The third volume published in partnership between the Royal Archaeological Institute and Taylor & Francis (Routledge), volume 174 of the Archaeological Journal contains ten articles published across two online issues, combined in the print issue with a review article and book review section. The articles address the archaeology of Scotland, Wales, and England from the Mesolithic and Neolithic to the present day.
Issue 1 contains five articles published online in January 2017. We begin with a multi-period excavation at Four Crosses, Llandysilio, Powys. Havard et al. report on how this Bronze Age barrow cemetery persisted as a locus of ceremonial activity and social aggregation into the Early Middle Ages. This has implications for understanding the precise line taken by the early medieval linear earthwork, Offa’s Dyke, which bisected the Upper Severn valley just to the west of the excavated area. Another early medieval frontier is the focus of the report on fieldwork at Breamore, Hampshire, by Hinton and Worrell. Here again we have evidence of an early medieval cemetery focusing on a prehistoric mound. The distinctive multiple burials and rich grave-goods suggest a wealthy community of the sixth century AD at the far west of the furnished burial tradition. Long-running excavations at Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast are the focus of the article by Kirton and Young. Complementing the project’s work in the West Ward, survey and excavation within the Inner Ward provide evidence for two phases of early medieval activity, perhaps the site of a church dedicated to St Peter mentioned by the Venerable Bede. Focusing on Hampshire, Surrey, and Sussex, Jervis revises our understanding of later medieval ‘urban decline’, suggesting that each town represents a unique historical situation, and that contraction need not represent a decline in urban character. A distinctive blend of data analysis and debate is presented in a multi-period study by Green et al., whose density models across England reveal large-scale patterns in past population densities, practices of material culture use, or modern vagaries of land use and archaeological recording.
Issue 2 also brings together five very different studies. Garton’s work on the moors above Tintwistle, Derbyshire, revises our understanding of the character and extent of Mesolithic influence on upland peat growth. Next, Younger explores the relationship between fire and memory in exploring the life-histories of Neolithic henge monuments. Humphreys addresses the composition and character of ironwork hoards from Roman Britain. A fresh perspective is taken on the famous Mound 1 ship-burial from Sutton Hoo by Wallis, focusing on evidence for falconry as an elite practice in the early seventh century. Finally, we return to the theme of fire for Brophy et al.’s discussion of the spectacle of burning timber monuments as both archaeological experiment and public archaeology.
They are joined by a review article by O’Keeffe, critically reflecting on the current interpretations of medieval archaeology in Ireland. The book review section covers the typically broad range of periods and themes, reflecting the Institute’s multi-period interests.Together, these ten articles, review article, and reviews, through their varied approaches and topics, represent the distinctive position of the Archaeological Journal as the premier multi-period journal dedicated to exploring the human past across the British Isles.
The Summer Meetings Report for Wiltshire is the supplement for volume 174 edited with Dr Rachel Swallow. Contrasting with previous reports, individual site entries are provided online and supported by many images. The published report contains fewer images than usual and instead offers detailed up-to-date period reviews by leading experts in their topics, synthesizing Wiltshire’s rich archaeological remains.
We would like to thank our Production Editor, Carolyn Haynes, as well as the rest of the team at Taylor & Francis, for their assistance during the production of this volume. We also thank the Institute’s President, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, and Editorial Committee. The editorial work was ably assisted by Dr Ruth Nugent and we thank her sincerely for ensuring the quality and clarity of the articles.
This is Howard’s sixth and final edited volume of the Archaeological Journal and he has now stepped down. Kate would like to stress (despite Howard’s inevitable embarrassment) that the Royal Archaeological Institute’s President, Editorial Committee, and Council have commended him for his immense efforts, high-quality work, and commitment over the past five years, and we are sad to say goodbye to him. Volume 175 for 2018 is now in production with Dr Lisa-Marie Shillito as Honorary Editor, whom we welcome warmly. Kate will remain as Reviews Editor for volume 175, and a new Reviews Editor will be welcomed to the team in 2018.