013, during which bulk environmental samples were taken in order to retrieve any surviving botanical remains from deposits associated with the corn drying ovens, and other features across the excavated area. Early post-Roman occupation is under-represented in the archaeological record, especially in northern England, as such human activity and subsistence during this period are currently not well understood. This paper combines evidence for the field system, the physical remains of the corn drying ovens and their associated botanical remains to further understand early post-Roman change and continuity in landscape use and crop production and processing practices.

Keywords:

• Post-Roman
• Early medieval
• Corn drying oven
• Field system
• Crop production
• Crop processing

Acknowledgements

NAA Ltd would like to thank Aldi Stores Ltd for commissioning the project and particular thanks is extended to Richard Labbet, the Project Management Director. We would also like to thank David Scally and Scott Bryan of DSP Construction Management Ltd; Scott Bryden of Dalkin Scotton Partnership Architects Ltd and Andrew Lines of the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service, for their support and advice throughout the project. Thanks to the NAA Directors; Richard and Mary Fraser, the onsite staff, post-excavation team and to the illustrators and CAD team; Damian Robinson, Dawn Knowles, Catherine Chisman and Andrew Durkin. We would also like to sincerely thank the referees for their much appreciated comments upon the initial paper.