Mick Aston

An original and approachable account of how archaeology can tell the story of the English village. Shapwick lies in the middle of Somerset, next to the important monastic centre of Glastonbury: the abbey owned the manor for 800 years from the 8th to the 16th century and its abbots and officials had a great influence on the lives of the peasants who lived there. It is possible that abbot Dunstan, one of the great reformers of tenth century monasticism directed the planning of the village. The Shapwick Project examined the development and history of an English parish and village over a ten thousand-year period. This was a truly multi-disciplinary project. Not only were a battery of archaeological and historical techniques explored - such as field walking, test-pitting, archaeological excavation, aerial reconnaissance, documentary research and cartographic analysis - but numerous other techniques such as building analysis, dendrochronological dating and soil analysis were undertaken on a large scale. The result is a fascinating study about how the community lived and prospered in Shapwick. In addition we learn how a group of enthusiastic and dedicated scholars unravelled this story. As such there is much here to inspire and enthuse others who might want to embark on a landscape study of a parish or village area. Seven of the ten chapters begin with a fictional vignette to bring the story of the village to life. Text-boxes elucidate re-occurring themes and techniques. Extensively illustrated in colour including 100 full page images. This title was the winner of the 2014 British Archaeological Association's Best Archaeological Book Award.

In the Middle Ages monasteries were among the greatest owners of land in Britain; today their influence on the landscape can be seen not only in the magnificent monastic ruins, but also in earthworks, patterns of landholding and even industrial remains. Mick Aston examines the place of monasteries in the landscape - how they affected and were affected by the countryside in which they were built. He explains how monasticism arrived in Britain - growing from austere beginnings to rich and powerful estates. He looks at why abbeys and priories were sited where they were and at all aspects of their activities - estate management, farming policy, industrial and commercial operations in the countryside and in towns. The story does not end with the Dissolution: the book also discusses how many of their estates and buildings were bought by private owners and adapted for secular use. Whether you are an amateur archaeologist/historian or student, this magnificently illustrated book will direct you to the signs in the landscape that reveal the past glory of Britain's monasteries.

Since 1994, when the first Time Team programme was broadcast, archaeology has been brought to life for millions of people. This book combines the talents of two of the programme's key players in an exciting series of reconstructions. Victor Ambrus has produced hundreds of sketches and drawings of archaeological sites and the lives of those who would have inhabited them. For the first time his drawings of individual excavations have been brought together to provide a dramatic chronological survey of British History. Add to this Mick Aston's lively explanations and photographs and you have an archaeological collaboration which is guaranteed to delight. Mick Aston has contributed a passion and enthusiasm for archaeology which is infectious, so let Victor and Mick take you on a visual journey through history...

In this new history of England, Tom Beaumont James uses archaeology to present a fresh view of the events that have shaped the country. Both accessible and comprehensive, The Story of England guides us from prehistory to Cool Britannia, through invasions, wars, disease and empire-building, peopled by monarchs, rebels, politicians, and others who have left an indelible mark on England’s development.

This book provides an introduction to the Shapwick Project's objectives, geographical background and previous work in the Somerset. It deals with excavations in the outlying parish and focuses on work in the village at Shapwick House.

Many monasteries were endowed with extensive properties to provide sustenance and income for the community. Since they could mantain continuity of ownership in a way that no secular landlord could achieve, they had the opportunity to invest some capital in major modifications to the landscape. By improving agriculture, clearing and managing woodland, building houses, barns and churches, constructing mills and fisheries, re-planning villages and founding new towns, the influence of monastic power can clearly be seen from a close survey of the modern landscape.

A history of Roman cavalry equipment

Drawing on written records, coins, inscriptions and other archaeological evidence, the authors present a detailed picture of how the Roman cavalryman and his horse were equipped.

Founded in 1088 by St Bruno at the Grande Chatreuse (hence their name) in France, the Carthusians came to Britain almost a hundred years later. Only nine permanent monasteries were established before the Reformation (and six of these were founded after the Black Death), but of the total of ten British charterhouses five have substantial remains (Mount Grace being the best preserved and most accessible) and a further two have excellent earthworks. As a result of recent archaeological investigation (much of it by the authors) a full picture of the order and its development is now possible. Individual chapters cover the origins of the order; the first Carthusians in Britain; the monasteries of the fourteenth century; the later monasteries of Mount Grace, Sheen and Perth; the Carthusians at the time of the Suppression of the Monasteries; and finally the recent contribution from archaeology.

This book puts Cheddar Man into a wider archaeological context and explains the scientific detective work behind the headlines which made him an international celebrity nine millennia after his death.