Abstract
Abstract Various strategies now being used to delineate pattern using data from historic sites in the British colonial system are outlined. The formula concept of pattern recognition seen in the Mean Ceramic Date Formula illustrates the highly regular patterning of discarded ceramics through time. The patterns of refuse disposal on British colonial sites are illustrated by means of the Brunswick Pattern of Refuse Disposal. The Carolina Pattern monitors artefact relationship from such sites, primarily those of domestic occupation. The Frontier Pattern is seen on frontier sites as well as the area inside domestic ruins, and is characterized by a high architecture to kitchen artefact relationship. A core sampling strategy using a posthole digger is presented which reveals a surprisingly effective means of discovering artefact density and dispersion as well as data useful for determining artefact patterning predictive of site function. The strategies outlined here are foundational for historic data to contribute to explanation of culture processes. The exciting promise of historical archaeology is its as yet unrealized potential for contributing to method‐refinement and theory building in archaeology generally.
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