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USADIC ( 1d DIE LY, WLUS 45 }. The radiocarbon dates were obtained using facilities at Glasgow University (11 dates), East Kilbride (six dates) and Harwell (two dates). The material used for these assays was charcoal in all but one case, occasionally with the addition of carbonized hazelnuts, and in one case the sample consisted of hazelnuts alone. Bone was not used as the slightly acidic soil (average pH value 6.1) had destroyed all but cremated bone, and samples of the latter proved to have insufficient collagen for radiocarbon assay. The sequence available gives twelve dates (eleven usable) from pits, four (three usable) from the timber perimeter, two from the linear cremation cemetery, a and a single date for he K21 sepulchral complex. rd «© 8% gq je» g fw... a a, [a a | ee, i. re a ar a ee ee . 1

Table 18 USADIC ( 1d DIE LY, WLUS 45 }. The radiocarbon dates were obtained using facilities at Glasgow University (11 dates), East Kilbride (six dates) and Harwell (two dates). The material used for these assays was charcoal in all but one case, occasionally with the addition of carbonized hazelnuts, and in one case the sample consisted of hazelnuts alone. Bone was not used as the slightly acidic soil (average pH value 6.1) had destroyed all but cremated bone, and samples of the latter proved to have insufficient collagen for radiocarbon assay. The sequence available gives twelve dates (eleven usable) from pits, four (three usable) from the timber perimeter, two from the linear cremation cemetery, a and a single date for he K21 sepulchral complex. rd «© 8% gq je» g fw... a a, [a a | ee, i. re a ar a ee ee . 1

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Lus2 Aerial view of Meldon Bridge (/977/PB1605 — Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland © Crown copyright)
Lus2 Aerial view of Meldon Bridge (/977/PB1605 — Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland © Crown copyright)
ItLus 3 Excavated areas, 1974-7
ItLus 3 Excavated areas, 1974-7
Pits containing Neolithic material occurred sporadically over the whole site, normally in cluster: of three or more pits or, more rarely, as solitary features. None was found in the relatively smal areas excavated outside the arc of the timber perimeter. A series of 11 radiocarbon dates range: from 3800—3050.cal-Bc from N45 (GU-1057) to 2900-2300 cal Bc from B06 (SRR-645). Thi suggests that the earliest of the pits was in use at least several centuries before the timber perimete: was erected, but that the latest pits may not be much earlier than its construction. There were als numerous pits, both inside and outside the perimeter, which gave no clue as to their function anc yielded no finds. It is likely that some of these, at least, are not of prehistoric date. However Ballin (below) suggests that a concentration of chipped stone in Area G may represent a centre 0 primary lithic production for an early/middle Neolithic settlement, with associated activity area all over the plateau. wi ee a e iz ee - a oe umes ae a pee sem ae ym
Pits containing Neolithic material occurred sporadically over the whole site, normally in cluster: of three or more pits or, more rarely, as solitary features. None was found in the relatively smal areas excavated outside the arc of the timber perimeter. A series of 11 radiocarbon dates range: from 3800—3050.cal-Bc from N45 (GU-1057) to 2900-2300 cal Bc from B06 (SRR-645). Thi suggests that the earliest of the pits was in use at least several centuries before the timber perimete: was erected, but that the latest pits may not be much earlier than its construction. There were als numerous pits, both inside and outside the perimeter, which gave no clue as to their function anc yielded no finds. It is likely that some of these, at least, are not of prehistoric date. However Ballin (below) suggests that a concentration of chipped stone in Area G may represent a centre 0 primary lithic production for an early/middle Neolithic settlement, with associated activity area all over the plateau. wi ee a e iz ee - a oe umes ae a pee sem ae ym
ILLus9 Plan of excavated features in Area E
ILLus9 Plan of excavated features in Area E
ItLus 10 Palisade pits of the north-west perimeter
ItLus 10 Palisade pits of the north-west perimeter
It_us 13 Perimeter post-pit E04 and interval post-pits
It_us 13 Perimeter post-pit E04 and interval post-pits
ItLus 14 Excavated features in Area K
ItLus 14 Excavated features in Area K
desecration of the burial. The vessel itself is thin-walled and probably derives from the Food Vessel tradition (Johnson, below) but as no shoulder or rim fragments survived, its reconstruction can only be conjecture. In all, 67 small sherds were recovered. The decoration is finely executed with incised lines, those near the (presumed) rim defining a series of alternately reserved or infilled triangles below two raised ribs with opposed diagonal slashes. Lower down on the body, lozenges defined by fine incision are again either reserved or infilled with diagonal lines above a series of horizontal grooves. The sherds lay intermingled with scraps of cremated bone in a lateral spread c 1 m in diameter, representing an individual over 13 years of age, of unknown sex. Other than the cist there were no other features in the area that might have held these remains and it is proposed, therefore, that this individual was interred in the cist along with the flint knife, jet pendant or necklace, and Food Vessel.
desecration of the burial. The vessel itself is thin-walled and probably derives from the Food Vessel tradition (Johnson, below) but as no shoulder or rim fragments survived, its reconstruction can only be conjecture. In all, 67 small sherds were recovered. The decoration is finely executed with incised lines, those near the (presumed) rim defining a series of alternately reserved or infilled triangles below two raised ribs with opposed diagonal slashes. Lower down on the body, lozenges defined by fine incision are again either reserved or infilled with diagonal lines above a series of horizontal grooves. The sherds lay intermingled with scraps of cremated bone in a lateral spread c 1 m in diameter, representing an individual over 13 years of age, of unknown sex. Other than the cist there were no other features in the area that might have held these remains and it is proposed, therefore, that this individual was interred in the cist along with the flint knife, jet pendant or necklace, and Food Vessel.
Titus 20 Excavated features in Areas F and S
Titus 20 Excavated features in Areas F and S
rows the pits were set 1.0-1.5 m apart. In the longer, northern row, the largest pit was F10, at 0.95 m in diameter and 0.46 m deep; F15 was the smallest, at 0.28 m in diameter and only 0.08 m deep. In the subsidiary row to the south, F06 was the largest pit, at 0.7 m in diameter and 0.36 m deep; F30 was the smallest, at 0.12 m in diameter and a mere 0.05 m deep. This subsidiary row had a slightly tighter curve than did its northern partner. It is clear that each pit at one time held a post and, despite the loss of the uppermost levels, some retained their packing-stones and post-impressions. Others, however, remain only as shallow basins and give no positive clue as to their purpose other than their positions. However, the clear evidence of posts in many of the pits suggests that they did all once contain timbers.
rows the pits were set 1.0-1.5 m apart. In the longer, northern row, the largest pit was F10, at 0.95 m in diameter and 0.46 m deep; F15 was the smallest, at 0.28 m in diameter and only 0.08 m deep. In the subsidiary row to the south, F06 was the largest pit, at 0.7 m in diameter and 0.36 m deep; F30 was the smallest, at 0.12 m in diameter and a mere 0.05 m deep. This subsidiary row had a slightly tighter curve than did its northern partner. It is clear that each pit at one time held a post and, despite the loss of the uppermost levels, some retained their packing-stones and post-impressions. Others, however, remain only as shallow basins and give no positive clue as to their purpose other than their positions. However, the clear evidence of posts in many of the pits suggests that they did all once contain timbers.
ILLus 22 Sections through pits of the linear cremation cemetery, northern arc
ILLus 22 Sections through pits of the linear cremation cemetery, northern arc
plough. The inverted vessel was in poor condition. In all, 144 sherds were recovered, surrounding the cremated remains of a young adult at least 14 years old.
plough. The inverted vessel was in poor condition. In all, 144 sherds were recovered, surrounding the cremated remains of a young adult at least 14 years old.
Circular building (illus 28 & 29) Only one possible building was located, a circular timber structure c 9 m in diameter, located 30 m south of the A72. Only half of this lay within the excavated area, represented by six post-holes set 2.5 m apart (H20 etc), with a further post-hole in the dead centre (H23). There were no clear signs of an entrance and this may have been in the unexcavated western sector. None of the post-holes exceeded 0.45 m in width or 0.2 m in depth, and these were clearly the remnants of much larger features. Four of the perimeter post-holes contained post-pipes, indicating timbers 0.15—0.2 m in diameter. No dating evidence was forthcoming from this structure. Circular buildings do not seem to be happily accommodated. within sites of late Neolithic date in Scotland, except as settings of freestanding posts, such as found at Machrie Moor, on Arran (Haggarty 1991).
Circular building (illus 28 & 29) Only one possible building was located, a circular timber structure c 9 m in diameter, located 30 m south of the A72. Only half of this lay within the excavated area, represented by six post-holes set 2.5 m apart (H20 etc), with a further post-hole in the dead centre (H23). There were no clear signs of an entrance and this may have been in the unexcavated western sector. None of the post-holes exceeded 0.45 m in width or 0.2 m in depth, and these were clearly the remnants of much larger features. Four of the perimeter post-holes contained post-pipes, indicating timbers 0.15—0.2 m in diameter. No dating evidence was forthcoming from this structure. Circular buildings do not seem to be happily accommodated. within sites of late Neolithic date in Scotland, except as settings of freestanding posts, such as found at Machrie Moor, on Arran (Haggarty 1991).
ILLus 28 Excavated features in Areas G & H
ILLus 28 Excavated features in Areas G & H
Stake-hole row (not illus) Also in this area, south of the A72, and running along the edge of the scarp slope leading down to the Lyne Water, lay a series of six stake- or post-holes, which may represent a fence or stockade line of unknown date.
Stake-hole row (not illus) Also in this area, south of the A72, and running along the edge of the scarp slope leading down to the Lyne Water, lay a series of six stake- or post-holes, which may represent a fence or stockade line of unknown date.
ItLus 30 Excavated features in Areas P & N
ItLus 30 Excavated features in Areas P & N
Pot No
Pot No
Rows of narrow twisted cord impressions; Largest sherd has a widely spaced incised lattice over the top of the cord, 9 sherds also have incised lines over the top of the cord. Orange throughout. Soft and crumbly, thick and coarse, in poor condition, abraded. Surfaces cracking, some wipe marks visible. Many large grits, some protruding through the surfaces. Some sooting on interior.
Rows of narrow twisted cord impressions; Largest sherd has a widely spaced incised lattice over the top of the cord, 9 sherds also have incised lines over the top of the cord. Orange throughout. Soft and crumbly, thick and coarse, in poor condition, abraded. Surfaces cracking, some wipe marks visible. Many large grits, some protruding through the surfaces. Some sooting on interior.
ItLus 39 Prehistoric pottery, nos 57-64
ItLus 39 Prehistoric pottery, nos 57-64
WIDER CONTEXT OF THE PREHISTORIC POTTERY The probable cultural affinities of the earlier pottery assemblage from Meldon Bridge were discussed in Burgess’s interim paper on the site published in 1976 and again in his volume on the later Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of Britain, The Age of Stonehenge (1980). Many of the theories about the pottery put forward in these two sources still hold. The following discussion updates Burgess’s work on the pottery in light of assemblages published over the past 20 years.
WIDER CONTEXT OF THE PREHISTORIC POTTERY The probable cultural affinities of the earlier pottery assemblage from Meldon Bridge were discussed in Burgess’s interim paper on the site published in 1976 and again in his volume on the later Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of Britain, The Age of Stonehenge (1980). Many of the theories about the pottery put forward in these two sources still hold. The following discussion updates Burgess’s work on the pottery in light of assemblages published over the past 20 years.
ILLus 44 Objects associated with Cist P12: jet pendant, flint knife and possible Food Vessel (Pot 70)
ILLus 44 Objects associated with Cist P12: jet pendant, flint knife and possible Food Vessel (Pot 70)
crushed ends; one is in agate. The three irregular cores (defined as being worked from three or more directions, with or without trimming of the platform-edge) are particularly small (av. 22mm by 17mm by 13 mm) and are characterized by having been knapped from various directions. The retouch of the core roughout may represent an attempt at producing a crest before initiating the reduction process.
crushed ends; one is in agate. The three irregular cores (defined as being worked from three or more directions, with or without trimming of the platform-edge) are particularly small (av. 22mm by 17mm by 13 mm) and are characterized by having been knapped from various directions. The retouch of the core roughout may represent an attempt at producing a crest before initiating the reduction process.
its tip and part of the basis have broken off (the piece resembles an arrowhead from Culbin Sands, Morayshire: Stevenson 1948, 181). The barbed-and-tanged arrowhead (24 mm by 15 mm by 5 mm) has a tang as long as the blade, rudimentary barbs, and full invasive retouch; it belongs to Green’s type Sutton A (Green 1980, 122).
its tip and part of the basis have broken off (the piece resembles an arrowhead from Culbin Sands, Morayshire: Stevenson 1948, 181). The barbed-and-tanged arrowhead (24 mm by 15 mm by 5 mm) has a tang as long as the blade, rudimentary barbs, and full invasive retouch; it belongs to Green’s type Sutton A (Green 1980, 122).
Tree species present in individual features TABLE 9 The frequent occurrence of birch charcoal indicates that the local oak forest had already been cleared, for normally in Scotland birch is the first tree to spread by seed into newly cleared areas. Of some interest is the possible presence of ash amongst the early pits. This tree demands light for regeneration and would appear when the original oak forest had been severely thinned or removed.
Tree species present in individual features TABLE 9 The frequent occurrence of birch charcoal indicates that the local oak forest had already been cleared, for normally in Scotland birch is the first tree to spread by seed into newly cleared areas. Of some interest is the possible presence of ash amongst the early pits. This tree demands light for regeneration and would appear when the original oak forest had been severely thinned or removed.
The dates from basal charcoal within the perimeter post-pits give a range of 3100-2600 (Har-796) and 2600-1900 (GU-1048). The latter date was recorded on the radiocarbon submission sheets as coming from the packing of perimeter post L13 and it suggests that the perimeter was built near the end of or more probably after the pit-digging episode. The discussion of the decay rate of the timbers of the perimeter (above) concluded that once it was erected it was not replaced, except perhaps for occasional individual elements, and that it decayed more or less within a century or within, say, four Neolithic generations.
The dates from basal charcoal within the perimeter post-pits give a range of 3100-2600 (Har-796) and 2600-1900 (GU-1048). The latter date was recorded on the radiocarbon submission sheets as coming from the packing of perimeter post L13 and it suggests that the perimeter was built near the end of or more probably after the pit-digging episode. The discussion of the decay rate of the timbers of the perimeter (above) concluded that once it was erected it was not replaced, except perhaps for occasional individual elements, and that it decayed more or less within a century or within, say, four Neolithic generations.
IrLus49 Meldon Bridge with two parallels: Forteviot, Perthshire (above), and Walton, Powys
IrLus49 Meldon Bridge with two parallels: Forteviot, Perthshire (above), and Walton, Powys
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