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Survey Archaeology on the Yorkshire Wolds: An integrated remote sensing approach to Late Iron Age and Romano-British landscapes


Type

Thesis

Change log

Authors

Maw, Eleanor 

Abstract

This thesis investigates the archaeological landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds as revealed through newly gathered non-invasive survey evidence, with a view to re-evaluating how its rural communities evolved throughout the Late Iron Age and Romano-British period. The research utilises data derived from four large-scale geophysical surveys undertaken across key parts of this landscape, integrated within an extensive aerial photographic study that collates evidence from both new and existing sources. This evidence is contextualised within previous archaeological research, demonstrating the potential of large-scale remote sensing for developing a more nuanced interpretation of past landscapes when integrated with even limited pre-existing excavation evidence. Through the collection, integration and contextualisation of these extensive new datasets, the thesis is able to provide unique insight into both this complex landscape and the processes which underlie the formation of its archaeological record. The first three chapters outline the key research framework, situating it within the current state of knowledge and outlining the methods employed - including details of a bespoke gradiometry cart system designed and built in collaboration with Dominic Powlesland and the Landscape Research Centre during the initial stages of this research. A further five chapters present the results of both the geophysical and aerial remote-sensing surveys, before summarising the implications for both our understanding of this unique archaeological environment and broader approaches to the study of Iron Age and Romano-British landscapes.

Description

Date

2021-12-18

Advisors

Millett, Martin

Keywords

Roman Britain, Landscape Archaeology, Rural Settlement, Remote Sensing, Geophysical Prospection, Yorkshire Wolds

Qualification

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Awarding Institution

University of Cambridge