In October we were delighted to welcome back Professor Janet Montgomery, from Durham University. On this occasion she was accompanied by her colleague, Dr Joanna Moore. Together they explained how their isotope expertise is commissioned by commercial archaeology companies, universities, and museums. To illustrate the wide scope of their work they explored six projects undertaken by the Isotope and Peptide Research Laboratory (AIPRL). Analysis of isotopes in dental enamel enables the geographical origin and diet of an individual to be determined, as well as their health and level of exposure to pollutants. One of the most fascinating examples was that of Lady Eleanor Talbot, who was alleged to have had a pre-marriage contract with Edward IV. Eleanor was born in Shropshire and was thought to be buried in Whitefriars Priory, in Norwich. Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis of a tooth indicated however that she had lived in the Norwich area most of her life. Further analysis then revealed that the skeleton was male! The evidence was carefully re-examined, but the same conclusions were reached. The man to whom the tooth belonged was probably in his early 30s and his diet showed a shift towards fish consumption, consistent with a move to a religious institution. At some point several skeletons were probably tipped into the under croft of the priory and later one was incorrectly identified as being Eleanor’s. Fortunately, this evidence came to light prior to the skeleton’s proposed reburial. Sadly, there isn’t room to describe the other examples given in this fascinating talk.
J.H. |