The dietary impact of the Norman Conquest: A multiproxy archaeological investigation of Oxford, UK

Craig-Atkins E, Jervis B, Cramp L, Hammann S, Nederbragt AJ, Nicholson E, Taylor AR, Whelton H, Madgwick R (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

PLoS ONE Public Library of Science

Book Volume: 15

Pages Range: e0235005

Issue: 7

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235005

Abstract

Archaeology has yet to capitalise on the opportunities offered by bioarchaeological approaches to examine the impact of the 11th-century AD Norman Conquest of England. This study utilises an integrated multiproxy analytical approach to identify and explain changes and continuities in diet and foodways between the 10th and 13th centuries in the city of Oxford, UK. The integration of organic residue analysis of ceramics, carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analysis of human and animal bones, incremental analysis of δ13C and δ15N from human tooth dentine and palaeopathological analysis of human skeletal remains has revealed a broad pattern of increasing intensification and marketisation across various areas of economic practice, with a much lesser and more short-term impact of the Conquest on everyday lifestyles than is suggested by documentary sources. Nonetheless, isotope data indicate short-term periods of instability, particularly food insecurity, did impact individuals. Evidence of preferences for certain foodstuffs and cooking techniques documented among the elite classes were also observed among lower-status townspeople, suggesting that Anglo-Norman fashions could be adopted across the social spectrum. This study demonstrates the potential for future archaeological research to generate more nuanced understanding of the cultural impact of the Norman Conquest of England, while showcasing a method which can be used to elucidate the undocumented, everyday implications of other large-scale political events on non-elites.

Authors with CRIS profile

Simon Hammann Juniorprofessur für Lebensmittelsicherheit und -qualität (am Henriette Schmidt-Burkhardt Lehrstuhl)

Involved external institutions

Cardiff University GB United Kingdom (GB) Spokane Tribe of Indians US United States (USA) (US) University of Bristol GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Sheffield GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Craig-Atkins, E., Jervis, B., Cramp, L., Hammann, S., Nederbragt, A.J., Nicholson, E.,... Madgwick, R. (2020). The dietary impact of the Norman Conquest: A multiproxy archaeological investigation of Oxford, UK. PLoS ONE, 15, e0235005. https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235005

MLA:

Craig-Atkins, Elizabeth, et al. "The dietary impact of the Norman Conquest: A multiproxy archaeological investigation of Oxford, UK." PLoS ONE 15 (2020): e0235005.

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