Hearth

The site of an open domestic fire represented by ash, charcoal and discolouration. There may be slight structural additions such as clay flooring or a setting of stones around it. hearths can date from any period. Hearths dating to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age were found in excavation at The Rye, High Wycombe, an Iron Age hearth at Long Crendon (see right) and all the way up to the post-medieval period at Adam's Wood, Frieth.