Ice skates made of bones from over 500 years ago and Saxo-Norman pottery were among the finds of an archaeological dig where 150 homes are being built.
The survey off High Road in Weston had to be carried out as a planning condition for Persimmon being granted permission for the development.
The report states ‘most of the features on the site were Saxo-Norman post 11th to mid 12th century date’.
There’s evidence of domestic sites with a host of animal bones found.
Most of the pottery was what’s known as ‘Stamford Ware’.
‘A small number of glazed Stamford-produced shards are from vessels likely to have been for serving alcohol at the table’, the report states.
Two skates and a sledge runner made of bone were also found (pictured).
“The former would most likely have been used for recreational skating while the latter could have been used by wildfowlers to cross frozen water in search of birds, and are much rarer finds in England.
“Both types were usually made from horse or cattle foot bones. Their presence indicates the flooding and freezing of the site in winter.
“Frequent flooding was occurring as late as the late 16th century when it was a major problem for the Commissioners of Sewers in the Parts of Holland (written records).”
“The site contributed to knowledge of the agrarian landscape and food-producing economy of Saxo-Norman times, with evidence of both animal husbandry and arable farming.
The report continues: “Environmental soil samples indicate that barley was the main locally grown cereal, with smaller amounts of free-threshing wheat, rye, and oats also cultivated.”
