The Oyster Shell from the Shires Excavation, Leicester 1988-89, Little Lane and St Peters Lane

Oyster shells from the fill of a late second century Roman cellar, other groups of shells of Roman of first to fourth century date, medieval of c.1100 to c.1550 and post-medieval from features of late sixteenth to eighteenth century date were analysed by measuring size and recording infestation and other evidence. The Roman shell was compared with shell of the same date from three other sites and an east coast source suggested for a group from the cellar. Comparison of Roman and post-Roman shell from this site indicated changes in the type of oyster beds exploited and an increase in management in the later phases.