Flag Fen, Peterborough: Excavation and Research 1995-2007

Description

The site at Flag Fen lies at the center of a once-wet Fenland bay, immediately east of Peterborough. In the Bronze Age a huge alignment of posts crossed a kilometer of wetland to link the two sides of one of the most important and intensively studied prehistoric landscapes in Britain. This volume discusses work carried out at Flag Fen since the completion, in 1995, of the comprehensive Flag Fen Basin Report (EH Archaeology Report, 2001). That monograph published results from the excavations of the Bronze Age platform and the western (Fengate) landfall of the post alignment. Picking up where the last publication left off, this volume looks at the risk to the waterlogged, in-situ prehistoric remains on the site in the context of ongoing de-watering of the Fengate area. In addition it includes detailed investigations of the post alignment's previously unpublished eastern (Northey Island) landfall. New research including oxygen isotope analyses of animal teeth provides interesting, and at times surprising, insights into the economy and the complex role played by domestic animals. The volume also includes a reassessment of the role that large timbers played at Flag Fen, and elsewhere in Bronze Age Britain. Table of Contents Introduction: Excavation and research at Flag Fen after the main campaign of 1982-94 (Francis Pryor) 1. Preservation and degradation of the wood (Marcus Brittain) 2. Excavations with the western flag fen basin: 1997-2007 (Marcus Brittain) 3. Excavations towards the Northey landfall (David Britchfield) 4. Aspects of wood, timber and woodworking at flag fen, 1995-2005 (Michael Bamfield) 5. Big trees and monumental timbers (Maisie taylor) 6. Non-human bone from flag fen 2003, 2004 and 2005 (Jill Hooper) 7. The application of oxygen isotopes and microwear from cattle tooth enamel at Fengate and the flag fen basin (Elizabeth Henton) 8. Other finds (Various authors) 9. Discussion (Francis Pryor) Cover List of Figures Contributors Acknowledgements Preface Introduction: Excavation and Research at Flag Fen after the Main Campaign of 1982–94 1. Preservation and Degradation of the Wood 2. Excavations with the Western Flag Fen Basin: 1997–2007 3. Excavations Towards the Northey Landfall 4. Aspects of Wood, Timber and Woodworking at Flag Fen, 1995–2005 5. Big Trees and Monumental Timbers 6. Non-Human Bone from Flag Fen 2003, 2004 and 2005 7. The Application of Oxygen Isotopes and Microwear from Cattle Tooth Enamel at Fengate and the Flag Fen Basin 8. Other Finds 9. Discussion Appendix 1. List of Sites and Trench Numbers Appendix 2. 2005 Phosphate Analysis Appendix 3. Wood Recording Sheet Appendix 4. Second Mandibular Molar Samples Listed by Context References