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Archaeological evaluations in advance of the installation of a new garden in the area previously known as the Privy Garden, now the Princess Beatrice garden, at Carisbrooke Castle revealed the first prehistoric feature from the site and established a northern continuation of a Conquest-period ringwork ditch. The main discovery, a 12th century high status, masonry, cellared structure, probably a chamber block of two-storeys, is identified as the 'chamber next the chapel' mentioned in a 13th century account. Further structures added in the 13th-15th century are discussed. The demolition of these buildings in the late 16th century and the re-ordering of the site are seen in the context of major works by Sir George Carey. Environmental sampling, particularly of yard surfaces and a midden developed to the east and south of the chamber block, has greatly enhanced understanding of the medieval and early post-medieval diet and economy at the castle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While conducting a review of published archaeobotanical remains from southern and central England, it became apparent that contamination (intrusion and residuality) was a notable, recurring theme in many assemblages. This problem is most acute in some key periods in which plant assemblages are generally less abundant than in others, such as the Neolithic and the early medieval (Saxon) periods. While most archaeobotanists are aware of the potential for contamination, without direct dates it is often difficult to demonstrate and it is likely to have obscured the true patterns in the data. Contamination becomes particularly problematic once poorly or incorrectly phased data enter the secondary literature. A number of case studies are presented, including newly dated material from a high profile excavation at Durrington Walls, Wiltshire. The importance of direct dating of plant remains is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]