Shell tempered ware

Two of the fragments I dug up last week were shell tempered ware. The potter had crushed shells into the clay which produces a stronger pot after firing. This temper provides archaeologists with a great way of differentiating between pottery styles.

In acidic soils lime tempers are washed out of the clay leaving honeycomb holes. However, from the Wraysbury site, the potsherds are coming up with the white flecks of shell still in situ.

Nothing but bone

Two hours produced nothing but 2 bits of bird bone. Very dull.

However the following week I recovered some pottery sherds. I will wash and photograph them and upload them later in the week.

A bit of background

Old Windsor was home to Saxon kings of England, and I have joined a dig close to Runnymede Island which has been excavated by the Windsor and Wraysbury Archaeological Group for many years now.

Where are the Saxons?

My particular Saxons are buried near Windsor, Berkshire