The landscape of Thornborough before the arrival of humans was shaped by the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago. As the glaciers receded, the land began to warm, leading to the rebirth of plant and animal life. The area would have been covered by a mosaic of vegetation that slowly replaced the tundra-like conditions left behind by the retreating ice sheets.
Category: Landscape Archaeology
Jan 23
Guide – Landscape Features: The Impact of Drainage Ditches
Understanding the Ecological Impact of Drainage Ditches: An Empathic Perspective Introduction: A Shift in the Landscape Imagine yourself as a member of an early human community, deeply connected to the land and its rhythms. The creation of a drainage ditch is not merely a physical alteration; it’s a profound change in the environment that affects …
Jan 23
Guide – Landscape Features
This is a placeholder for the introduction page for our Guide to recognising and understanding landscape features
Jan 23
Guide – The Flora and Fauna of Prehistoric Britain
Before we delve into the appearance of humans on the landscape, it’s important to understand the flora and fauna that dominated the earth, and particularly Britain, during the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. The development of ecosystems in prehistoric times was heavily influenced by the global climatic shifts of the Ice Ages.
Jan 23
Guide – Introduction to Fieldwalking
Fieldwalking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of archaeological survey. It involves systematically walking over a landscape, searching for surface artifacts—such as pottery, stone tools, and animal bones—that may have been left behind by past human activity. This activity can offer valuable insights into ancient settlements, trade routes, and other key elements of the past.
Jan 23
Guide – Photography: Image Manipulation
Photography is an essential tool in archaeology, not only for documenting finds but also for interpreting and preserving evidence. However, images often require some level of post-processing to enhance clarity, correct lighting issues, or reveal details that may not be immediately visible. Image manipulation software plays a crucial role in this process, allowing archaeologists to adjust images while maintaining the integrity of the data.
Jan 23
Guide – Introduction to Glacial Archaeology
Glacial archaeology is a fascinating field that examines the impact of glaciation on the landscape, and how ancient human activity interacted with the forces of ice and meltwater. The processes of glacial erosion and deposition have left behind a variety of landforms, such as moraines and glacial terraces, which not only shape the topography of the region but may also provide clues to human occupation and activity in prehistoric times.
Jan 23
Guide: Landscape Archaeology: The Geology of Thornborough
The Thornborough Henges are located within a distinctive and complex landscape that has been shaped over millennia by a combination of glacial forces, river systems, and post-glacial climatic changes. The landscape of Thornborough is defined by its geological foundations and the dynamic processes that transformed the area long before human presence.
Jan 23
Guide – Photography: Camera Buying Guide
When it comes to archaeological photography, capturing the best possible images—whether of small artifacts or large sites—requires thoughtful consideration of the camera’s capabilities. The right camera allows you to document sites and findings clearly, effectively, and with long-lasting quality.
Jan 23
Guide – Photography: Framing the Shot
When photographing archaeological sites, the key to a successful shot lies not just in the technology you use but in how you frame the scene, manage lighting, and anticipate the environment. The art of capturing the best possible image is a blend of technical understanding and creative intuition.
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PAS North Yorkshire
- YORYM-0FA1DC COIN EARLY MEDIEVAL 23 January 2025An incomplete Early Medieval (Anglo-Scandinavian) silver penny in the name of St Peter dating to the period c.AD 905 - 910. Two-line horizontal type. Cross pattee reverse. Mint of York.North Vol. 1, p.116, no.551.
- NLM-0DD0C5 BROOCH ROMAN 23 January 2025Copper alloy and iron brooch. Cast headstud brooch, Headstud 6, cf.Mackreth 2011 Pl. 73 no. 11868. A tubular case for an iron axis bar which formerly retained a hinged pin is masked by short wings with two vertically Mackreth typeincised lines on the front of each and surmounted by an integrally cast loop. The wings […]
- NLM-0DA5F4 BROOCH ROMAN 22 January 2025Copper alloy brooch. Cast bow and fantail brooch, Mackreth type undetermined [his CD H 6 includes fantails but none patterned as appears here]. Almost-plain tubular wings – the only decoration is a possibly incised line wandering up the front of each wing to the crest of the bow - clenched behind retain an axis bar […]
- NLM-0D887F COIN ROMAN 22 January 2025Copper alloy coin fragment. A scrap – perhaps one third – of a nummus of the House of Constantine (306-361), Gloria Exercitus issue of 335-341, Reece period 17.Obverse description: [bust] corrodedReverse description: two soldiers with one standard between themReverse inscription: (GLOR) IA E(XERC ITVS]Diameter (in excess of): 13.8mm, Weight: 0.79gms
- NLM-0D6D65 GAMING PIECE EARLY MEDIEVAL 22 January 2025Lead probable game piece. A cast object of slightly conical form with flat ends; the smaller bears an incised saltire or cross, here presumed to be the top. Patinated overall. This may relate to those game pieces of castellated form, which may thus have been distinguished from others. This might be required for the King […]
PAS West Yorkshire
- WAW-51F99E AMPULLA MEDIEVAL 15 January 2025An almost complete cast lead or lead alloy pilgrims ampulla dating from the medieval period; circa late 13th - late 15th century (AD 1250-1500).The ampulla has a circular (scallop) shaped body with a narrowed neck. On the right-hand side of the object situated on the neck is a flattened semi-circular loop. There are the remains of […]
- YORYM-D7E2BA BUCKLE MEDIEVAL 14 January 2025A complete copper-alloy buckle of medieval date, c.AD 1250-1500. Meols Type 2.The buckle is a single looped D-shape with a widened frame and a narrowed and offset bar. A wire pin remains fitted around the bar by an open loop.The metal has a dark brown patina and is in a worn condition. The buckle is 14.61mm […]
PAS South Yorkshire
- NMGW-C31C53 CHARIOT FITTING IRON AGE 24 January 2025Addendum to an Iron Age sacred lake assemblage: a Late Iron Age bridle-bit and terret (50 BC - AD 75)1. Two-link bridle-bit, Polden Hill Subtype, bronze, complete Dimensions: maximum length 238.0mm; external rein-ring diameters (1)73.8-74.0mm & (2) 73.5-74.7mm; internal rein-ring diameters (1) 55.6mm & (2) 56.3mm; thickness rein rings – side to side (1) 8.3-9.0mm & […]
- YORYM-FEC06B AMPULLA MEDIEVAL 22 January 2025An incomplete lead-alloy pilgrim's ampulla of medieval date, c.AD 1350 - 1550.Only part of the body of the ampulla remains which is semi-circular with a worn break to the upper edge from which the neck would have extended. One side of the object is decorated with an eight-petalled 'compass-drawn' flower. The other side is too […]
