Cornwall Archaeology Online – Light from the Late Bronze Must Farm fire on life in South West Britain with Henrietta Quinnell

The fire at Must Farm pile dwelling about 850 BCE caused much of the structures and their contents to be preserved as these collapsed into water. Data indicates that the occupation lasted less than a year, something unique in Europe. The contents provide a rich insight into the details of everyday life. Who would have suggested that a household broke some 20-30 vessels in a year? And most of these have food residues. Understanding Must Farm is now a ‘must’ for South Britain as elsewhere in Britain. The site was published in 2024 but is available as a free download.

Henrietta joined Exeter University in 1970 as Extra-Mural Tutor in Archaeology. She served on the CAS Committee for nearly 50 years and is now an Honorary Vice-President. Her work on artefacts from South West, especially ceramics, has given her a good overview of prehistoric lifestyles for which Must Farm now provides amazing data. It brings us closer to understanding these than anything else in her working life.

Further details will be added closer in time to the event.