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The Archaeology of the East Anglian
Conversion
by Richard Hoggett
Boydell Press (2010)
Hardback ~ xiv+208 pp ~ 35 line illustrations ~ 13
black and white plates
ISBN: 9781843835950
£50.00
Drawing both on the surviving documentary
sources, and on the eastern region's rich archaeological record,
this book presents the first multi-disciplinary synthesis of the
process. It begins with an analysis of the historical framework,
followed by an examination of the archaeological evidence for
the establishment of missionary stations within the region's
ruinous Roman forts and earthwork enclosures. It argues that the
effectiveness of the Christian mission is clearly visible in the
region's burial record, which exhibits a number of significant
changes, including the cessation of cremation.
The conversion
can also be seen in the dramatic upheavals which occurred in the
East Anglian landscape, including changes in the relationship
between settlements and cemeteries, and the foundation of a
number of different types of Christian cemetery. Ultimately, it
shows that far from being the preserve of kings, the East
Anglian conversion was widespread at a grassroots level,
changing the nature of the Anglo-Saxon landscape forever. |
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REVIEWERS' COMMENTS
'This is never less than a
useful and provocative survey which is imaginative in its
building and use of models. It sets out an intelligent research
agenda which, if implemented, would test its main conclusions
and contribute substantially to our understanding of the 7th to
9th centuries in eastern England.'
Prof Chris Scull, Medieval Archaeology 55
(2011)
READ REVIEW
'Hoggett has produced a scholarly,
deeply researched study with a massive bibliography that draws,
inevitably, on a wealth of material from the two fields of
archaeology and history of religion.'
Chris Barringer, NAHRG Annual 20 (2011)
READ
REVIEW
'The conclusions, full of hope
and inspiration, suggest several major lines of research, as
well as emphasising the enormous body of work produced in the
past few decades. There is a surprising maturity in this volume,
which at times reads like an indispensable textbook. Only its
substantial price can be used as an excuse for ignoring this
book, and surely numerous scholars, including many from outside
East Anglia, will gain much from it.'
Dr Andrew Rogerson, Norfolk Historic
Environment Service, Landscape History 32.1
(2011)
READ REVIEW
'Hoggett's study takes
us on an adventure of speculation. ... A good start has been
made in a direction that leaves me with a taste for the ongoing
adventure.'
Rt Rev David Thomson, Bishop of Huntingdon,
Times Literary Supplement
11 February 2011
READ REVIEW
'It is so well written and so
beautifully argued. It is one of the clearest and best books on
the subject that I've read.'
Dr Sue Oosthuizen, Academic
Director, University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing
Education
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