| Martin's Hundred Site B | ![]() |
Found on a narrow flat terrace with steep ravines located to the east, west, and south, Site B has never been disturbed by agricultural activity. Located just east of Site A, this peninsula is currently covered by mixed mature hardwoods. The site was identified during the excavation of Site A, and originally thought to have been the manufacturing site responsible for the kiln related material found on Site A (Noël Hume 1991). Excavated in 1977, Site B consisted of a single two-bay earthfast dwelling (37' by 19') that contained a fireplace on the southern end. Other features uncovered included a possible shed, two pits, a meandering ditch, and an infant burial found next to the dwelling. No fences, wells, or defensive measures were found, nor were there any signs that the buildings had burned (Noel Hume 1991). Though the structure of the site was very simple, the artifacts suggest a very affluent household. Table knives encrusted with silver, one inlaid with gold, a gilded spur, and a basket hilt to a broad or back sword, and copper and gold threads, all of which suggest wealth was present. Body armor recovered included chain mail, part of a brigantine, and a couter, the elbow section of a suit of armor (Noel Hume 1991). Items of a more domestic nature included scissors, two small brass boxes, case bottle glass, and ceramics, 85% of which were locally made. No kiln was found, but pottery wasters were present suggesting ceramics had been fired on the site. Ceramics recovered from this site suggests it was occupied between ca 1625 and ca 1640 (Noel Hume 1991). One locally made waster was marked with the date of 1631, confirming the site's existence by this time. The absence of wine bottle glass clearly indicates the site was abandoned prior to 1650. | |
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