Monasteries in the Landscape

by Mick Aston

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 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 w

Genres: History, Archaeology

Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Michael Aston was an English archaeologist whose work helped establish landscape archaeology as an important field of study in Britain. He specialized in Early Medieval archaeology and became known for examining how settlements and other archaeological features developed within their wider landscapes. He studied geography with archaeology as a subsidiary subject at the University of Birmingham, while gaining practical experience through archaeological excavations. In 1970, he began working as a field officer for the Oxford City and County Museum, where he contributed to the sites and monuments record and taught extramural archaeology classes. He also presented a radio series on archaeology for Radio Oxford, beginning a lifelong commitment to making the subject accessible beyond universities. In 1974, Aston became the first County Archaeologist for Somerset. There he established a new archaeological site record, supervised excavations connected with the construction of the M5 motorway, and developed a strong interest in aerial archaeology. Together with Trevor Rowley, he helped introduce the term "landscape archaeology" through Landscape Archaeology (1974). The Landscape of Towns (1976), co-written with James Bond, extended this approach to urban environments. Aston was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in recognition of his contribution to archaeology. He later taught at the University of Oxford and the University of Bristol, organizing courses that introduced thousands of people to archaeology. He also led archaeological study tours in Greece and published Interpreting the Landscape (1985). Aston became widely known through his collaboration with television producer Tim Taylor. Their first project was Time Signs, followed by Time Team, which premiered on Channel 4 in 1994. Aston selected archaeological sites for excavation and assembled specialist teams for the program, while serving as its principal archaeological adviser. His distinctive appearance and approachable manner made him one of the most recognizable archaeologists on British television. He viewed Time Team as an extension of his adult education work, allowing him to bring archaeology to a much larger audience. In 1996, Aston became Professor of Landscape Archaeology at the University of Bristol. He also led a ten-year investigation of the medieval manor at Shapwick in Somerset, a project that resulted in The Shapwick Project, Somerset: A Rural Landscape Explored (2007), co-written with Chris Gerrard, followed by Interpreting the English Village (2013). His books for general readers included Mick's Archaeology and Archaeology is Rubbish: A Beginner's Guide, co-written with Tony Robinson. He retired from the University of Bristol in 2004 and became Professor Emeritus, while continuing his archaeological work through writing and television. From 2006, he contributed a regular column, "Mick's Travels", to British Archaeology magazine. Aston left Time Team in 2012 after objecting to changes that he believed reduced its archaeological content. He received a lifetime achievement award at the British Archaeological Awards in recognition of his contribution to public archaeology. His academic work, teaching, books, and television appearances helped make archaeology more accessible to a broad British audience. Colleagues regarded his ability to communicate complex archaeological ideas in an engaging way as a significant part of his contribution to the discipline.

Reviews

[Scifimoth]

For the person who wants a deeper technical understanding of the monastic ruins of Britain.

[Jeremy Tilston]

got my copy signed by Mick in Winchester at the "Meet Time Team" event

[Kym]

Well researched book by the late Professor Mick Aston who died on the 24 June this year, miss seeing him on Time team