The excavations in the centre of Birmingham uncovered evidence of habitation from prehistoric and Roman times, but the 12th to 19th centuries presented by far the most evidence, from artefacts, environmental samples and structural remains. The medieval industrial past was of particular interest, with tanning and the manufacture of hemp and linen all playing a large role in the city's prosperity. Metal working reached its peak in the seventeenth century, with brass founding becoming important from the eighteenth century onwards. Most of the artefactual evidence attests to Birmingham's industrial past, indeed the evidence for domestic life is comparatively scant, with an anomalous burial of two people at Park Street presenting something of a mystery. This volume presents insights into the early industrial past of this important city and is an invaluable record covering eight hundred years of occupation.
Foreword (The Birmingham Alliance)
Foreword: The Bull Ring Uncovered - (Leader of Birmingham City Council)
The Bull Ring Excavations and Archaeology in Birmingham City Centre: an Overview - (Michael Hodder)
1. Introduction - (Catharine Patrick)
2. Land to the South of Edgbaston Street: Investigations 1997-1999 ( Catharine Patrick and Stephanie Rátkai)
3. Moor Street (Bob Burrows, Catharine Patrick and Eleanor Ramsey)
4. Park Street (Bob Burrows, Simon Buteux, Helen Martin and Stephanie Rátkai)
5. The Row Watching Brief (Chris Patrick)
6. Rehistoric Worked Flint (Lynne Bevan)
7. The Pottery (Stephanie Rátkai)
8. The Medieval and Post-Medieval Small Finds (Lynne Bevan, Quita Mould and Stephanie Rátkai)
9. The Clay Tobacco Pipes (David A. Higgins)
10. Metal-Working Debris from Park Street (Matthew Nicholas)
11. Human Bone Report (Rachel Ives)
12. The Plant Macroremains - Evidence of Domestic and Industrial Activities at Edgbaston Street, Moor Street, Park Street and The Row (Marina Ciaraldi)
13. The Pollen (James Greig)
14. The Insect Remains from Edgbaston Street and Park Street (David Smith)
15. The Mammal, Amphibian and Bird Bones (Ian L. Baxter)
16. Discussion (Michael Hodder, Catharine Patrick and Stephanie Rátkai)
