Results of an Archaeological Test Pit Excavation in the Refectory Building at Rievaulx Abbey

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an investigatory test pit at Rievaulx Abbey that was undertaken as part of a multidisciplinary research project at the University of Bradford to explore the archaeological evidence for historic iron production at Rievaulx village. The purpose was to investigate Rievaulx's hidden industrial past, and to determine if there was evidence to prove that the former monastic refectory had been used as a charcoal and/or iron ore store, the results of which were inconclusive.

Keywords:

• RIEVAULX ABBEY
• ARCHAEOLOGY
• INDUSTRIAL
• ARCHAEOLOGICAL CHARCOAL
• IRON PRODUCTION