012AD00851

Slot

Phasing

The slot has been phased to the Middle Saxon period, based on its morphology (it is similar in shape and size to a number of Middle Saxon slots to the west). No diagnostic material was recovered from the feature, and no stratigraphic relationships were established, although its location indicates it may have had a functional relationship with slots 012AD00525 and 012AD00458.

Discussion

This feature was slightly plough truncated. The fill of the slot was a sandy loam (Munsell colour 10YR 4/2), with 5% chalk inclusions. Daub and charcoal flecking was noted. Unusually, part of a horse skull (including part of the occiput and a molar) was recovered.

As in the better preserved enclosure systems to the west, it seems that these shorter slots act either as internal divisions or to control access into the enclosure sytem. In this case, it appears as though this slot, together with slots 012AD00458 and 012AD00525, are forming a controlled entrance into the southern part of the enclosure. A post hole (012AD00613) was located at the eastern terminus of the slot, like that found in the southern terminus of slot 012AD00525 to the east.

The slot was cut into chalk, and where a profile could be established, it was generally a V-shape with a flat base.

All Contexts and Associated Finds Totals

CUT  FILL VOLUME OBJECTS AN BONE DENSITY
012AD00851 012AD00641   0 5  
012AD00613 012AD00612   2 4  

Context Details

012AD00851 Notes

KEY_ID TYPE SHAPE L B D PROFILE NOTES
012AD00641 SLOT FILL LINEAR
295
67
18
 U-SHAPED SLOT FILL. BONE FOUND AND HORSE SKULL. DAUB AND CHARCOAL FLECKING. < 5% CHALK INCLUSIONS < 5CMS. 
012AD00851 SLOT CUT LINEAR
295
67
18
 U-SHAPED SLOT CUT. CUT INTO SOLID CHALK BEDROCK. HEAVILY PLOUGH TRUNCATED. POST HOLE 612/3 CUT INTO TERMINATION. 

012AD00613 Section and Notes


 
KEY_ID TYPE SHAPE L B D PROFILE NOTES
012AD00612 POST HOLE FILL ROUND
37
37
43
 VERT.SIDE U.BASE POST HOLE FILL. BONE FOUND. NO DAUB OR CHARCOAL FLECKING. <5% CHALK INCLUSIONS < 5CMS.
012AD00613 POST HOLE CUT ROUND
37
37
43
 VERT.SIDE U.BASE POST HOLE CUT. CUT INTO SOLID CHALK BEDROCK. APPEARS TO MARK TERMINATION OF DITCH 641/851.

Objects

KEY_ID OB PERIOD MATERIAL TYPE SUB_TYPE CLASS No
012AD00612 AA   STONE PEBBLE    
1
012AD00612 AB   DAUB DAUB    
1

Animal Bone

KEY_ID SPECIES ELEMENT QUANT CHEW BURN BUTCH FBRK
012AD00612 Sheep Horncore 1 0 0 1 0
012AD00612 Sheep M/T P 1 0 0 0 0
012AD00612 Sheep/Goat Mandible 1 0 0 0 0
012AD00612 Sheep/Goat Scapula 1 0 0 0 1
012AD00641 Cattle Atlas 1 0 0 0 0
012AD00641 Cattle Pelvis fr 1 0 0 0 1
012AD00641 Horse Occiput 2 0 0 0 0
012AD00641 Horse Tooth 1 0 0 0 0
012AD00641 Sheep/Goat Phalanx 2 1 0 0 0 0