Bringing in the detectorists (Milton, week 11)

The last week has been a little quieter at Milton, although there have still been some great discoveries to bolster our understanding of the site and the types of activities that took place here.

We have continued to unearth evidence of dairying activities. The recovery of multiple fragmentary pieces of whey strainers from the northeastern extent of the site strengthens our understanding of the importance placed on dairy production in this agricultural landscape. Coupled with the abundant presence of cattle bone—among others—it confirms our thinking that the site was likely a bustling hub of dairying and meat production, underlining the economic and agricultural practices here within the local industries.

In addition to the continuing excavation efforts, we also conducted an extensive metal detecting survey focused specifically on identifying concentrations of iron objects across the landscape. This survey aimed to locate areas where iron materials were prevalent, indicating potential sites of construction activity. While the presence of iron alone does not always signify construction, our survey yielded a wealth of nails which were likely used in the construction of various buildings and structures—securing timber frames, fastening roof tiles, and attaching wooden planks for flooring and walls.

Another intriguing find was a small knife discovered within one of the enclosures. While its size suggests it may not have been intended for butchery purposes, it will hopefully provide valuable insight into the production and craftsmanship of knives of this era.

Roman knives were typically forged from iron, with blades varying in size and shape depending on their specific functions. The blades were carefully shaped and sharpened, often exhibiting a tapering form for precise cutting, and slicing. Handles were crafted from a variety of materials, including bone, antler, and even precious metals. We can’t wait to see what ours reveals once it’s been cleaned up.

As we forge ahead with our excavations and survey work, each discovery adds another layer to the unfolding narrative of the Milton site. Don’t forget to check in next week for more of the story!

As always, follow our progress on the site by following us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.

Previous update (week 10).

Next update (week 12).

See the main project page here.