Abstract/Summary

This thesis presents the characterisation and interpretation of the ceramic assemblage from the high-status and monastic Anglo-Saxon settlement of Lyminge, Kent. Excavations here produced the largest, best-stratified Anglo-Saxon pottery assemblage recovered from rural Kent (15,768 sherds, 131,292g, 84.3 EVE), associated with an unbroken occupation sequence spanning the c.5 th -9 th centuries A.D.. This thesis followed a loosely-biographical approach to examine the social practices of pottery production, use, and deposition in relation to people. The results produced the most comprehensive characterisation of Anglo-Saxon Kentish pottery outside of Canterbury, identifying twenty-nine wares across two periods, embracing fourteen local wares, eleven continental imports (plus four unsourced fabrics) and four non-local wares. There are three principal vessel types: jars, bowls and pitchers, and four principal decorative techniques: incised decoration, bossing, rouletting and stamps. Usewear analysis demonstrated evidence for sooting and surface attrition, the former of which was dominant and best represented on jars, indicating their utilisation in heating and cooking. Supported by absolute dating, chronological analysis demonstrated the earlier development of organic-tempered and shell-tempered wares at Lyminge compared to their development at Canterbury. Depositional analysis at Lyminge revealed the majority of pottery was deposited as tertiary waste and a small number of vessels which may be ‘placed’ deposits. Contextualising Lyminge with analysis of ceramic grave goods in Kent demonstrated similarities with settlements in local vessels and imported wares, but differences in imported vessel types, namely bottles and jugs. Usewear analysis of ceramic grave goods demonstrated pre-burial use-lives and similarities with cemeteries on the near-Continent, highlighting a shared cultural phenomenon of pottery deposition in graves. The results for Lyminge were contextualised by drawing regional and supra-regional comparisons, which recognised subregional ceramic zones within Kent and emphasised Lyminge’s unique ceramic identity. Lyminge’s high-status is reflected in an unusual quantity and range of imports throughout the occupation sequence.