Analytical survey of visible evidence has been undertaken on twelve areas of prehistoric fields in southern Britain. In all cases at least two phases were noted, one directly overlying the other; in ten areas the earlier phase comprised an extensive rectilinear grid and the later, smaller areas of aggregated fields. It is suggested that the earliest of these fields date to the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC, on both sides of the Channel, and that they were symbolic of status within a period of visibly ostentatious possessions. The later fields represent a contraction of enclosed land;...

This study uses place-names to suggest the major routes in use in early medieval England. Many Roman roads existing by the fifth century are known. Some fourteenth century routes in existence can be deduced from the Gough map of c.1360, and seventeenth century routes from Ogilby's road atlas of 1675. Between the fifth and fourteenth centuries there is little information about routes except in scattered charter boundary references. Here it is suggested that this gap can be partially filled using place-name evidence. Certain names such as Stratton, Drayton and Compton occur consistently by...

The purpose of this study is to explore, through a variety of approaches, the extent to which the stereotype of the 'obese medieval monk' is founded in truth. The work aims to determine the 'antiquity' of that stereotype, by exploring the image of the monk throughout the medieval period (defined as AD 1066-c.1540), and the contribution of the medieval accusations and criticisms of monks to the evolution of the modern stereotype. Chapters focus on archaeological and historical evidence pertaining to monastic diet, and an osteological study comparing the physique and the prevalence of...

This study explores the status of children in the late medieval period (AD 1066-1539) based on two concepts of the child; biological and cultural. The biological evidence is explored by an osteoarchaeological analysis of sub-adult skeletal remains concentrating on markers related to status, such as, age, rates of growth, the presence of stress indicators, and rates of dental wear. The cultural aspect involves an analysis of the funerary context, such as, location of burial, position of the body, and grave inclusions, as well as reference to historical sources depicting the role of...

This monograph presents the results of archaeological recording along two South West Water pipelines, between Tintagel and Boscastle and between Harlyn Bay and Padstow. The sequence began with Mesolithic lithics and continued through pits with Early Neolithic ceramics, with Grooved Ware and with Beaker pottery. A Middle Bronze Age roundhouse of unusual character had been submerged by colluvium and produced a mould for a copper alloy racloir, an artefact more commonly found in Continental Europe. There were Bronze Age field walls, and a modified 'natural' stone, a focus for prehistoric...

This work follows the rapid survey of the ecclesiastical geology of the stonework of known Anglo-Saxon churches throughout England undertaken by the author a decade ago. From that brief study it proved possible to both understand and distinguish clearly obvious patterns in the use of the stonework. Furthermore, the use and value of specific rock types were determined and diagnostic features which could be used to identify buildings of the period were described. Subsequent, more widespread published studies in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, expanded the English studies by revealing closely...