Description
Book SynopsisMost places in Britain have had a local history written about them. Up until this century these histories have addressed more parochial issues, such as the life of the manor, rather than explaining the features and changes in the landscape in a factual manner. Much of what is visible today in Britain''s landscape is the result of a chain of social and natural processes, and can be interpreted through fieldwork as well as from old maps and documents.
Michael Aston uses a wide range of source material to study the complex and dynamic history of the countryside, illustrating his points with aerial photographs, maps, plans and charts. He shows how to understand the surviving remains as well as offering his own explanations for how our landscape has evolved.
Trade Review'...an interesting and stimulating account' - - Current Archaeology
'...this is a book written to engage the interest of a wide readership, and it deserves to succeed' - - Antiquaries Journal
'...an attractively presented and profusely illustrated book' - - Landscape Research
'... a fascinating and lavishly-illustrated account' - 3rd Stone
'[Aston] succeeds in putting over a series of potentially complex concepts in a straight-forward manner. The numerous illustrations and wealth of aerial photography enhance the text superbly.' - The Ley Hunter
Table of ContentsChapter 1 How do we know what we know?; Chapter 2 Early landscapes; Chapter 3 Estates and boundaries; Chapter 4 Status in the landscape; Chapter 5 Deserted villages and offer; Chapter 6 Surviving villages; Chapter 7 Farms and hamlets; Chapter 8 Sites and patterns; Chapter 9 Land uses; Chapter 10 Field systems; Chapter 11 Communications — the links between; Chapter 12 What does It all mean?;
