Life, Death and Rubbish Disposal in Roman Norton, North Yorkshire: Excavations at Brooklyn House 2015-16

Excavations at Brooklyn House 2015-16 in Norton-on-Derwent, North Yorkshire, revealed insights into the 'small town of Delgovicia' during the Roman period. The site, along the Roman road, included burials, occupation, and rubbish disposal. The Roman pottery assemblage, with over 21,000 sherds, enhances our knowledge of pottery use and production in Roman Malton/Norton. The finds assemblage, including military equipment, jewelry, and other items, provides a broader understanding of life in Delgovicia. The medieval and later pottery sets a baseline for future research in the area.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Archaeopress

Life, Death, and Rubbish Disposal in Roman Norton, North Yorkshire: Excavations at Brooklyn House 2015-16

Reports on excavations conducted in preparation for the development of a site in Norton-on-Derwent, North Yorkshire, near the line of the primary Roman road that ran from the crossing point of the River Derwent near Malton Roman fort to York (Eboracum). The Brooklyn House site yielded valuable insights into various aspects of the poorly understood "small town of Delgovicia." The area began to be utilized for seemingly widely dispersed burials in the mid-third century AD. Among these was a distinctive bustum-type burial of a soldier, or former soldier, which yielded a remarkably well-preserved assemblage of military equipment. Additionally, evidence of a possible mausoleum was discovered.

During the late third and fourth centuries, the burial activity was succeeded by occupation in the form of substantial stone-founded or, in some cases, possibly stone-built buildings fronting onto the Roman road, which served as the primary approach road to the town from the south. These structures could have had some connection to the Norton Roman pottery industry, the core area of which was located to the east of the site. However, no evidence from these structures indicated such a relationship. Following a relatively brief occupation, a significant portion of the site was utilized for the disposal of large quantities of rubbish and structural debris, likely originating from locations closer to or beyond the river crossing, including possibly the Roman fort.

The Roman pottery assemblage incorporated in excess of 21,000 sherds and significantly contributes to our understanding of pottery use and production in Roman Malton/Norton. Similarly, the substantial and well-preserved Roman-period finds assemblage offers valuable insights into various aspects of Roman life in the region.

Weight: 1082g
Dimension: 205 x 291 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789698381