Charred Grain Assemblages from Roman-Period Corn Driers in Britain.

This paper presents a review of the botanical evidence for the function of so-called 'corn-driers' from Roman-period Britain. The charred grain assemblages associated with corn-driers from twenty-one sites have been analysed. The results indicate that these kilns should be regarded as multi-functional structures; both the roasting of germinated grains for the production of malt and the parching/drying/ of grain in preparation for consumption and storage are functions implied by the botanical evidence. The need for further experimental research is identified.