The Archaeology
What we hope to find
Metal detecting at Towton Battlefield, has revealed bronze belt fittings,
buttons, fragments of weapons, armour and horse harnesses. Over 200 iron arrowheads have also been recovered.
Soil analysis in the area has shown that bronze battle artefacts should
survive well here, but the iron arrowheads may not. Objects from the time of the Battle have been found
scattered across the landscape, but we cannot say specifically whether they are military and there is
no major concentration, suggesting the actual site of the Battle.
Human remains may be found in battlefield grave pits. Skeletons from
Towton revealed evidence of the age and build of the soldiers as well as their battle injuries.
The battle in the medieval landscape.
The landscape around Bosworth was very different in 1485. There
were fewer hedgerows and trees, arable land was ploughed in strips and there was a marshy area.
Finding the marsh is the key to finding the Battle of Bosworth, as much
of the action took place next to it.
To find the marsh, soil samples are taken in cores, which show the layers
laid down through time. Marshland often lays down a layer of peat, which would show up in the cores.
Marshland has very specific plants and animals living in it, and microscopic analysis by specialists
may find these in the soil cores.
Dating the Finds
We need to date our finds to see if they relate to the Battle. Depending
on what they are made from, this can be done in several ways.
Relative dating
Artefacts found by
metal detecting and pottery sherds, can often be dated by comparing them with objects found on other,
closely dated sites.
Radiocarbon dating
This measures
the decay of the radioactive isotope carbon 14, which is present in all living matter. This has been
used for dating peat layers in the search for the marsh and will be used if human or horse remains are
found.
Dendrochronology
This dates wood
by comparing the pattern of growth rings against a master record. This method can only be used with
large pieces of wood and will probably not be used to find the battle.
Metal Detecting
Modern metal detectors are very effective. Most machines can see 30cm
into ploughed soil and can distinguish between different metals.
If the ground is very dry or very hard, it is more difficult to find
objects.
Small or thin objects are harder to find than large ones.
To locate a battlefield, metal detecting needs to be done slowly and
carefully. It is also important to work systematically, recording the location of all the finds, and
to make accurate maps.
Osteoarchaeology and Paleopathology
The study of human remains can often tell us the age, height and the
lifestyles of long dead individuals. Sometimes evidence of illnesses suffered and the manner of death
can be seen.
Skeletons found in grave pits at the Battlefield at Towton (fought in
1461) showed us that these soldiers were between 5’3” (159cm) and 6’0” (184cm) tall. Some of them were
as old as 50. The marks of their fatal injuries were very obvious. The Bosworth Battlefield survey might
find similar grave pits.
Experts are used by Police Forces around the world to identify unknown
victims and identify how they died.
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