Excavated sixteenth century glass from five English towns: a preliminary investigation of status and the role of the glass in the social context of dining.

Abstract

This thesis addresses two broad aims. Firstly it attempts to construct a typology of glass vessel types used in England in the sixteenth century. There is no comprehensive guide to the glass from this period commonly found in archaeological contexts and this thesis goes some of the way to redressing this imbalance. Secondly this research undertakes a preliminary investigation of the social context of the glass. It attempts to ascertain what cultural value it would have had within the sixteenth century and this is achieved by examination of its context in archaeological excavations. For the purpose of this thesis glass from five urban centres in the south east of England are examined, these being Southampton, Winchester, Oxford, Northampton and Colchester. Several groups of glass from each town are taken from sites with good contexts and are examined not only in isolation but also in consideration of the site as a whole. This approach allows the construction of a typology of vessel types based upon the glass found at these five centres. This covers almost all of the most commonly found vessel forms and includes a variety of imported vessels as well. The establishment of this initial typology provides a framework onto which further research can be based. It is the first stage in the greater understanding of the chronology and development of vessel forms in the sixteenth century. Finally this thesis examines the wider cultural context of the glass. The types of vessels made in glass are explored and a predominance of vessels associated with liquids noted. Variations between the form of the vessel and type of glass used to make it are observed. The deposition of groups of drinking vessels, apparently in good condition, are considered whilst conclusions concerning the general increase in the occurrence of glass from around 1550 onwards are discussed. Finally comparisons concerning social theory and dining are contrasted with the material found from the study sites.