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Fine Metalwork from the Roman Cemetery at Stansted Airport, Essex Tinning and High Tin Alloys

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

J. Peter Northover
Affiliation:
Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OXI 3PH, United Kingdom
Howard Brooks
Affiliation:
Archaeology Section, Essex County Council, Globe House, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CMl lLF, United Kingdom
Jan Lister
Affiliation:
English Heritage, Fortress House, 23 Savile Row, London, WlX 2HE, United Kingdom
Glenys Lloyd-Morgan
Affiliation:
147-9 Market Street, Broadley, Whitworth, Lancashire, OL12 8RU, United Kingdom
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Abstract

The early Roman cemetery discovered during the construction of London's third airport at Stansted contains the richest Roman burials discovered in Britain this century. The grave goods included a quantity of fine metalwork which forms te subject of this paper. The construction, alloys and finish of the pieces are described and discussed. Tin-plating and niello inlays are identified and described as is the analysis of corroded lead-tin solders and pewter. The manufacture of a high-tin bronze mirror is also discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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