The Understanding Landscapes Project
Roman and medieval communities in the Teign and Tamar Valley
An illustrated talk by archaeologist Dr Chris Smart
An introduction to work undertaken by the Department of Archaeology at the University of Exeter in two areas of Devon and Cornwall – Bere Ferrers and Calstock in the Tamar Valley, and Ipplepen near Newton Abbot. Originating as two separate academic research projects, fieldwork in these two landscapes has been brought together as part of a new three-year long Heritage Lottery-funded project Understanding Landscapes. Whilst geographically separate, the common theme to both areas is the development of the Roman and medieval landscapes. At Calstock, in South East Cornwall, survey and excavation is focussing on a Roman fort and deserted medieval settlement, whilst at Ipplepen excavation is revealing traces of a community which existed from the Iron Age, through the Roman, into the early medieval period. In Bere Ferrers the project is building upon previous work that has explored the landscape impact of a Crown-run silver mining industry of medieval date. After reviewing our current state of knowledge about these landscapes, the research aims of the Understanding Landscapes project will be outlined and details of how to get involved made clear!
Dr Chris Smart is a landscape archaeologist at the University of Exeter. He specialises in the archaeology of the Roman and medieval periods in Britain, and the development of the historic landscape. He is co-investigator and manager of the Understanding Landscapes project.
Admission £5 per person
To book please contact Abi Gray on 01548 830832 or email office@dra.uk.net. To secure your booking advance payment is required either in cash, by cheque payable to 'The Fenwick Charitable Trust', or by card over the phone. Payments are non-refundable. Any unsold tickets will be available to purchase at the door on the evening.
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