All metalworking debris recovered from an Iron Age and Roman settlement site was examined visually, and polished sections of eight samples were investigated by optical microscopy and SEM-based microanalysis. The slag derived almost entirely from iron smelting. It was unusual in having impressions of coarsely split wood on its surfaces, parallelling material from certain continental European pit furnaces. The debris was also very rich in iron, indicating a relatively inefficient smelting process. The use of bog ore is suggested on the basis of the very high phosphorus levels within the slag. This report follows up on recommendations made during assessment, previously published as AML Report 42/95.

13/98
METALWORKING DEBRIS FROM PENTREHYLING FORT, BROMPTON, SHROPSHIRE
Bayley J & Eckstein K
Number of:    Pages - 7   Illustrations - 2   Photos - 0   Tables - 1

Excavations in the Roman fort and its annexe discovered some 65 kg of iron smithing debris. A large quantity (c.30 kg were retained) of litharge cakes were also found. The latter are a by-product of extracting silver from argentiferous lead and are only known from a very few Roman sites in Britain.

26/98
ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES TAKEN FROM THE ENTRANCE GATES AT ELMORE COURT, GLOUCESTERSHIRE,br> Sutton R
Number of:    Pages - 8   Illustrations - 1   Photos - 0   Tables - 1

Samples from the historic gates at Elmore Court, Gloucestershire, were examined by metallography and scanning electron microscope (S.E.M.) based microanalysis. Cast iron, wrought iron and mild steel were identified as well as some possible puddled steel, and a low carbon bulk iron.

32/98
ANALYSIS OF ROMAN PEWTER TABLEWARE AND DEBRIS FROM ICKHAM, KENT
Sutton R
Number of:    Pages - 35   Illustrations - 4   Photos - 0   Tables - 6

Over 500 samples from 39 kg of pewter and lead material of Roman date from excavations at Ickham, Kent, were analysed by XRF to look for evidence of recycling and manufacture of artefacts. A calibration curve was calculated from known standards so the percentage of tin in each sample could be estimated. A small number of artefacts provided clear evidence for manufacture on site.

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