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Papers by Gareth Perry

Research paper thumbnail of Purposefully purple: understanding the technological transition from late Medieval green to purple glazed Humber wares

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Dec 12, 2023

The rise of purple glazed pottery in fifteenth-century England represented a major change in the ... more The rise of purple glazed pottery in fifteenth-century England represented a major change in the character of domestic material culture. These wares typically evolved from the orange bodied, green glazed pottery of the later medieval period and were produced by a number of centres. This paper examines the technological advancements made by potters working at West Cowick (East Yorkshire) as they navigated the transition from green to purple glazed Humber wares. While it well known that recipes and firing regimes can be manipulated by potters to modify and enhance their colour pallet, the change exacted by West Cowick's potters has been overlooked, dismissed by archaeologists as the result of over-firing. Through a range of analytical techniques (thin section petrology, scanning electron microscopy microstructural analysis, chemical characterisation of fabric and glaze by portable X-ray fluorescence analysis and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy), we reconstruct the glazing practices employed by these potters, revealing innovative artisans, skilled in controlling glaze recipes and firing regimes, and able to effect major intentional changes in their product.

Research paper thumbnail of Torksey After the Vikings: Urban Origins in England

The Antiquaries Journal

In ad 872–3 a large Viking Army overwintered at Torksey, on the River Trent in Lincolnshire. We h... more In ad 872–3 a large Viking Army overwintered at Torksey, on the River Trent in Lincolnshire. We have previously published the archaeological evidence for its camp, but in this paper we explore what happened after the Army moved on. We integrate the findings of previous excavations with the outcomes of our fieldwork, including magnetometer and metal-detector surveys, fieldwalking and targeted excavation of a kiln and cemetery enclosure ditch. We provide new evidence for the growth of the important Anglo-Saxon town at Torksey and the development of its pottery industry, and report on the discovery of the first glazed Torksey ware, in an area which has a higher density of Late Saxon kilns than anywhere else in England. Our study of the pottery industry indicates its continental antecedents, while stable isotope analysis of human remains from the associated cemetery indicates that it included non-locals, and we demonstrate artefactual links between the nascent town and the Vikings in th...

Research paper thumbnail of Situation Vacant: Potter Required in the Newly Founded Late Saxon Burh of Newark-On-Trent, Nottinghamshire

The Antiquaries Journal, 2019

The potters’ wheel was reintroduced to England in the late ninth century. It spread rapidly throu... more The potters’ wheel was reintroduced to England in the late ninth century. It spread rapidly throughout eastern England, yet little is known about the mechanisms that facilitated its dissemination and success. This article presents the results of multidisciplinary research into the diffusion of this technology. Focusing on pottery production in late Saxon Newark, Nottinghamshire, an industry thought to have been founded by a potter(s) who had relocated from Torksey, Lincolnshire, this study offers a rare opportunity to examine the movements and craft practices of an individual artisan(s). By considering their manufacturing choices in the context of pottery distribution networks and the contemporary political, social and economic climate, it is demonstrated that the supply of pottery to Newark from regional production centres was restricted, creating a gap in the market and providing an incentive for a potter to relocate, encouraging the spread of the potters’ wheel throughout eastern...

Research paper thumbnail of THE WINTER CAMP OF THE VIKING GREAT ARMY, ad 872–3, TORKSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE

The Antiquaries Journal, 2016

This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary project that has revealed the location, ex... more This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary project that has revealed the location, extent and character of the winter camp of the Viking Great Army at Torksey, Lincolnshire, of ad 872–3. The camp lay within a naturally defended area of higher ground, partially surrounded by marshes and bordered by the River Trent on its western side. It is considerably larger than the Viking camp of 873–4 previously excavated at Repton, Derbyshire, and lacks the earthwork defences identified there. Several thousand individuals overwintered in the camp, including warriors, craftworkers and merchants. An exceptionally large and rich metalwork assemblage was deposited during the Great Army’s overwintering, and metal processing and trading was undertaken. There is no evidence for a pre-existing Anglo-Saxon trading site here; the site appears to have been chosen for its strategic location and its access to resources. In the wake of the overwintering, Torksey developed as an important Anglo-Sa...

Research paper thumbnail of Pottery Production in Anglo-Scandinavian Torksey (Lincolnshire): Reconstructing and Contextualising theChaîne Opératoire

Medieval Archaeology, 2016

England in the 9th century witnessed a revolution in pottery production. For the first time since... more England in the 9th century witnessed a revolution in pottery production. For the first time since the Roman period, pottery was wheel-thrown and produced on a near industrial scale. Research into this ceramic revolution has focused on chronology and, in particular, whether the technology was introduced before Scandinavian settlement. Yet, little attention has been paid to technological choices made by the potters or how these choices were influenced by wider societal changes. This paper takes a holistic approach to production, employing a range of analytical techniques to reveal the production sequence followed by potters working at one of the new industries Torksey (Lincolnshire). With new insights into raw material choices, processing procedures, vessel forming practices and firing regimes, the paper challenges long-standing assumptions about manufacturing practice and the spread Opening a window into the mind of the potter, this article offers a greater understanding of the mechanisms that facilitated the diffusion and ultimate success of this new technology.

Research paper thumbnail of Perry, G. (2016) Pottery Production in Anglo-Scandinavian Torksey (Lincolnshire): reconstructing and contextualising the chaîne opératoire. Medieval Archaeology, 60 (1). pp. 72-114. ISSN 0076-6097

Ninth-century England witnessed a revolution in pottery production. For the first time since the ... more Ninth-century England witnessed a revolution in pottery production. For the first time since the Roman period, pottery was wheel-thrown and produced on a near industrial scale. Research into this ceramic revolution has focused on chronology and, in particular, whether the technology was introduced before Scandinavian settlement. Yet, little attention has been paid to technological choices made by the potters or how these choices were influenced by wider societal changes. This paper takes a holistic approach to production, employing a range of analytical techniques to reveal the production sequence followed by potters working at one of the new industries – Torksey (Lincolnshire). With new insights into raw material choices, processing procedures, vessel forming practices and firing regimes, the paper challenges long-standing assumptions about manufacturing practice and the spread of the potters’ wheel. Opening a window into the mind of the potter, this article offers a greater understanding of the mechanisms that facilitated the diffusion and ultimate success of this new technology.

Research paper thumbnail of United in Death: The Pre-Burial Origins of Anglo-Saxon Cremation Urns

Research paper thumbnail of Perry, G.J. 2012. A hole for the soul? Possible functions of post-firing perforations and lead plugs in early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns. In Jervis, B, and Kyle, A. (eds) Make-Do and Mend: Archaeologies of Compromise, Repair and Reuse. BAR International Series 2408. Oxford: BAR, 43-52.

Post-firing perforations made in the bases and walls of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns are a re... more Post-firing perforations made in the bases and walls of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns are a relatively common occurrence and these perforations have generally been interpreted as ‘ritual killings’ or as a means for the spirit to escape the urn. Yet, as a number of these holes are plugged with lead, neither suggestion provides a satisfactory explanation for these modifications. Recent use-alteration analysis of the urns from the cremation cemetery of Cleatham (North Lincolnshire) reveals that the majority of urns were obtained from the domestic sphere and that a significant proportion were involved in the production of fermented foodstuffs. By considering the presence of these perforations alongside attritional characteristics and by exploring earlier and later archaeological and historical accounts of fermented foods and perforated vessels, this paper demonstrates that perforated and plugged cremation urns can be readily understood in the context of their pre-burial use.

Research paper thumbnail of Perry, G.J. 2011. Beer, butter and burial: the pre-burial origins of cremation urns form the early Anglo-Saxon cemetery of Cleatham, North Lincolnshire. Medieval Ceramics 32, 9-21.

The pre-burial origin of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns is a subject which has long been debate... more The pre-burial origin of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns is a subject which has long been debated. Julian Richards (1987), for example, has suggested that they were produced for a specific individual at the time of their death, whilst Hirst and Clarke (2009) advocate that cremation urns were obtained from the domestic sphere. Yet, as this paper will demonstrate, neither theory allows us to identify the pre-burial origin of individual vessels and as a consequence neither can be claimed to be based on anything more than circumstantial evidence. A re-assessment of the pottery from the recently published cemetery of Cleatham (North Lincolnshire), however, demonstrates that by taking a use-alteration approach to the study of Anglo-Saxon cremation urns a wealth of information can be revealed which allows us to consider and identify a pre-burial biography for each individual vessel. By focusing on specific attritional markers, it will be shown that the pre-burial function of cremation urns may have been an extremely significant concern in the selection of an appropriate vessel for burial.

Research paper thumbnail of Perry, G. J. 2011. The Anglo-Saxon accessory vessel from site CLN96. In Palmer-Brown, C. and Rylatt, J. (eds) How Times Change: Navenby Unearthed. Pre-Construct Archaeological Services Ltd Monograph No 2. Lincoln: Pre-Construct Archaeology, 101-3.

Conference Presentations by Gareth Perry

Research paper thumbnail of Pottery manufacture in Anglo-Scandinavian Torksey, Lincolnshire. Medieval Pottery Research Group Regional Meeting (May 2014)

Research paper thumbnail of A well urned drink: the pre-burial uses of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns. Meeting of the Medieval Diet Group (May 2013)

Research paper thumbnail of Ceramic hinterlands: establishing the ‘catchment areas’ of early Anglo-Saxon cremation cemeteries. Medieval Pottery Research Group Regional Meeting (April 2013)

Research paper thumbnail of All form one and one form all: the relationship between pre-burial function and the form of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns. Theoretical Archaeology Group Conference (December 2012)

Research paper thumbnail of The Anglo-Scandinavian pottery industry at Torksey, Lincolnshire (Joint paper with Jane Young). International Medieval Congress (July 2012)

Research paper thumbnail of Beer, butter and burial: the pre-burial origins of cremation urns from the early Anglo-Saxon cemetery of Cleatham, North Lincolnshire. Society for Medieval Archaeology Student Colloquium (October 2011)

Research paper thumbnail of Purposefully purple: understanding the technological transition from late Medieval green to purple glazed Humber wares

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Dec 12, 2023

The rise of purple glazed pottery in fifteenth-century England represented a major change in the ... more The rise of purple glazed pottery in fifteenth-century England represented a major change in the character of domestic material culture. These wares typically evolved from the orange bodied, green glazed pottery of the later medieval period and were produced by a number of centres. This paper examines the technological advancements made by potters working at West Cowick (East Yorkshire) as they navigated the transition from green to purple glazed Humber wares. While it well known that recipes and firing regimes can be manipulated by potters to modify and enhance their colour pallet, the change exacted by West Cowick's potters has been overlooked, dismissed by archaeologists as the result of over-firing. Through a range of analytical techniques (thin section petrology, scanning electron microscopy microstructural analysis, chemical characterisation of fabric and glaze by portable X-ray fluorescence analysis and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy), we reconstruct the glazing practices employed by these potters, revealing innovative artisans, skilled in controlling glaze recipes and firing regimes, and able to effect major intentional changes in their product.

Research paper thumbnail of Torksey After the Vikings: Urban Origins in England

The Antiquaries Journal

In ad 872–3 a large Viking Army overwintered at Torksey, on the River Trent in Lincolnshire. We h... more In ad 872–3 a large Viking Army overwintered at Torksey, on the River Trent in Lincolnshire. We have previously published the archaeological evidence for its camp, but in this paper we explore what happened after the Army moved on. We integrate the findings of previous excavations with the outcomes of our fieldwork, including magnetometer and metal-detector surveys, fieldwalking and targeted excavation of a kiln and cemetery enclosure ditch. We provide new evidence for the growth of the important Anglo-Saxon town at Torksey and the development of its pottery industry, and report on the discovery of the first glazed Torksey ware, in an area which has a higher density of Late Saxon kilns than anywhere else in England. Our study of the pottery industry indicates its continental antecedents, while stable isotope analysis of human remains from the associated cemetery indicates that it included non-locals, and we demonstrate artefactual links between the nascent town and the Vikings in th...

Research paper thumbnail of Situation Vacant: Potter Required in the Newly Founded Late Saxon Burh of Newark-On-Trent, Nottinghamshire

The Antiquaries Journal, 2019

The potters’ wheel was reintroduced to England in the late ninth century. It spread rapidly throu... more The potters’ wheel was reintroduced to England in the late ninth century. It spread rapidly throughout eastern England, yet little is known about the mechanisms that facilitated its dissemination and success. This article presents the results of multidisciplinary research into the diffusion of this technology. Focusing on pottery production in late Saxon Newark, Nottinghamshire, an industry thought to have been founded by a potter(s) who had relocated from Torksey, Lincolnshire, this study offers a rare opportunity to examine the movements and craft practices of an individual artisan(s). By considering their manufacturing choices in the context of pottery distribution networks and the contemporary political, social and economic climate, it is demonstrated that the supply of pottery to Newark from regional production centres was restricted, creating a gap in the market and providing an incentive for a potter to relocate, encouraging the spread of the potters’ wheel throughout eastern...

Research paper thumbnail of THE WINTER CAMP OF THE VIKING GREAT ARMY, ad 872–3, TORKSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE

The Antiquaries Journal, 2016

This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary project that has revealed the location, ex... more This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary project that has revealed the location, extent and character of the winter camp of the Viking Great Army at Torksey, Lincolnshire, of ad 872–3. The camp lay within a naturally defended area of higher ground, partially surrounded by marshes and bordered by the River Trent on its western side. It is considerably larger than the Viking camp of 873–4 previously excavated at Repton, Derbyshire, and lacks the earthwork defences identified there. Several thousand individuals overwintered in the camp, including warriors, craftworkers and merchants. An exceptionally large and rich metalwork assemblage was deposited during the Great Army’s overwintering, and metal processing and trading was undertaken. There is no evidence for a pre-existing Anglo-Saxon trading site here; the site appears to have been chosen for its strategic location and its access to resources. In the wake of the overwintering, Torksey developed as an important Anglo-Sa...

Research paper thumbnail of Pottery Production in Anglo-Scandinavian Torksey (Lincolnshire): Reconstructing and Contextualising theChaîne Opératoire

Medieval Archaeology, 2016

England in the 9th century witnessed a revolution in pottery production. For the first time since... more England in the 9th century witnessed a revolution in pottery production. For the first time since the Roman period, pottery was wheel-thrown and produced on a near industrial scale. Research into this ceramic revolution has focused on chronology and, in particular, whether the technology was introduced before Scandinavian settlement. Yet, little attention has been paid to technological choices made by the potters or how these choices were influenced by wider societal changes. This paper takes a holistic approach to production, employing a range of analytical techniques to reveal the production sequence followed by potters working at one of the new industries Torksey (Lincolnshire). With new insights into raw material choices, processing procedures, vessel forming practices and firing regimes, the paper challenges long-standing assumptions about manufacturing practice and the spread Opening a window into the mind of the potter, this article offers a greater understanding of the mechanisms that facilitated the diffusion and ultimate success of this new technology.

Research paper thumbnail of Perry, G. (2016) Pottery Production in Anglo-Scandinavian Torksey (Lincolnshire): reconstructing and contextualising the chaîne opératoire. Medieval Archaeology, 60 (1). pp. 72-114. ISSN 0076-6097

Ninth-century England witnessed a revolution in pottery production. For the first time since the ... more Ninth-century England witnessed a revolution in pottery production. For the first time since the Roman period, pottery was wheel-thrown and produced on a near industrial scale. Research into this ceramic revolution has focused on chronology and, in particular, whether the technology was introduced before Scandinavian settlement. Yet, little attention has been paid to technological choices made by the potters or how these choices were influenced by wider societal changes. This paper takes a holistic approach to production, employing a range of analytical techniques to reveal the production sequence followed by potters working at one of the new industries – Torksey (Lincolnshire). With new insights into raw material choices, processing procedures, vessel forming practices and firing regimes, the paper challenges long-standing assumptions about manufacturing practice and the spread of the potters’ wheel. Opening a window into the mind of the potter, this article offers a greater understanding of the mechanisms that facilitated the diffusion and ultimate success of this new technology.

Research paper thumbnail of United in Death: The Pre-Burial Origins of Anglo-Saxon Cremation Urns

Research paper thumbnail of Perry, G.J. 2012. A hole for the soul? Possible functions of post-firing perforations and lead plugs in early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns. In Jervis, B, and Kyle, A. (eds) Make-Do and Mend: Archaeologies of Compromise, Repair and Reuse. BAR International Series 2408. Oxford: BAR, 43-52.

Post-firing perforations made in the bases and walls of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns are a re... more Post-firing perforations made in the bases and walls of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns are a relatively common occurrence and these perforations have generally been interpreted as ‘ritual killings’ or as a means for the spirit to escape the urn. Yet, as a number of these holes are plugged with lead, neither suggestion provides a satisfactory explanation for these modifications. Recent use-alteration analysis of the urns from the cremation cemetery of Cleatham (North Lincolnshire) reveals that the majority of urns were obtained from the domestic sphere and that a significant proportion were involved in the production of fermented foodstuffs. By considering the presence of these perforations alongside attritional characteristics and by exploring earlier and later archaeological and historical accounts of fermented foods and perforated vessels, this paper demonstrates that perforated and plugged cremation urns can be readily understood in the context of their pre-burial use.

Research paper thumbnail of Perry, G.J. 2011. Beer, butter and burial: the pre-burial origins of cremation urns form the early Anglo-Saxon cemetery of Cleatham, North Lincolnshire. Medieval Ceramics 32, 9-21.

The pre-burial origin of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns is a subject which has long been debate... more The pre-burial origin of early Anglo-Saxon cremation urns is a subject which has long been debated. Julian Richards (1987), for example, has suggested that they were produced for a specific individual at the time of their death, whilst Hirst and Clarke (2009) advocate that cremation urns were obtained from the domestic sphere. Yet, as this paper will demonstrate, neither theory allows us to identify the pre-burial origin of individual vessels and as a consequence neither can be claimed to be based on anything more than circumstantial evidence. A re-assessment of the pottery from the recently published cemetery of Cleatham (North Lincolnshire), however, demonstrates that by taking a use-alteration approach to the study of Anglo-Saxon cremation urns a wealth of information can be revealed which allows us to consider and identify a pre-burial biography for each individual vessel. By focusing on specific attritional markers, it will be shown that the pre-burial function of cremation urns may have been an extremely significant concern in the selection of an appropriate vessel for burial.

Research paper thumbnail of Perry, G. J. 2011. The Anglo-Saxon accessory vessel from site CLN96. In Palmer-Brown, C. and Rylatt, J. (eds) How Times Change: Navenby Unearthed. Pre-Construct Archaeological Services Ltd Monograph No 2. Lincoln: Pre-Construct Archaeology, 101-3.