In this blog, environmental officer Rachel Small explores what plant remains recovered from archaeological excavation work undertaken by University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) for the Leicester Cathedral Revealed project can tell us about the past.
When most people think of archaeological excavations, tangible artefacts such as pottery and coins spring to mind. Also of importance, yet often overlooked, are plant remains, such as cereal grains and seeds, and the remains of wood and charcoal. These can survive by mineralisation, charring or waterlogging, and are vital for archaeological study as they can tell us about many aspects of the past, including peoples' diets, culinary habits, past agricultural practice and fuel use.
In terms of recovering these small artefacts, we cannot rely on finding them in the field, as they are generally too small to see by eye. Instead, we take quantities of soil from the features we are excavating (be it a pit, ditch or Roman cellar) and process these back at the University. For the most part, this involves placing a bucket of soil into a large tank of water lined with a mesh: by agitating it the fine silt goes through the mesh, the heavy fraction (which includes finds such as pottery and bone) is caught on it, whilst the less dense fraction (which includes finds such as seeds and grains) floats and is caught in a fine sieve. This process is called flotation and these different fractions are taken out, left to dry and then examined for remains.
Soil samples are processed by flotation in a tank of water (a). The heavy fraction (b) includes some pottery, whilst the 'flot', i.e. the lighter fraction floats and includes charcoal and charred plant remains (c). Image: ULAS
Around 25 soil samples were taken from important Roman, Anglo-Saxon and medieval features during excavations at Leicester Cathedral, and so far, these have all been processed and assessed. This included looking at the flots under a stereo-microscope, estimating the abundance of different types of plant remains and making some key identifications with the aid of reference books and material. The assessment has revealed some very interesting preliminary findings some of which are detailed below.
Rachel assesses the flots under the stereo-microscope. The computer is linked to it and pictures what she is seeing. Image: ULAS
Starting with the earliest phase of the site, we encountered a series of early Roman (c.AD 43-150) rectangular pits that were likely used as toilets! The remains of fruit seeds including apple were recovered alongside chewed fish bones. The seeds would have passed through the gut whole, and then slowly over time, their organic component would have been replaced by mineral salts present in the decaying faeces. Mineralised straw and seeds of grassland plants were also found, and these may have been used as toilet wipes or to help dampen the bad smells coming from the pits.
Samples from the mid-Roman (c.AD 150-300) yard surfaces and garden soils, revealed burnt rubbish from day-to-day processing of foods for consumption. Cereal grains were found, including barley, oat and spelt (an ancient wheat), and these would have been used to make bread, stews and porridge-like foods. Other foods included hazel nut, peas and beans, which would have been sourced locally. Imported foods were also eaten including lentils, and these would have carried a higher status due to their cost.
Mineralised apple seeds from early-Roman latrine pits. Image: ULAS
Moving into the post-Roman period (after c.AD 400), the types of food consumed underwent change, which we can spot in the samples. An area of particular interest was a hearth dating to the Saxo-Norman period (c.AD 850-1150). It was used for drying cereal grains, though for the unfortunate person undertaking this task, many had spilled and burned! Free-threshing wheat (which we still eat today) was common and rye, oats and barley were also present. Some of the grains had sprouted; it is possible beer was being made, as parching germinated grain is an important stage in brewing. The discovery of Saxo-Norman remains is of great interest, as we did not previously know occupation extended to the south-east corner of Leicester in this period.
Charred cereal grains from a Saxo-Norman hearth. Image: ULAS
As well as the diet of ancient Leicester's residents, the environmental finds also shed light on the burial ground. One such discovery, was a dump of burnt material infilling the top of a mass burial pit dating to c.AD 1100-1160. This consisted mainly of charcoal (most likely from hardwoods); fragments of burnt fabric were also common for which the weave was still visible. Such fabric rarely survives burning, so is a fascinating discovery, and one which is worthy of a more in-depth analysis. This backfill was distinctly different from the rest of the soils in the later main graveyard, and further examination and comparison will aid the interpretation of burial practices within Leicester throughout the ages.
Charred fabric (with the weave visible) from the infilling of an early High Medieval mass burial pit.
These preliminary results only scratch the surface into past life in Leicester. With further analysis of the plant remains and charcoal recovered, we can shed a brighter light on the diet, status, and activities of the inhabitants within this area of the town, from the early-Roman to Saxo-Norman period, as well as early medieval burial practices, and how this differed to other areas of the city.
Stay tuned for the upcoming results!
