Medieval Rural Settlement: Britain and Ireland, AD 800-1600 is a major
assessment and review of the origins, forms and evolutions of medieval
rural settlement in Britain and Ireland across the period c. AD
800-1600. It offers a comprehensive analysis of early to late medieval
settlement, land use, economics and population, bringing together
evidence drawn from archaeological excavations and surveys, historical
geographical analysis and documentary and place-name study. It is
intended to be the flagship publication of the Medieval Settlement
Research Group (MSRG) which has a long and distinguished history of
exploring, debating and promoting research and offers systematic
appraisal of 60 years' work across the whole field of medieval
settlement, designed to inspire the next generation of researchers.
Part I comprises a set of papers exploring the history of medieval rural
settlement research in Britain and Ireland, the evolving methodologies,
the roots of the medieval landscape and the place of power in these
settlements and landscapes. Part II presents an extensive series of
regional and national reviews detailing contexts, histories of study,
forms, evolutions and future research needs. These extensive
contributions also include "feature boxes" on key themes, sites to visit
and main excavations in the study areas discussed. A final section
provides guidance on how to research and study medieval rural sites -
from laptop to test-pit.
Extensively illustrated in color and black and white, and written by
expert contributors, the volume includes a comprehensive, integrated
bibliography and an index. Medieval Rural Settlement: Britain and
Ireland, AD 800-1600 will be essential reading for everyone researching
and interested in medieval settlements and the medieval rural landscape.
