Marking the 150th anniversary of the Yorkshire Archaeological Society, this year’s volume opens with two specially commissioned articles. In the first, John Collis traces the development of archaeological thought, using in evidence past editions of the Yorkshire Archaeological Journal itself. And secondly Brian Barber investigates the personalities and publications which have shaped the society over the course of its long and distinguished history.
The Yorkshire Archaeological Society, now with an extensive range of publications besides the YAJ, has been at the forefront of the study of Yorkshire’s archaeology and history throughout its existence. It no longer stands alone, for there are now many other worthy societies and journals to interest the serious researcher. We do believe, however, that the society is as relevant as it ever was, in providing a forum where the professional and amateur, academic and practitioner, can meet, exchange ideas, and keep abreast of much that is happening and that is significant in the study of Yorkshire’s past. In a world of shrinking public finances, the strength of voluntary local associations based on historic county loyalties is likely to remain of continuing importance.
The YAJ does not yet mark its own sesquicentenary, which will arrive in 2019 and will no doubt prompt further celebration. We also have a notable publishing development to report. As part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, the society has launched a collaboration with Cambridge University Press. Through the new print-on-demand programme of CUP, more than fifty of the titles which first appeared in the YAS Record Series from the 1880s to the 1990s will again become available. CUP approached the society last year, acting on a suggestion from an Oxford historian that it might consider reissuing the Early Yorkshire Charters series. These celebrated volumes, edited by Sir Charles Clay over a period of thirty years from 1935 to 1965, and published as an extra series to the Record Series, have long been out of print. Discovering the society’s long and important role in publishing Yorkshire historical sources, CUP saw the potential to re-publish a selection of volumes from the Record Series itself, a feat now accomplished. Each volume has a new introduction, spelling out the society’s achievements in the study of the history and archaeology of England’s largest historic county. Thus readers will recognise that, despite its venerable age, the society is still very much in being and welcomes new members to support and participate in its continuing work. Details of these newly available volumes will appear shortly on the YAS website.
There are also editorial changes to record here. Ted Royle retired as history editor after eight years, 2004–11, and we note our considerable debt to him for his help through a period of transition to new publishers and new editors. We also thank him for his continuing assistance in looking out for new authors and sources of articles. With the publication of this latest volume, Ian Sanderson will stand down as archaeology editor. Ian is to be succeeded by Roger Martlew, known to many from his years at Leeds University’s Continuing Education Department.