Don P O'Meara
Historic England, Research Group, Department Member
- Durham University, Anthropology and Archaeology, Graduate Studentadd
- I am an environmental archaeologist based in Northern England. My main area of interest is in the field of urban medi... moreI am an environmental archaeologist based in Northern England. My main area of interest is in the field of urban medieval archaeobotany; in particular the problems of cesspit taphonomy, as well as the cultural study of sanitation and the urban environment.
I completed my BA and MA at University College Cork and am currently finishing a part-time MRes in Durham University.edit
This paper presents the results of a large scale sieving program that was undertaken as part of the excavation of a 19th-century crypt in Villiers Street, Sunderland, in northeast England. The paper discusses the role of sampling... more
This paper presents the results of a large scale sieving program that was undertaken as part of the excavation of a 19th-century crypt in Villiers Street, Sunderland, in northeast England. The paper discusses the role of sampling strategies within the collection of osteoarchaeological remains and how they compare with other fields, namely archaeobotany and archaeozoology. The results from the sieving program at Villiers Street are then presented, particularly the discussion of the numbers and types of bones most often collected in the sieve. It is argued that in the excavation and recovery of human bone a detailed knowledge of the human skeleton is essential to good excavation practice. It is also argued that further contributions of this nature from researchers in other geographical regions, and those working on material from other archaeological periods would bolster the osteoarchaeological community by providing empirical evidence for conducting sieving programs as an essential part of the collection of human remains, and not as an added luxury, or as something restricted to the those working in a ‘research’ environment.
Research Interests:
Magnetometry surveys at the early ecclesiastical centres of Clonca and Carrowmore on the Inishowen peninsula of Co Donegal have shown new evidence of double-circle precincts. A set of calibrated radiocarbon dates within the range 6th–12th... more
Magnetometry surveys at the early ecclesiastical centres of Clonca and Carrowmore on the Inishowen peninsula of Co Donegal have shown new evidence of double-circle precincts. A set of calibrated radiocarbon dates within the range 6th–12th centuries from excavation of the precinct boundary ditches at Carrowmore confirms occupation in the early medieval era. The field evidence for early ecclesiastical enclosures throughout the peninsula is reviewed. The landscape context of the two case studies is evaluated through magnetometry survey of Gorey ringfort and the hillfort of Crockaughrim as part of a field appraisal of their hinterland and of the territorial unit of Magh Tóchuir.
Research Interests:
This article presents the results of two archaeological investigations undertaken on land at Scotby Road, Durranhill, Carlisle, which revealed signifi cant evidence of occupation during the late Neolithic and Romano-British periods, as... more
This article presents the results of two archaeological investigations undertaken on land at Scotby Road, Durranhill, Carlisle, which revealed signifi cant evidence of occupation during the late Neolithic and Romano-British periods, as well as limited evidence for activity during the middle Neolithic, Bronze Age and possibly Iron Age.
Research Interests:
This paper presents the results of an archaeological investigation undertaken by Wardell Armstrong Archaeology on land at Low Crosby, near Carlisle, Cumbria. The work has revealed evidence for medieval activity, utilising small-scale... more
This paper presents the results of an archaeological investigation undertaken by Wardell Armstrong Archaeology on land at Low Crosby, near Carlisle, Cumbria. The work
has revealed evidence for medieval activity, utilising small-scale farming practices. The limited evidence revealed suggests that the activity may relate to a farmstead, possibly on the periphery of a larger settlement. Whilst rural settlements are relatively well recorded within the region for this period, very few have produced evidence for associated agricultural practices. Of particular significance was the discovery of a probable corn-drying kiln of medieval date. Whilst other well-preserved corn-drying kilns have been excavated from around the country, very few comparable examples are known from
Cumbria and the typological development, construction and use of such features remain poorly understood. In these respects, the site at Low Crosby is a regionally significant
discovery. The investigation also highlighted a recurring problem with the dating of archaeological sites as most of the activity was initially assigned to the Romano-British
period based upon the retrieval of a modest assemblage of Roman pottery from several features. This date, however, was in direct conflict with the environmental evidence and radiocarbon dating, highlighting the dangers of solely using artefactual evidence as a dating indicator.
has revealed evidence for medieval activity, utilising small-scale farming practices. The limited evidence revealed suggests that the activity may relate to a farmstead, possibly on the periphery of a larger settlement. Whilst rural settlements are relatively well recorded within the region for this period, very few have produced evidence for associated agricultural practices. Of particular significance was the discovery of a probable corn-drying kiln of medieval date. Whilst other well-preserved corn-drying kilns have been excavated from around the country, very few comparable examples are known from
Cumbria and the typological development, construction and use of such features remain poorly understood. In these respects, the site at Low Crosby is a regionally significant
discovery. The investigation also highlighted a recurring problem with the dating of archaeological sites as most of the activity was initially assigned to the Romano-British
period based upon the retrieval of a modest assemblage of Roman pottery from several features. This date, however, was in direct conflict with the environmental evidence and radiocarbon dating, highlighting the dangers of solely using artefactual evidence as a dating indicator.
Research Interests:
This paper presents the results of an archaeological investigation undertaken by Wardell Armstrong Archaeology at Peter Gate, Cumwhinton, near Carlisle, Cumbria. The work has revealed significant evidence for pottery manufacture on, or... more
This paper presents the results of an archaeological investigation undertaken by Wardell Armstrong Archaeology at Peter Gate, Cumwhinton, near Carlisle, Cumbria. The work has revealed significant evidence for pottery manufacture on, or very close to, the site which appears to have been established during the late twelfth century. This is significant as almost no other production sites are known in north Cumbria, especially outside the urban centre of Carlisle and the medieval ceramic traditions as a whole within the rural hinterlands of Carlisle remain poorly understood. One of the other significant outcomes of the excavation was the discovery of a substantial post-medieval corn-drying kiln.
Environmental analysis has revealed evidence for medieval and post-medieval cropping activity, corn-field weed ecology and construction methods associated with the corn-drying kiln, as well as the final function of the kiln, which was used for milling rather than threshing or brewing.
Environmental analysis has revealed evidence for medieval and post-medieval cropping activity, corn-field weed ecology and construction methods associated with the corn-drying kiln, as well as the final function of the kiln, which was used for milling rather than threshing or brewing.
Research Interests:
A previous programme of archaeological assessment and evaluation at this site had revealed the presence of a Roman enclosure and possible Bronze Age activity. Nearly eighty similar enclosures have been detected as cropmarks on aerial... more
A previous programme of archaeological assessment and evaluation at this site had revealed the presence of a Roman enclosure and possible Bronze Age activity. Nearly eighty similar enclosures have been detected as cropmarks on aerial photographs within Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and West Lancashire, but very little archaeological investigation has so far taken place. Further excavation of the Southworth site was undertaken in 2013 in advance of proposed quarrying and landfill operations. This covered an open area measuring c 0.5ha, targeted over what remained of the enclosure, which was confirmed to be a rural settlement of second century AD date. Other plough-truncated features were recorded within and beyond the enclosure. The features outside the site may be medieval, but there was no evidence of prehistoric activity. The project has highlighted the destructive nature of agriculture at the Southworth site, with implications for the future management of similar sites across the region.
Research Interests:
This session aims to explore how food choice and alimentary practices in Europe changed through time, but also how these changes may be linked to culture, technological innovations, shifting borders and the rise and fall of civilizations.... more
This session aims to explore how food choice and alimentary practices in Europe changed through time, but also how these changes may be linked to culture, technological innovations, shifting borders and the rise and fall of civilizations. The session organizers encourage researchers who have successfully studied different cultures or periods, passing existing cultural or political borders (e.g. including material from two or more different cultures or European countries) or comparing rural environments to towns to submit a proposal, as well as those researchers who have encountered difficulties when trying to operate projects which cross cultural or political boundaries.
Possible research topics to address:
- What food types are ‘invisible’ in the environmental record, and what can we do to address this?
- Dictated changes in crop cultivation in regions under foreign occupation
- The effect of famine on the choices of crop cultivation
- Reconstructed food distribution routes
- Trends in food and medicine
- The assimilation of “new” or “exotic” foods in periods with large migrations
- Town and rural hinterland relationships
- The influence of the “culinary revolution”, the import of overseas products in the 17th and 18th century, on the European city diet.
- The industrial revolution and its impact on the nature of food production.
Practical information:
The organization welcomes papers in English. Candidates are invited to submit a title and abstract of 300 words maximum before February 15th 2016. The abstract, accompanied by the affiliation and address data of the candidate, can be uploaded via the registration system for papers/posters at the conference website: http://eaavilnius2016.lt/.
Candidates will be informed regarding the acceptance of their proposals by the 15th of March.
Session organizers:
Dr. Julian Wiethold, Institute national de recherches archéologiques preventives (Inrap), Direction interrégionale Grand Est nord, Laboratoire archéobotaniques, 12, rue de Méric, F-57063 Metz cedex 2,
julian.wiethold@inrap.fr
Merit Hondelink, MA, Archeodienst Noord bv, Osloweg 95, 9723 BK Groningen
mmahondelink@gmail.com
Don O’Meara, Durham University, Dawson Building, Department of Archaeology, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE
donomeara@gmail.com
Possible research topics to address:
- What food types are ‘invisible’ in the environmental record, and what can we do to address this?
- Dictated changes in crop cultivation in regions under foreign occupation
- The effect of famine on the choices of crop cultivation
- Reconstructed food distribution routes
- Trends in food and medicine
- The assimilation of “new” or “exotic” foods in periods with large migrations
- Town and rural hinterland relationships
- The influence of the “culinary revolution”, the import of overseas products in the 17th and 18th century, on the European city diet.
- The industrial revolution and its impact on the nature of food production.
Practical information:
The organization welcomes papers in English. Candidates are invited to submit a title and abstract of 300 words maximum before February 15th 2016. The abstract, accompanied by the affiliation and address data of the candidate, can be uploaded via the registration system for papers/posters at the conference website: http://eaavilnius2016.lt/.
Candidates will be informed regarding the acceptance of their proposals by the 15th of March.
Session organizers:
Dr. Julian Wiethold, Institute national de recherches archéologiques preventives (Inrap), Direction interrégionale Grand Est nord, Laboratoire archéobotaniques, 12, rue de Méric, F-57063 Metz cedex 2,
julian.wiethold@inrap.fr
Merit Hondelink, MA, Archeodienst Noord bv, Osloweg 95, 9723 BK Groningen
mmahondelink@gmail.com
Don O’Meara, Durham University, Dawson Building, Department of Archaeology, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE
donomeara@gmail.com
Research Interests:
This paper presents the results of an archaeological investigation undertaken by Wardell Armstrong Archaeology on land at Low Crosby, near Carlisle, Cumbria. The work has revealed evidence for medieval activity, utilising small-scale... more
This paper presents the results of an archaeological investigation undertaken by Wardell Armstrong Archaeology on land at Low Crosby, near Carlisle, Cumbria. The work has revealed evidence for medieval activity, utilising small-scale farming practices. The limited evidence revealed suggests that the activity may relate to a farmstead, possibly on the periphery of a larger settlement. Whilst rural settlements are relatively well recorded within the region for this period, very few have produced evidence for associated agricultural practices. Of particular significance was the discovery of a probable corndrying kiln of medieval date. Whilst other well-preserved corn-drying kilns have been excavated from around the country, very few comparable examples are known from
Cumbria and the typological development, construction and use of such features remain poorly understood. In these respects, the site at Low Crosby is a regionally significant
discovery. The investigation also highlighted a recurring problem with the dating of archaeological sites as most of the activity was initially assigned to the Romano-British
period based upon the retrieval of a modest assemblage of Roman pottery from several features. This date, however, was in direct conflict with the environmental evidence and
radiocarbon dating, highlighting the dangers of solely using artefactual evidence as a dating indicator.
Cumbria and the typological development, construction and use of such features remain poorly understood. In these respects, the site at Low Crosby is a regionally significant
discovery. The investigation also highlighted a recurring problem with the dating of archaeological sites as most of the activity was initially assigned to the Romano-British
period based upon the retrieval of a modest assemblage of Roman pottery from several features. This date, however, was in direct conflict with the environmental evidence and
radiocarbon dating, highlighting the dangers of solely using artefactual evidence as a dating indicator.
Research Interests:
A report on the environmental remains (charred macroplant and charcoal) from a corn-dryer. The site is located in Cumwhinton, near Carlisle, Cumbria, Northwest England. The report also includes details on the excavation by David Jackson,... more
A report on the environmental remains (charred macroplant and charcoal) from a corn-dryer. The site is located in Cumwhinton, near Carlisle, Cumbria, Northwest England. The report also includes details on the excavation by David Jackson, as well as specialist reports from other contributors.
Research Interests:
A study of the environmental remains (charred archaeobotancial material) from the Romano-British enclosure at Southworth Quarry, Winwick Cheshire, 2013 excavated by Ben Moore. Includes reports on the excavation, as well as specialist... more
A study of the environmental remains (charred archaeobotancial material) from the Romano-British enclosure at Southworth Quarry, Winwick Cheshire, 2013 excavated by Ben Moore. Includes reports on the excavation, as well as specialist reports by various authors.
Research Interests:
Only a small part of what once existed was buried in the ground; only a small part of what was buried has escaped the destroying hand of time (Montelius 1888) From an early stage in the development of the archaeological discipline... more
Only a small part of what once existed was buried in the ground; only a small part of what was buried has escaped the destroying hand of time (Montelius 1888)
From an early stage in the development of the archaeological discipline there was an appreciation that the remains of the past are an incomplete record, as the quote from Montelius demonstrates. Almost a century after Montelius was writing David Clark presented his view of archaeological preservation, though in even less positive tones; “Archaeology is the discipline with the theory and practice for the recovery
of unobservable hominid behaviour patterns from indirect traces in bad samples” (Clarke 1973, 17). However, as archaeologists were appreciating the problems of the taphonomic process they were also developing models to recognise that identifying and understanding these processes could provide useful information. This information was pertinent to the understanding of the past, or for finding the
bias in the record that might lead to misunderstandings about past processes. This was exemplified from the 1970s onwards through a greater focus on natural and cultural formation processes in the archaeological record (Schiffer 1987). From an
experimental archaeology perspective the destruction of dwellings is perhaps one of the better-known (and more visually dramatic) of the taphonomic experiments. This can include deliberately burnt structures (Waldhauser 2008), or those burnt accidently which are still valuable for archaeological purposes (Flamman 2004; Tipper 2012). The topic of this paper is to discuss the contribution of experiments
in digestive taphonomy to the understanding of archaeological formation processes.
Experiments of this nature may be regarded as amongst the very earliest conducted for understanding archaeological issues and have been central to a number of important archaeological debates. They are also strongly multidisciplinary with major contributions from the fields of palaeontology and ecology.
From an early stage in the development of the archaeological discipline there was an appreciation that the remains of the past are an incomplete record, as the quote from Montelius demonstrates. Almost a century after Montelius was writing David Clark presented his view of archaeological preservation, though in even less positive tones; “Archaeology is the discipline with the theory and practice for the recovery
of unobservable hominid behaviour patterns from indirect traces in bad samples” (Clarke 1973, 17). However, as archaeologists were appreciating the problems of the taphonomic process they were also developing models to recognise that identifying and understanding these processes could provide useful information. This information was pertinent to the understanding of the past, or for finding the
bias in the record that might lead to misunderstandings about past processes. This was exemplified from the 1970s onwards through a greater focus on natural and cultural formation processes in the archaeological record (Schiffer 1987). From an
experimental archaeology perspective the destruction of dwellings is perhaps one of the better-known (and more visually dramatic) of the taphonomic experiments. This can include deliberately burnt structures (Waldhauser 2008), or those burnt accidently which are still valuable for archaeological purposes (Flamman 2004; Tipper 2012). The topic of this paper is to discuss the contribution of experiments
in digestive taphonomy to the understanding of archaeological formation processes.
Experiments of this nature may be regarded as amongst the very earliest conducted for understanding archaeological issues and have been central to a number of important archaeological debates. They are also strongly multidisciplinary with major contributions from the fields of palaeontology and ecology.
Research Interests:
The theme ‘subsistence and surplus’ is very apt when discussing the topic of Medieval Christian monasticism. The institutions that followed the rule of Saint Benedict, such as the Cistercians, celebrated material poverty while... more
The theme ‘subsistence and surplus’ is very apt when discussing the topic of Medieval Christian monasticism. The institutions that followed the rule of Saint Benedict, such as the Cistercians, celebrated material poverty while simultaneously
amassing fortunes through regional and international trade; a paradox briefly explored by Weber (2009) in his assessment of pre-Reformation proto-capitalism (Silber 1993). However, examining this theme through studies of archaeological
remains from monastic sites challenges the discipline of environmental archaeology to recover and identify material suitable to investigate this topic. Though monastic
sites have been a consistent focus for antiquarian and archaeological interest there has not been a consistent contribution to our understanding of the phenomenon
of Medieval monasticism from the discipline of environmental archaeology. The Cistercian monastery of Holme Cultram, in Cumbria, Northwest England is used here as a case study to discuss issues relating to the application of environmental
archaeology at monastic sites. Through an examination of various strands of environmental evidence from both archaeological and documentary sources it is hoped to show that the theme ‘subsistence and surplus’ is not merely another
interesting avenue of research, but rather a central means of examining monasticism as a phenomenon of Medieval society and economy.
amassing fortunes through regional and international trade; a paradox briefly explored by Weber (2009) in his assessment of pre-Reformation proto-capitalism (Silber 1993). However, examining this theme through studies of archaeological
remains from monastic sites challenges the discipline of environmental archaeology to recover and identify material suitable to investigate this topic. Though monastic
sites have been a consistent focus for antiquarian and archaeological interest there has not been a consistent contribution to our understanding of the phenomenon
of Medieval monasticism from the discipline of environmental archaeology. The Cistercian monastery of Holme Cultram, in Cumbria, Northwest England is used here as a case study to discuss issues relating to the application of environmental
archaeology at monastic sites. Through an examination of various strands of environmental evidence from both archaeological and documentary sources it is hoped to show that the theme ‘subsistence and surplus’ is not merely another
interesting avenue of research, but rather a central means of examining monasticism as a phenomenon of Medieval society and economy.
Research Interests:
A review of the three volume 'The Cambridge World Prehistory' 2012, edited by Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn.