Anglo-Saxon 'great hall complexes' : elite residences and landscapes of power in early England, c. AD 550-700
This thesis presents the first detailed and systematic examination of Anglo-Saxon âgreat hall complexesâ. Characterised by their architectural grandeur and spatial formality, these rare and impressive sites represent a distinct class of high-status settlement that were primarily occupied during the later sixth and seventh centuries AD. Though their existence has been known to archaeologists since the mid-twentieth century, a series of recent and high-profile excavations has reignited the debate about these sites and necessitated the provision of a comprehensive study. Following an introductory account, the thesis begins with an archaeological review. This considers sixteen great hall complexes that are known from across the Anglo-Saxon realm. From this, a definition and broader characterisation of the great hall phenomenon is advanced. A series of four regional case studies represent the analytical core of the thesis. Focused on specific great hall complexes, and underpinned by comprehensive regional gazetteers, these investigations utilise a wide-ranging and multiscalar programme of spatial and chronological analysis in order to model the data. Particular emphasis is placed on the landscape context of
Austin, Matthew Henry
Anglo-Saxon 'great hall complexes' : elite residences and landscapes of power in early England, c. AD 550-700. This thesis presents the first detailed and systematic examination of Anglo-Saxon âgreat hall complexesâ. Characterised by their architectural grandeur and spatial formality, these rare and impressive sites represent a distinct class of high-status settlement that were primarily occupied during the later sixth and seventh centuries AD. Though their existence has been known to archaeologists since the mid-twentieth century, a series of recent and high-profile excavations has reignited the debate about these sites and necessitated the provision of a comprehensive study. Following an introductory account, the thesis begins with an archaeological review. This considers sixteen great hall complexes that are known from across the Anglo-Saxon realm. From this, a definition and broader characterisation of the great hall phenomenon is advanced. A series of four regional case studies represent the analytical core of the thesis. Focused on specific great hall complexes, and underpinned by comprehensive regional gazetteers, these investigations utilise a wide-ranging and multiscalar programme of spatial and chronological analysis in order to model the data. Particular emphasis is placed on the landscape context of
anglo_saxon hall complex elite residence landscape power early england present first detail_systematic examination anglo_saxon great hall complex characterised architectural spatial formality rare impressive site represent distinct class high_status settlement primarily occupy though existence know archaeologist since series recent high_profile excavation debate site necessitated provision comprehensive_study following_introductory account begin archaeological review considers sixteen great hall complex know across anglo_saxon realm definition broad characterisation great hall phenomenon advance series_four regional_case study represent analytical core_thesis focused specific great hall complex underpin comprehensive regional gazetteer investigation utilise wide_ranging programme spatial chronological analysis order model data particular_emphasis place_landscape context