| Abstract: |
The book is dedicated in memory of Ivan Donald Margary (1896-1976), of whom Eric Wood (9-10) writes an appreciation. The editors' introduction (11-15) explain that this is the first volume on Surrey archaeology since 1931, and outline the present organization of effort in the county. The following chapters treat individual archaeological periods. J J Wymer (17-30) on 'The Palaeolithic period in Surrey' shows that there are three geographical groupings for handaxes: the Farnham Terrace sequence, the N Downs, and the Thames gravels. R I Macphail and R G Scaife (31-51) describe 'The geographical and environmental background' from Upper Palaeo (Devensian) to c AD 1500; there are four main areas (Central, Low, and High Weald, and North Downs) which embrace heavy clay, chalky, acid, and alluvial soils. An outline of environmental conditions at each archaeological period is given. Moving on to 'The Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic in Surrey', Roger Ellaby (53-69) describes the few Up Palaeo implements, the five sites that are purely Early Meso in date, the 'Horsham period' of 7000-6000 bc, and the Later Meso to c 4000 bc. Weston Wood is the most likely Meso dwelling out of several claimed examples, and the transition to Neo remains shadowy. David Field & Jonathan Cotton (71-96) in 'Neolithic Surrey: a survey of the evidence' point out that most of the evidence is of artefact scatters, with relatively few monuments (Staines causewayed camp, Badshot Lea long barrow, Stanwell cursus - 4km long). Some 108 axes have been recorded as indications of local or more distant trade, and there is some evidence for technology and subsistence. 'The Bronze Age' is taken by Stuart Needham (97-137), again having to deal mainly with artefacts, which show differences between the NE and Thames zone and the SW. The development of the Deverel-Rimbury complex and of Arreton metalworking can be observed, and there is formalized land division with long-lived farming settlements. Economic dominance of Thames-side is illustrated by deposits of MBA metalwork, continuing into LBA; defended sites on floodplain and hilltops appear then, as do personal hoards in the SW and founders' hoards in the NE. Rosamond Hanworth (139-64) takes the study into 'The Iron Age in Surrey', draws on new thinking on the period, and notes a shift in focus after Caesar's invasions, from the Thames and the east towards a southern and western grouping. Soil types still exert influence on settlement. David Bird (165-96) illustrates the richness of 'The Romano-British period in Surrey' but points to a bias towards the more sophisticated aspects (towns, villas, and roads). Many details about villas can now be corrected and many more need fuller investigation to modern standards; non-villa sites remain sadly lacking, but trade and industry are represented by potting, and there is scattered evidence for cult. 'Saxon Surrey' is the topic of Rob Poulton (197-222) who surveys the archaeological evidence (mainly cemeteries for the earlier period, towns for the later) and then relates this to the historical and place-name evidence, stressing the underlying rural continuity, and calling for the development of research strategies for this period. The final contribution comes from D J Turner (223-61), 'Archaeology of Surrey, 1066-1540', describing fortifications, religion and death, rural settlement, towns, housing, and industry. |
