An Atlas of Northamptonshire

An Atlas of Northamptonshire
Author: Tracey Partida
Publisher: Oxbow Books
Total Pages: 343
Release: 2013-01-08
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1782970991

An Atlas of Northamptonshire presents an historical atlas of the greater part of Northamptonshire (the first quarter having been published as An Atlas of Rockingham Forest). It presents in map form the results of fieldwork and documentary research undertaken since the mid-1960s to map the landscape of the whole of Northamptonshire prior to enclosure by Parliamentary Act. This is the first time a whole county has been completely studied in this way, and the first time a whole county has had an accurate view of its medieval landscape with details of the medieval fields, woods, pastures and meadows which have been mapped by ground-survey of archaeological remains confirmed where possible from aerial photographs and early maps. It is also the first time a county has been mapped showing all pre-parliamentary enclosure providing comprehensive data for the difficult theme of early enclosure in a midland county. Complete relevant historic map sources are listed, many in private possession and not lodged with county record offices. Settlements are discussed based on the detailed mapping of every house depicted on historic maps as wells the extent of earthworks, which provides much new evidence relative to settlement development in the Midlands. As well as being highly relevant for anyone studying medieval settlements and enclosure, it illustrates how GIS can be used to present a very large amount of historical and landscape data for any region. The clearly laid out maps in full colour throughout contain an immense amount of data which together provide a fascinating new portrait of this historic county.

A Guide to the Medieval Castles of England

A Guide to the Medieval Castles of England
Author: Malcolm Hislop
Publisher: Pen and Sword History
Total Pages: 314
Release: 2024-03-30
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 1399001132

Spread across the medieval kingdom of England in a network of often formidable strongholds, castles, like cathedrals, are defining landmarks of their age, dominating their settings, in many cases even to this day. By representing an essential aspect of our history and heritage, the interpretation of which is constantly being revised, they demonstrate the value of Malcolm Hislop’s compact, authoritative and well illustrated new guide to English castles. The gazetteer includes an astonishing variety of types, sizes and designs. Individual entries bring out the salient points of interest including historical context, building history and architectural character. The defensive and domestic purposes of these remarkable buildings are explained, as is the way in which their layout and role developed over the course of hundreds of years, from the predominantly earth and timber fortresses of the Normans to the complex stone castles of the later Middle Ages, many of which can be visited today. Hislop’s experience as an archaeologist specializing in medieval buildings, castles in particular, as well as his eye for structural detail, ensure that his guide is a necessary handbook for readers who are keen on medieval history and warfare, and for visitors who are looking for an accessible introduction to these monumental relics of England’s military past.

Anglo-Saxon England: Volume 12

Anglo-Saxon England: Volume 12
Author: Peter Clemoes
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 358
Release: 1986-04-17
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780521332026

Four very different kinds of Anglo-Saxon thinking are clarified in this volume: traditions, learned and oral, about the settlement of the country, study of foreign-language grammar, interest in exotic jewels as reflections of the glory of God, and a mainly rational attitude to medicine. Publication of no less than three discoveries augments our corpus of manuscript evidence. The nature of Old English poetry is illuminated, and a useful summary of the editorial treatment of textual problems in Beowulf is provided. A re-examination of the accounts of the settlement in Bede's Historia Ecclesiastica and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle yields insights into the processes of Anglo-Saxon learned historiography and oral tradition. A thorough-going analysis of an under-studied major work, Bald's Leechbook, demonstrates that the compiler, perhaps in King Alfred's reign, translated selections from a wide range of Latin texts in composing a well-organized treatise directed against the diseases prevalent in his time. The usual comprehensive bibliography of the previous year's publications in all branches of Anglo-Saxon studies rounds off the book.

Archaeological Illustration

Archaeological Illustration
Author: Lesley Adkins
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 300
Release: 1989-08-25
Genre: Art
ISBN: 9780521354783

This volume, originally published in 1989, is intended as a practical guide to archaeological illustration, from drawing finds in the field to technical studio drawing for publication. It is also an invaluable reference tool for the interpretation of illustrations and their status as archaeological evidence. The book's ten chapters start from first principles and guide the illustrator through the historical development of archaeological illustration and basic skills. Each chapter then deals with a different illustrative technique - drawing in the field during survey work and excavation, drawing artefacts, buildings and reconstructions, producing artwork for publication and the early uses of computer graphics. Information about appropriate equipment, as well as a guide to manufacturers, is also supplied. An obvious and important feature of Archaeological Illustration is the 120 line drawings and half-tones which show the right - and the wrong - way of producing drawings. This volume will therefore be of interest to amateur and professional archaeologists alike.