Book by Dot Boughton
Objects of the Past in the Past. Investigating the significance of earlier artefacts in later contexts, 2019
This paper explores some of the theories surrounding how people of the past thought about and eng... more This paper explores some of the theories surrounding how people of the past thought about and engaged with objects of their own pasts from throughout time.
Papers by Dot Boughton
Archaeological Journal, 2022
How did past communities view, understand and communicate their pasts? And how can we, as archaeo... more How did past communities view, understand and communicate their pasts? And how can we, as archaeologists, understand this? In recent years these questions have been approached through studies of the extended occupation and use of landscapes, monuments and artefacts to explore concepts of time and memory. But what of objects that were already old in the past? Interpretations for these items have ranged from the discard of scrap to objects of veneration. Evidence from a range of periods would suggest objects of the past were an important part of many later societies that encountered them, either as heirlooms with remembered histories or rediscovered curiosities from a more distant past. For the first time, this volume brings together a range of case studies in which objects of the past were encountered and reappropriated. It follows a conference session at the Theoretical Archaeological Group in Cardiff 2017, in which historians, archaeologists, heritage professionals and commercial archaeologists gathered to discuss this topic on a broad (pre)historical scale, highlighting similarities and contrast in depositional practices and reactions to relics of the past in different periods. Through case studies spanning the Bronze Age through to the 18th century AD, this volume presents new research demonstrating that the reappropriation of these already old objects was not anomalous, but instead represents a practice that recurs throughout (pre)history.
A Time Capsule of a Time Capsule: A Charcoal Filled Pit within Poulton Chapel Graveyard, 2021
A stone capped pit filled with domestic waste was discovered during excavation of a later medieva... more A stone capped pit filled with domestic waste was discovered during excavation of a later medieval graveyard at Poulton, Cheshire. A combination of ceramics and radiocarbon dating established this as the first feature which was contemporary with a lost Cistercian Abbey in the area. Environmental analysis of the charcoal rich fill and varied finds assemblage provided a regionally important picture of life during the 11/12th century in Cheshire.
Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 2015
The discovery of 373 intact and broken tin-bronze socketed axes accompanied by 404 fragments in f... more The discovery of 373 intact and broken tin-bronze socketed axes accompanied by 404 fragments in four pits at Langton Matravers collectively represents one of the largest hoards found to date in prehistoric Britain and Ireland. They were very probably never meant to be used as axes as they contain very high levels of tin. Many were poorly finished with the majority still containing their casting cores. The axes are typologically dated to the Llyn Fawr metalwork phase (c. 800-600 BC) and span the Bronze Age/Iron Age transition, when the production, circulation and deposition of bronze appears to have been substantially reduced throughout north-west Europe. By placing the Langton Matravers hoard(s) in a broader metallurgical, material and archaeological context, existing theories for this phenomenon, such as the preference for iron, a collapse in bronze supply, or the sharp devaluation of a social or ritual ‘bronze standard’ are evaluated. It is proposed that the Langton Matravers axes...
Current Archaeology, 2011
Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 2015
The discovery of 373 intact and broken tin-bronze socketed axes accompanied by 404 fragments in f... more The discovery of 373 intact and broken tin-bronze socketed axes accompanied by 404 fragments in four pits at Langton Matravers collectively represents one of the largest hoards found to date in prehistoric Britain and Ireland. They were very probably never meant to be used as axes as they contain very high levels of tin. Many were poorly finished with the majority still containing their casting cores. The axes are typologically dated to the Llyn Fawr metalwork phase (c. 800-600 BC) and span the Bronze Age/Iron Age transition, when the production, circulation and deposition of bronze appears to have been substantially reduced throughout north-west Europe. By placing the Langton Matravers hoard(s) in a broader metallurgical, material and archaeological context, existing theories for this phenomenon, such as the preference for iron, a collapse in bronze supply, or the sharp devaluation of a social or ritual ‘bronze standard’ are evaluated. It is proposed that the Langton Matravers axes belong to a short phase in the centuries-long processes underlying the changing roles of bronze and iron.
Archaeological Journal, 2020
In 1877, a hoard of nine copper alloy objects was recovered from a peat bog at Poolewe, Scotland,... more In 1877, a hoard of nine copper alloy objects was recovered from a peat bog at Poolewe, Scotland, including axeheads, rings and an ornament. For the first time since its discovery, this article publishes the hoard in its entirety, including an assessment of typological features, full illustration and metallurgical analysis. Components of the hoard are characteristic of the British Llyn Fawr / Earliest Iron Age period (800–600 BC) suggesting the date of deposition, which is confirmed by a radiocarbon date from the wooden haft of an axehead. However, set in the broader context of Scotland and Britain during this period, it is suggested that this hoard in fact represents the last vestiges of the Late Bronze Age hoarding practice in Scotland.
The Past in the Past, 2019
The Salisbury Hoard is a collection of at least 535 artefacts dated from 2400–200 BC. It contains... more The Salisbury Hoard is a collection of at least 535 artefacts dated from 2400–200 BC. It contains Early, Middle and Late Bronze Age objects as well as Earliest and Middle Iron Age artefacts. Unfortunately, the hoard was discovered and plundered by nighthawks; as it was not excavated by archaeologists and lacking documented evidence, this unique multi-period assemblage always seemed to be an improbable occurrence. However, when a similar hoard was found in 2011 nearby in the Vale of Wardour, it was reported to the local Finds Liaison Officer and excavated by a team of archaeologists from the British Museum. Its similar composition lent credence to the Salisbury Hoard. Furthermore, we may also include another, earlier find in this group of multi-period hoards: the small assemblage found just outside the hillfort of Danebury, Hampshire. This small group of multi-period assemblages suggest that the prehistoric inhabitants of this region were aware of earlier artefact assemblages and chose to curate them in some way. These hoards were either found and reburied in the Iron Age or a large portion of Iron Age material was added to an already existing and known multi-period deposit. This paper explores these multi-period assemblages and the possible reasoning of their (re-?)depositions by the local communities.
This paper reports on two prehistoric artefacts unexpectedly found during archaeological work car... more This paper reports on two prehistoric artefacts unexpectedly found during archaeological work carried out at Slackwood Farm, Silverdale, Lancashire. Particular thanks are due to the owner of Slackwood Farm, Adrian Waddingham, who funded and supported all the archaeological work and maintained a considerable interest in the history of tt " building from the outsel Special thanks are also due to the staff of Warden Construction Ltd for their help, co+peration and good company on site, in particular Chris Mahon, Ronnie Bretherton, Dave Webster and Crordon Dawson, with special thanks to David i
Summary. The discovery of 373 intact and broken tin-bronze socketed axes accompanied by 404 fragm... more Summary. The discovery of 373 intact and broken tin-bronze socketed axes accompanied by 404 fragments in four pits at Langton Matravers collectively represents one of the largest hoards found to date in prehistoric Britain and Ireland. They were very probably never meant to be used as axes as the very high levels of tin they contain would have made them brittle. Many were poorly finished, with the majority still containing their casting cores. The axes are typologically dated to the Llyn Fawr metalwork phase (c.800–600 BC) and span the Bronze Age/Iron Age transition, when the production, circulation and deposition of bronze appear to have been substantially reduced throughout north-west Europe. By placing the Langton Matravers hoard(s) in a broader metallurgical, material and archaeological context, existing theories for this phenomenon,suchasthepreferenceforiron,acollapseinbronzesupply,orthe sharp devaluation of a social or ritual ‘bronze standard’, are evaluated. It is proposed that the Langton Matravers axes belong to a short phase in the centuries-long processes underlying the changing roles of bronze and iron.
The discovery, by metal detecting, of the first Sompting Type axe from Northamptonshire fills a g... more The discovery, by metal detecting, of the first Sompting Type axe from Northamptonshire fills a gap in knowledge of the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age transition in the county, as both metalwork finds and settlements of this date are few in number. The Sompting type axe is a copper alloy, socketed side-looped axe, distinguished by the presence of elaborate decoration in the form of pellets-incirclets linked by ribs, and dated to c 800-600BC.
Doctoral Thesis by Dot Boughton
The Early Iron Age socketed axes in Britain, 2015
Abstract
This thesis examines metalwork deposition, distribution and association in the British ... more Abstract
This thesis examines metalwork deposition, distribution and association in the British Early Iron Age (800-600BC) through the medium of the socketed axe. Out of 1412 known Early Iron Age axes, 954 specimens were analysed in detail for this thesis: 680 associated finds and 274 single finds. The methodology was governed by two main objectives: firstly, to propose a reworked and more comprehensive typology of Early Iron Age cast copper-alloy and wrought iron socketed axes in conjunction with their metallurgy, distribution and deposition, and secondly, to discuss their place within Early Iron Age society and what part they may have played in the people’s life, work, trade and exchange, ritual and death. As a result, this thesis introduces, defines and discusses 12 new types of transitional and Early Iron Age socketed axes. While the transitional type can be dated to the Late Bronze Age-Early Iron Age transition (c. 850-750BC), the remaining 11 types can be dated to the fully developed Early Iron Age (800-600BC). The 11 types of bronze Early Iron Age socketed axes display a great variety of decoration, shape, size, weight and colour. While Late Bronze Age axes are plain or simply ribbed, almost all Early Iron Age socketed axes are decorated with ribs-and-pellets, ribs-and-circlets or a more elaborate version thereof. Some axe have a shiny silver surface colour (Portland, Blandford, East Rudham and Hindon types). More than three quarters of Early Iron Age socketed axes were found in association with other metalwork. These hoards can be divided into two main groups: axe hoards and mixed hoards.
The eight geographical regions outlined in this thesis are defined by different contexts, associations and the predominance of different Early Iron Age axe types, and in terms of depositional contexts this research suggests that the depositional contexts of Early Iron Age hoards containing socketed axes was different from the deposition of single finds: while hoards were often found in retrievable places, single finds were not. The survival of a large number of complete and almost undamaged bronze axes suggests that in the British Early Iron Age socketed axes were not just commonplace tools that were in use until they reached the end of their life. The changes in looks and shape, and consequently the adaption of a new and improved typology of socketed axes in the British Early Iron Age were accompanied by a change in conceptualisation and the overall meaning of socketed axes.
Even when used in a different context their basic, very recognisable socketed-axe-shape was always maintained, that is a wedge of different dimensions with a socket and a small side loop for suspension or possible attachment of other items of metalwork. Throughout British prehistory axes were one of the most familiar objects in daily use: as a tool, socketed axes were omnipresent and thus an established part of British Late Bronze Age life – a life that appeared to be foremost practical rather than ritual, with the majority of Late Bronze Age socketed axes showing clear signs of use and resharpening. In the Early Iron Age socketed axes adopted a previously unseen duality in function and meaning (that is materialistic and symbolic). Thus, while Late Bronze Age axe may have been regarded as common woodworking tool, types of Early Iron Age axes were understood as ingots, weapons, or objects needed for certain displays or performances, with their unique ornaments communicating their role in both display and society as well as perhaps their users regional identity and status.
Notes by Dot Boughton
Later Prehistoric Finds Group Newsletter 3, 2014
Recently two finds of Late Iron Age -Early Roman looped ring fittings, sometimes called 'ovoid mo... more Recently two finds of Late Iron Age -Early Roman looped ring fittings, sometimes called 'ovoid mounts' or 'suspension rings' , have come to light. The common elements of these fittings are: 1) a ring, flat or hollow backed and ovoid or circular in plan; 2) a projecting panel or knob at one edge with openwork decoration in the adjacent section of the interior and 3) a rectangular loop projecting from the reverse to hold a strap. These fittings have a distinctive Humber -Forth distribution which, along with the style of their decoration, suggests that they are products of the central British native metalworking tradition of the 1st -2nd century AD (see Hunter 2007; Hunter 2008 for recent discussions). This opportunity is taken to publish these two recent finds and, ahead of a re-evaluation of the type as a whole, to make an appeal for any additional examples known to members of the LPFG (see ).
Conference Sessions by Dot Boughton
It is widely accepted there was a greater movement of people and transmission of ideas and tradit... more It is widely accepted there was a greater movement of people and transmission of ideas and traditions in later prehistoric Europe (i.e. the Bronze and Iron Ages), as is increasingly evidenced by the most recent surge in scientific analyses, for instance of isotopes and DNA. The evidence provided by these techniques, however, can be enhanced by our main source material: portable material culture. Objects offer a physical representation of inherent concepts of form, manufacture skills and techniques, as well as the opportunities for material analyses to determine origins. Furthermore, the practices attributed to these objects, including the use, treatment, and deposition of objects can demonstrate how certain traditions transformed across different regions. The aim of this session is to bring together a spread of case studies from across Europe during the Bronze and Iron Ages that enables insights into where and how regional and supra-regional links and networks were formed through the trade and exchange of materials and ideas. We invite papers that look at traditions in the production, use and deposition of objects and how these may express influences and connections with other areas. This may include discussions around typologies and distribution patterns; production methods; origins of materials; depositional practices; and post-use treatments (e.g. reworking; fragmentation); as well as the impact these external influences had on the local communities.
http://tag2017cardiff.org/2017/06/01/the-past-in-the-past-investigating-the-significance-of-the-d... more http://tag2017cardiff.org/2017/06/01/the-past-in-the-past-investigating-the-significance-of-the-deposition-of-earlier-objects-in-later-contexts/
Prehistoric and later societies’ perception of the past has received increasing attention over recent years. One practice that has received relatively little attention, however, is the association of already ‘old’ objects with later contexts, despite being noted across multiple eras (e.g. Bronze Age metalwork in Iron Age hoards or Roman artefacts in Anglo-Saxon graves). Interpretations for these items range from the discard of scrap to objects of veneration, though they may have been important tools for memorialising or, conversely, forgetting the past. Whilst some of these objects may have been heirlooms, others may have been uncovered during building or agricultural work perhaps impacting on their biography for those who redeposited them. Often the contexts in which they are deposited form significant locations in the landscape, which may in turn have their own histories and significance to past communities. Such objects thus hold interesting insights into conceptions of time and memory in the past. This session aims to bring together a range of case studies and theoretical approaches to better understand this practice across a longer temporal span.
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Book by Dot Boughton
Papers by Dot Boughton
Doctoral Thesis by Dot Boughton
This thesis examines metalwork deposition, distribution and association in the British Early Iron Age (800-600BC) through the medium of the socketed axe. Out of 1412 known Early Iron Age axes, 954 specimens were analysed in detail for this thesis: 680 associated finds and 274 single finds. The methodology was governed by two main objectives: firstly, to propose a reworked and more comprehensive typology of Early Iron Age cast copper-alloy and wrought iron socketed axes in conjunction with their metallurgy, distribution and deposition, and secondly, to discuss their place within Early Iron Age society and what part they may have played in the people’s life, work, trade and exchange, ritual and death. As a result, this thesis introduces, defines and discusses 12 new types of transitional and Early Iron Age socketed axes. While the transitional type can be dated to the Late Bronze Age-Early Iron Age transition (c. 850-750BC), the remaining 11 types can be dated to the fully developed Early Iron Age (800-600BC). The 11 types of bronze Early Iron Age socketed axes display a great variety of decoration, shape, size, weight and colour. While Late Bronze Age axes are plain or simply ribbed, almost all Early Iron Age socketed axes are decorated with ribs-and-pellets, ribs-and-circlets or a more elaborate version thereof. Some axe have a shiny silver surface colour (Portland, Blandford, East Rudham and Hindon types). More than three quarters of Early Iron Age socketed axes were found in association with other metalwork. These hoards can be divided into two main groups: axe hoards and mixed hoards.
The eight geographical regions outlined in this thesis are defined by different contexts, associations and the predominance of different Early Iron Age axe types, and in terms of depositional contexts this research suggests that the depositional contexts of Early Iron Age hoards containing socketed axes was different from the deposition of single finds: while hoards were often found in retrievable places, single finds were not. The survival of a large number of complete and almost undamaged bronze axes suggests that in the British Early Iron Age socketed axes were not just commonplace tools that were in use until they reached the end of their life. The changes in looks and shape, and consequently the adaption of a new and improved typology of socketed axes in the British Early Iron Age were accompanied by a change in conceptualisation and the overall meaning of socketed axes.
Even when used in a different context their basic, very recognisable socketed-axe-shape was always maintained, that is a wedge of different dimensions with a socket and a small side loop for suspension or possible attachment of other items of metalwork. Throughout British prehistory axes were one of the most familiar objects in daily use: as a tool, socketed axes were omnipresent and thus an established part of British Late Bronze Age life – a life that appeared to be foremost practical rather than ritual, with the majority of Late Bronze Age socketed axes showing clear signs of use and resharpening. In the Early Iron Age socketed axes adopted a previously unseen duality in function and meaning (that is materialistic and symbolic). Thus, while Late Bronze Age axe may have been regarded as common woodworking tool, types of Early Iron Age axes were understood as ingots, weapons, or objects needed for certain displays or performances, with their unique ornaments communicating their role in both display and society as well as perhaps their users regional identity and status.
Notes by Dot Boughton
Conference Sessions by Dot Boughton
Prehistoric and later societies’ perception of the past has received increasing attention over recent years. One practice that has received relatively little attention, however, is the association of already ‘old’ objects with later contexts, despite being noted across multiple eras (e.g. Bronze Age metalwork in Iron Age hoards or Roman artefacts in Anglo-Saxon graves). Interpretations for these items range from the discard of scrap to objects of veneration, though they may have been important tools for memorialising or, conversely, forgetting the past. Whilst some of these objects may have been heirlooms, others may have been uncovered during building or agricultural work perhaps impacting on their biography for those who redeposited them. Often the contexts in which they are deposited form significant locations in the landscape, which may in turn have their own histories and significance to past communities. Such objects thus hold interesting insights into conceptions of time and memory in the past. This session aims to bring together a range of case studies and theoretical approaches to better understand this practice across a longer temporal span.
This thesis examines metalwork deposition, distribution and association in the British Early Iron Age (800-600BC) through the medium of the socketed axe. Out of 1412 known Early Iron Age axes, 954 specimens were analysed in detail for this thesis: 680 associated finds and 274 single finds. The methodology was governed by two main objectives: firstly, to propose a reworked and more comprehensive typology of Early Iron Age cast copper-alloy and wrought iron socketed axes in conjunction with their metallurgy, distribution and deposition, and secondly, to discuss their place within Early Iron Age society and what part they may have played in the people’s life, work, trade and exchange, ritual and death. As a result, this thesis introduces, defines and discusses 12 new types of transitional and Early Iron Age socketed axes. While the transitional type can be dated to the Late Bronze Age-Early Iron Age transition (c. 850-750BC), the remaining 11 types can be dated to the fully developed Early Iron Age (800-600BC). The 11 types of bronze Early Iron Age socketed axes display a great variety of decoration, shape, size, weight and colour. While Late Bronze Age axes are plain or simply ribbed, almost all Early Iron Age socketed axes are decorated with ribs-and-pellets, ribs-and-circlets or a more elaborate version thereof. Some axe have a shiny silver surface colour (Portland, Blandford, East Rudham and Hindon types). More than three quarters of Early Iron Age socketed axes were found in association with other metalwork. These hoards can be divided into two main groups: axe hoards and mixed hoards.
The eight geographical regions outlined in this thesis are defined by different contexts, associations and the predominance of different Early Iron Age axe types, and in terms of depositional contexts this research suggests that the depositional contexts of Early Iron Age hoards containing socketed axes was different from the deposition of single finds: while hoards were often found in retrievable places, single finds were not. The survival of a large number of complete and almost undamaged bronze axes suggests that in the British Early Iron Age socketed axes were not just commonplace tools that were in use until they reached the end of their life. The changes in looks and shape, and consequently the adaption of a new and improved typology of socketed axes in the British Early Iron Age were accompanied by a change in conceptualisation and the overall meaning of socketed axes.
Even when used in a different context their basic, very recognisable socketed-axe-shape was always maintained, that is a wedge of different dimensions with a socket and a small side loop for suspension or possible attachment of other items of metalwork. Throughout British prehistory axes were one of the most familiar objects in daily use: as a tool, socketed axes were omnipresent and thus an established part of British Late Bronze Age life – a life that appeared to be foremost practical rather than ritual, with the majority of Late Bronze Age socketed axes showing clear signs of use and resharpening. In the Early Iron Age socketed axes adopted a previously unseen duality in function and meaning (that is materialistic and symbolic). Thus, while Late Bronze Age axe may have been regarded as common woodworking tool, types of Early Iron Age axes were understood as ingots, weapons, or objects needed for certain displays or performances, with their unique ornaments communicating their role in both display and society as well as perhaps their users regional identity and status.
Prehistoric and later societies’ perception of the past has received increasing attention over recent years. One practice that has received relatively little attention, however, is the association of already ‘old’ objects with later contexts, despite being noted across multiple eras (e.g. Bronze Age metalwork in Iron Age hoards or Roman artefacts in Anglo-Saxon graves). Interpretations for these items range from the discard of scrap to objects of veneration, though they may have been important tools for memorialising or, conversely, forgetting the past. Whilst some of these objects may have been heirlooms, others may have been uncovered during building or agricultural work perhaps impacting on their biography for those who redeposited them. Often the contexts in which they are deposited form significant locations in the landscape, which may in turn have their own histories and significance to past communities. Such objects thus hold interesting insights into conceptions of time and memory in the past. This session aims to bring together a range of case studies and theoretical approaches to better understand this practice across a longer temporal span.