Paper short abstract:

This image has been chosen to illustrate the methodological approach to a complex late nineteenth century barrow excavation on the Yorkshire Wolds.

Paper long abstract:

Duggleby Howe, an impressive and well-known third millennium bc round barrow on the Yorkshire Wolds, was excavated by John Robert Mortimer (1825-1911) in 1890. As well as various manuscripts, five contemporary photographs of the excavation survive. The selected image shows the excavation at an advanced stage, and demonstrates Mortimer's methodological approach to what was a major and complex undertaking in a potentially daqngerous working environment: the excavation consisted of a 12.9m x 12.9m trench descending c.7m through the mound. The photograph is interpreted and placed in the overall context of the excavation.