North & South: exploring isotopic analysis of bone carbonates and collagen to understand post-medieval diets in London and northern England

Abstract Objectives: We evaluate the potential of paired isotopic analysis of bone carbonate and collagen to examine the diet of post-medieval human and animal populations from England (17th-19th c.), including, for the first time, manufacturing towns in northern England. The potential for identifying C4 crop consumption is explored alongside regional and local patterning in diet by sex and socioeconomic status. Materials and Methods: Humans (n=216) and animals (n=168) were analysed from sites in London and northern England for both carbon and nitrogen isotopes of bone collagen