Abstract

When rocks containing ferromagnetic minerals are exposed to weak magnetic fields they may gradually acquire a viscous remanent magnetization (VRM) over time. VRM present in limestone and basalt has successfully been used to date medieval buildings relatively, which has led to the development of VRM dating. In conjunction with historical records, pertaining to these medieval buildings, several chronometric curves have been developed in Britain for different limestones. The depositional origin of a limestone will affect its magnetic mineralogy, and thus individual chronometric curves must be established. One such chronometric curve has been developed from VRM dating of the local Jurassic limestone for Bardney and Barlings Abbeys of Lincolnshire, England. Kirkstead Abbey of Lincolnshire, England, is constructed from limestone of the same origin as the two abbeys above, although no previous dating of this building has been attempted. In this discussion, VRM dating results are presented for Kirkstead Abbey. Historical records and the established chronometric VRM dating curve for Bardney and Barlings Abbeys indicate that Kirkstead Abbey was established around AD 1000 - 1200 and likely incorporated reused Roman and Saxon masonry. The chronometric VRM dating curve for Bardney and Barlings Abbeys is evaluated, based on the results obtained from Kirkstead Abbey. It is suggested that further study, with collection of empirical data, is needed for continued development of VRM dating aimed at understanding the underlying causes for VRM development in archaeologically important rocks.