Medieval and Post-Medieval Glass Finewares from Lincoln: an Investigation of the Relationships between Technology, Chemical Compositions, Typology and Value

Abstract

One hundred and two fragments of medieval and post-medieval glass vessels from excavations in Lincoln are described here. The majority of the vessels are of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century date and were derived from archaeological contexts which probably related to a range of social strata. Scientific analysis of a selection of the glass vessel fragments has been carried out in order to test the suggested sources of the glass vessels based on their forms and colours. In the event, clear differences in the glass technologies have been found which were reflected in their chemical compositions. There are clear compositional differences between Venetian glasses, and those probably made in northern Europe (including Façon de Venise). Moreover, we have found evidence of several different glass compositions for vessels made in the Façon de Venise style, presumably reflecting the existence of different production centres. The values of the vessels are discussed in relation to archaeological context, vessel form, historical evidence, including port records, and chemical composition. Given the scale and widespread nature of the glass industry by the seventeenth century, with the potential for recycling, some unexpectedly close links between vessel form and chemical compositions have been found.