Meat, milk, wool and grain: The animal economy of medieval England (CE 400 to 1400).

Abstract

Much has been written about the animal economy of medieval England (CE 450-1500) but interpretation of the zooarchaeological record has been held back by reliance on artificial periodisation. This study reduces that reliance via a novel approach to data synthesis. A substantial zooarchaeological dataset compiled for the 'Feeding Anglo-Saxon England' project was investigated allowing a more detailed understanding of when change took place and in what form. Key patterns include: a continuation of Roman husbandry practices at some sites throughout the fifth century; an increase in wool production from the early seventh century; the use of dedicated draught cattle from the ninth century, peaking in the eleventh and mid-twelfth centuries, after which the demand for milk, beef and increasing use of horses for arable production caused the use of cattle for draught to decline.