Geography and Sources

The second chapter describes the physical character of the study area in detail as a framework for understanding the analysis supplied in the chapters to follow. It also sets out the main sources drawn upon in the book, notably the physical remains of archaeology and the fabric of the historic landscape itself, as well as documentary sources such as Anglo-Saxon charter bounds, manorial records, deeds, legal records, and maps, which yield data about the use of space and about inhabitants’ perceptions, the latter particularly revealed by the field names and bynames coined by local people themselves, and by legal depositions dealing with contested ownerships and customary practices. Key archaeological sources include village earthworks, excavated and standing buildings, and botanical and zooarchaeological remains. Archaeological fieldwork carried out as part of the project is described, including fieldwalking, test pit and trial trench excavation, extensive buildings survey, and measuring the soundmarks of church bells.

Archaeology · Cartography · Charter · Earthworks · Excavation · Geography · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Historical and Cultural Archaeology Studies · History · Medieval Architecture and Archaeology