Books in the Shire Archaeology series

Starting with the basic concept of a 'road' in medieval times, and discussing the increasing need to travel, this book explores the evidence from documents and maps that provide clues as to where the roads of medieval Britain led, connecting the study of individual roads together to paint an image of the broader road network.

Ring-headed crosses of impressive height and intricate design were first erected in Iona and Ireland from the eighth century onwards. This book deals with these and shows how they were the culmination of a long period of development during the early Christian period. It also examines the early sculpture of Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man.

Viking raids, and the subsequent Scandinavian settlements in the ninth and tenth centuries, had a major effect on many parts of Britain and Ireland. This book examines the distinctive archaeology of each phase, aspect or area of Norse impact in turn, with sufficient historical background to put the archaeological discoveries into context.

Explains the practice of masoncraft in the Middle Ages, using evidence from a number of sources. This book investigates how a study of certain features in these buildings, such as the stonework and building joints, can contribute to our knowledge of working practices of masons in medieval England.

This volume examines some of the best ancient monuments in Britain - the iron age brochs of north & west Scotland. It sets the building of these fortifications into context & looks at some of the theories that have been proposed for their origins.'

Towns have been a place of evolution and development throughout British history. Using archaeological, topographical and documentary material, this book provides an insight into the ideas about the developments of towns in England in the first half millennium to AD 1140.