AOC Archaeology Group

AOC Archaeology have recently been commissioned to complete the analysis and publication work for a series of archaeological investigations at Leonard Street (18-30), London Borough of Islington on behalf of London Square. The site yielded an exciting and significant pottery and animal bone assemblage which will contribute to our understanding of the development of Elizabethan and Jacobean London north of Moorgate. 

Within a 16th century landscape, the site on Leonard Street was located on the marshy, marginal lands to the north of the City wall. The reclamation of the marsh lands during the 16th century lead to the increase of settlement within an area which had traditionally been rural and agricultural. Reminiscent of this is the proximity of the site to the kennels of the Lord Mayor’s huntsman which were relocated from Moorgate to a spot close to the corner of Leonard Street and City Road in 1570. The City huntsman was part of the Lord Mayor’s household who hunted boar and wild bull in the woods and copses north of London.

 

The excavation provides insight into the low grade industries which sprung up in this area during this period, such as quarrying and tenter grounds associated with the cloth industries. Within the site large quarry pits were recorded; the backfill of which have provided significant ceramic and faunal data. 

A well-preserved and large animal bone assemblage was recovered during the excavation, dominated by dog bones. Analysis of the dog bones suggest that the assemblage include the remains of a closely bred pack of small harrier-type dogs typically used to hunt game such as rabbits and hares.  Additionally, there were also the remains of a large hound possibly a ‘gaze’ hound similar to the modern day greyhound or perhaps comparable to the otter hound that is referred to in historical sources. The publication aims to investigate the recovery of these dog carcasses, and their relationship to the nearby City huntsman’s kennels. 

 

The ceramic assemblage includes domestic, industrial and imported fine wares that have considerable potential for further study, both in relation to the ceramic supply and usage in London in the late 16th to early 17th century and the status of the local population. Individual items of intrinsic interest, such as a Siegburg stoneware Schnelle and a border ware Schweinetopf have also been recovered in addition to an 18th century Liverpool porcelain saucer. 

The analysis will be completed by the summer of 2012, with publication aimed for the Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society.