Monument record MDO28517 - Late Saxon oyster shell midden, Hamworthy, Poole

An extensive oyster shell midden radiocarbon dated to the 10th-12th century AD has been discovered on the northern side of the Hamworthy peninsula. The large size and character of this midden deposit may reflect commercial exploitation of oysters rather than consumption by a local population.

The remains of a 10th-12th century AD oyster shell midden on the north side of the Hamworthy peninsula have been encountered in two places: in a borehole at the Shipwright's Arms and during a watching brief at Sunseeker's Boatyard. (1) (2)

The shell midden lies at a depth of about two metres below ground level and was 3.4 m thick at the Shipwright's Arms and one metre thick at Sunseeker's Boatyard. The midden deposit is dated by two radiocarbon dates, one at the bottom of the midden at the Shipwright's Arms (ad935+/-81) and one at the top of the midden (ad1075+/-90). (1) (2)

Analysis of the oyster deposit has confirmed that the shells were the result of deliberate deposition following harvesting from the sea. The extent and thickness of this midden indicates it represents an extremely large quantity of food. This, and the fact that there are no other food remains within the middens, suggests that it represents more than part of the diet of a local population and is possibly more like commercial exploitation, perhaps with the oyster meat being pickled in brine for shipment elsewhere. (1)

<1> Horsey, I P, ed K Jarvis, 1992, Excavations in Poole 1973-1983, 60-61 (Monograph). SWX3766.

<2> Watkins, D R, 1995, Archaeological Observations at: Sunseeker's Boatyard, New Quay Road, Hamworthy, Poole (Unpublished document). SWX8657.

Record last edited

Oct 23 2020 4:17PM