Dear Laird,
Thanks for the addition to my "root cellar" collection. I'll be
polite and not ask how the 2 foot hole turned into somethin 8x6 plus!
The size and contents are very similar to small under-floor cellars
in Va. found from 3rd quarter 17th c through the mid-19th c. These
are "butteries" and they often contain barrel hoops, because they
held barrels of salted meat, fish, beer, etc. They are often set in
front of a hearth, which seems counter-intuitive for something meant
to remain cool, but I think that placement may have helped keep them
dry and vermin-free. I'll let you know how the survey turns out. So
far I've had many good responses.
Dan