Further Excavations At Langtoft. Lincolnshire www - Archaeology ...

Undated Features
Structure V
In the southeastern part of the area, there was a semi-circular arrangement of eight
postholes (F.1256, 1257, 1258, 1259, 1260, 1261, 1262, 1263) that formed a threesided
structure with the open end towards the north. No datable artefacts were
recovered although animal bone and fragments of un-diagnostic fired clay were
present. The size of this structure (2.90m x 3.11m) was fairly small (significantly
smaller than the structures in the saltern area for example) and the function of the
structure is uncertain. Suggestions might include that of a small pen, or, a temporary
shelter of some kind. This structure is just to the north of the two perpendicular
linears (F.1060 and F.1253).
To the north of Structure V was a three-post structure (F.1250, F.1251, F.1252), a
form observed in other of the investigations in the quarry. A second three-post
structure (F.1292, F.1293, F.1306) lies immediately northeast of the terminal of ditch
F.1269 towards the southeastern corner of the area. Whilst it is possible that in
isolation these may represent the more familiar four-poster structures with the fourth
post missing for whatever reason, this does seem to indicate a genuine feature type.
Function is unclear, what are the practicalities of the stability of a three-post structure,
unless they were tied together, forming a tee-pee like structure? The cuts of these
postholes, however, had vertical sides with no evidence of the timbers being set at an
angle.
Discussion
This final phase of excavation on the Glebe land has provided further evidence of the
Middle Bronze Age landscape characterised by an axial or co-axial field system with
interspersed pit/wells and watering holes. These were common features of Bronze
Age landscapes in the region and provide evidence of mixed economy practices and
occupation. In addition, work around the Middle Iron Age saltern centre in the Glebe
land had provided evidence that although the complex was slightly larger than
thought, the salt production site was limited in its locale, and was an isolated site.
Pre-Bronze Age
Early prehistoric occupation in the landscape of Langtofit was open in nature lacking
cut features and leaving only ephemeral remains in the form of pottery sherds that
became incorporated into later features such as the wells. There was activity here,
however it appears transient.
Middle Bronze Age
The principal characteristic of this period is the rectilinear field system, formed from
numerous ditches, which extends beyond the immediate area of the site and indeed
forms part of a much larger enclosed landscape seen across tracts of the Fen edge
area. This small area of excavation produced only a few fragments of the field
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