The occurrence of the puff-ball <i>Bovista nigrescens in four British archaeological sites, approximately 2000 years old, is investigated, and the related <i>Calvatia utriformis is reported for the first time in archaeological excavations from one of these sites. The circumstances of their discovery at two of these sites (Skara Brae and Vindolanda) strongly suggests that they did not arrive there fortuitously. The puffballs are considered to have been used as haemostatic agents and/or as tinder. A detailed morphological comparison of early specimens with present-day material is made. -- AATA