Monument Type(s):

• LEAD FURNACE (13th century - 1200 AD to 1299 AD)
• LEAD WORKING SITE (13th century - 1200 AD to 1299 AD)
• SETTLEMENT (13th century - 1200 AD to 1299 AD)

Summary

During excavations in June 1991 at the Prior's Chapel, at the NE corner of the Prior's Lodgings, Much Wenlock, considerable evidence for industrial and domestic activity dating from the 13th century was recorded. This included a 'unique assemblage' of fish and fowl bones. Evidence of lead working was recorded, including furnaces, lead waste and slag, providing an important insight into early 13th century lead working practice.

Related records

Associated Finds

• FSA2336 - ANIMAL REMAINS (13th century - 1200 AD to 1299 AD)
• FSA2337 - SLAG (13th century - 1200 AD to 1299 AD)

Associated Events: None recorded

Description

During excavations in June 1991 at the Prior's Chapel, at the NE corner of the Prior's Lodgings, Much Wenlock, considerable evidence for industrial and domestic activity dating from the 13th century was recorded. This included a 'unique assemblage' of fish and fowl bones. Evidence of lead working was recorded, including furnaces, lead waste and slag, providing an important insight into early 13th century lead working practice. ->

-> A series of organic deposits were recorded extending to the east of the chapel, overlying a stone raft, which had formed before the raft had been sealed by a floor in the mid 13th century. These deposits were roch in animal bone, in particular fowl and fish bones. The structure itself was interpreted as being involved in the preparation of food, and one possible identification might be as a smoker. The other industrial features were associated with numerous spreads of ash, charcoal, casting sand and loamy clay. Some of these layers were burnt in situ. The principal metalworking activity was the working of lead. Evidence for this came from substantial spreads of lead cutting waste and debris, some pieces containing medieval window glass, suggesting scrap was being reworked. In addition, there was quantities of lead slag, ranging from glassy to the heavily metallic. No scientific analysis of the lead and slag residues was undertaken. <1>

No drawings are reproduced in <1>. To date it has not been possible to confirm with Mark Horton whether these exist. <2>

<01> Horton Mark C, 1991, Excavation at Wenlock Priory (Wenlock Abbey), Shropshire (Excavation report). SSA11732.

<02> Horton Mark C, 1991, Excavation at Wenlock Priory (Wenlock Abbey), Shropshire, 04/03/2016 (Excavation report). SSA11732.

Sources

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.