The fragmentary assemblage was analysed by various techniques, mostly based on pétrographie methods, the results of which are summarised. The analyses generated data which are applicable to on-site spatial and chronological problems, in addition to those concerning characterisation and provenance study.

Macroscopic examination of pottery from each individual scatter and ceramic spot finds was undertaken to establish the extent of variation within these apparently discrete spreads of material. This information was enhanced by data from microscopic techniques. The colour, surface treatment, size and temper of inclusions and any other observable fabric characteristics were recorded from the hand specimen. Surface and fabric traits were identified with the aid of a binocular microscope and colour readings were taken with reference to Munsell Soil Colour Charts. One sample from each scatter or spot find was refired, with the exception of SF182 and SF184 (both consisted of one small sherd, and were therefore only available for thin sectioning.

The area known as Dock Acres, almost immediately due west of Manor Farm, Borwick, was variously reputed to have been the site of a Roman dock, Medieval castle and/or Medieval dock. Initial field survey when the area was still permanent pasture was carried out in advance of gravel extraction by Mr B.J.N.Edwards. Subsequent observation of the first stages of quarrying was undertaken by the author (as a student) and led to the recovery of some lithic material. It is perhaps worth noting in passing that observation of a later stage of mineral extraction by the author and the newly formed Moorholme Local History Society led to the recording of the vestigial remains of the Medieval castle.

The lithic material was recovered from the top and in the vicinity of the largest topographical feature; a flat topped mound some 150 m by 50 m. This ‘mound’ was separated from a similar more extensive area to the south by a broad channel whilst flat, low lying ground lay to east, north west and north where there were two small rectangular mounds.

SF35 Context 002

An inhumed mandibular right second molar from the permanent dentition. There was slight polishing of the occlusal surface which indicated that it came from an adult individual.

SF37 Context 002

1. Two fragments of inhumed human cranium, one of them from the parietal bone. Both fragments could be aged as adult but it was not possible to say whether this represented more than one individual or not.

2. A few fragments of inhumed human long bone shafts.

A small sample of snail shells were retained from context 002, It represented the complete, or almost complete shells of not less than 172 individuals. From this samples six common and widespread species were identified and two further species recognised but not identified.

The best represented species was Cepaea, with both C.hortensis (represented largely by its yellow unbanded form) and C.nemoralis present. Helix aspersa, Cernuellavirgata?, Oxychilusallianus and Trichiahispida? were also represented; of these H.aspersa was present in the greatest numbers. All of these species are now widespread and occupy a wide range of habitats.

Present-day soils in the Borwick area form the Carnforth Association, i.e. freely drained gravelly brown earths, some calcareous brown earths and peaty gleys and peaty soils in hollows. pH is normally 6 to 7, with some soil pH higher than 7.

The buried soil beneath the cairn was a truncated stagnopodzol with a pH of 7.35. The Eag, Bf and Bs horizons were present but the lack of a topsoil and relatively high pH suggested that pollen analysis of the soil would be unproductive. Similarly, detailed soil analysis was unlikely to add to the interpretation of the site and was therefore not pursued. The development of podsolised soils on such gravels is not unusual and may indicate that the vegetation at the time the cairn was constructed was acid grassland or moorland. The soil pH would have been on the acid side at this stage, rising subsequently due to downward leaching of the calcium carbonate from the overlying limestone of the enclosure.

The absence of earth-filled structural features or easily identifiable graves precluded any systematic sampling programme for environmental evidence. However, two samples for the analysis of carbonised plant remains were collected from each of the two insitu inhumations (SF55 and SF73). The samples consisted of the sediment associated with the burials which included the matrix of the overlying cairn (context 002), and were processed using manual flotation into an 0.5 mm mesh sieve. The sample sizes and results are given in Table 1.

The evidence was minimal: only three fragments were found, none of which could be adequately identified. In sample 1, one grass seed was found, but it was badly preserved and could not be identified to genus. In sample 2, one cereal grain was found, again too badly preserved to distinguish it as either wheat or barley. The Polygonumsp. seed from sample 4 again is too fragmented to allow an identification to species level.