Medieval Monasteries (Archaeology of Medieval Britain) - Hardcover

This is the first book to provide an account of the archaeology of medieval monastic houses for the entire British Isles. The application of a wide range of archaeological techniques, allied to historical investigation, has reawakened interest in monasteries. Important new sources of information have transformed knowledge of monastic life. They have provided fascinating insights into such topics as the way in which buildings were erected, the operation of estates, diet and health, water management and the fate of abbeys at the Dissolution.
As well as discussing many of the advances of knowledge over the past two decades, innovative methods of archaeological investigation are described, and examples of good practice in the preservation of sites and their interpretation to visitors are provided.
The origins of monastic archaeology are examined and there is a full account of the rekindling of interest in monasteries under the influence of the Picturesque movement and later the Gothic Revival. The book also includes suggestions for future research, examples of outstanding monastic sites to visit, a glossary of terms, a comprehensive bibliography and an index.