Paul Frodsham

The North Pennines from Prehistory to Present is the first comprehensive survey of the archaeology of the region, from Mesolithic to modern times. Sometimes described as ‘England’s last wilderness’, the area is a vast but relatively little-known swathe of the English northern uplands. It is a land of contrasts: lush green dales, high windswept moorland, purple with heather in late summer, turbulent rivers and dramatic crags. Traces of 10,000 years of human activity survive to be studied today, including flint scatters at Mesolithic campsites, earthworks of prehistoric and later settlements and field systems, and extensive remnants of the post-medieval ‘miner-farmer’ landscape. Aspects of the area’s past have been studied over many decades. Recently, since 2010, much new knowledge has been generated through the work of Altogether Archaeology. Initially a North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) project, largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this has subsequently developed into an independent charitable community group. The authors of this volume have been involved in its work from the outset. This wide-ranging overview weaves together the results of projects by Altogether Archaeology and others. Lavishly illustrated, it includes numerous newly processed lidar images, demonstrating the value of lidar imagery in archaeological survey. It should appeal to the general reader interested in the area, as well as to students and specialists.

Most people enjoy Christmas, but few understand the true origins of the celebrations centred around this time of year. This book looks at the archaeological and historical evidence for ceremonies at the winter solstice which date back more than 5000 years to the Stone Age and traces how these celebrations changed and evolved with the arrival of first Roman and then Christian beliefs. It also looks at the origins of the modern-day Christmas, many elements of which were unknown prior to the nineteenth century, and that most famous of Christmas figures, Santa Claus, while highlighting elements of continuity from the pagan origins of the festival that are still part of today's celebrations.

A history of Yeavering.