The Clayton Collection : an archaeological appraisal of a 19th Century collection
This thesis examines the archaeological material from Hadrianâs Wall within the Clayton Collection at Chesters, Northumberland. The Collection was formed through the work of John Clayton, antiquarian and landowner in the 19th century. His work took place at a pivotal time in the study of Hadrianâs Wall, as public interest was growing, access was improving, and the discipline of archaeology was developing. As part of a large network of antiquarians, Clayton excavated, studied and published his discoveries. After his death his archaeological estate was retained, and the Collection was moved into a museum in 1896. Despite being in the public domain for so long, the material has never been studied as a whole, or in the light of its 19th century creation. One aim of this thesis is to explore the 19th century context within which this collection was formed. Using published accounts, and archival letters and other sources, Claytonâs methodology will be revealed. He was not simply a âwall-chaserâ or âtreasure hunterâ, but often considered carefully the motivations for his excavation. Nonetheless, he was also a man of his time, with his methodology regarding the retention of material not meeting modern
McIntosh, Frances Claire
The Clayton Collection : an archaeological appraisal of a 19th Century collection. This thesis examines the archaeological material from Hadrianâs Wall within the Clayton Collection at Chesters, Northumberland. The Collection was formed through the work of John Clayton, antiquarian and landowner in the 19th century. His work took place at a pivotal time in the study of Hadrianâs Wall, as public interest was growing, access was improving, and the discipline of archaeology was developing. As part of a large network of antiquarians, Clayton excavated, studied and published his discoveries. After his death his archaeological estate was retained, and the Collection was moved into a museum in 1896. Despite being in the public domain for so long, the material has never been studied as a whole, or in the light of its 19th century creation. One aim of this thesis is to explore the 19th century context within which this collection was formed. Using published accounts, and archival letters and other sources, Claytonâs methodology will be revealed. He was not simply a âwall-chaserâ or âtreasure hunterâ, but often considered carefully the motivations for his excavation. Nonetheless, he was also a man of his time, with his methodology regarding the retention of material not meeting modern
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