Early cultivation of broomcorn millet in southern Britain: evidence from the Late Bronze Age settlement site of Old Catton, Norfolk

Abstract

A single pit containing a mixed assemblage of charred plant remains, including broomcorn millet, was discovered during excavation of a Middle–Late Bronze Age settlement at Old Catton, Norfolk. Radiocarbon dating of this assemblage dates it to the Late Bronze Age—including a date of 910–800 cal BC for the millet itself—making this the earliest securely dated use of broomcorn millet in Britain.