Antiq J 79

An interim report reviewing work carried out between 1989 and 1996 as part of a ten-year, multidisciplinary landscape investigation focussed upon the evolutiion of Early Medieval and late medieval settlement patterns. The results of archaeological fieldwork, building-recording and documentary study are summarised. It is argued that the site of the present village and medieval field system were planned in the Late Saxon period and replaced a scatter of dispersed farmsteads, many of which show continuity from the prehistoric and Roman periods. The role of the medieval and post-medieval landscape is emphasised in reflecting and reinforcing social structure.

Presents the results of a review of the archaeological evidence from the so-called `Tomb of William Rufus' -- one of the cathedral's most celebrated monuments -- which led to the tomb's re-attribution as that of Bishop Henry of Blois (1129--71).

Presents a transcription of a documentary fragment found in the archives of the worshipful Company of Pewterers, which provides a unique insight into sixteenth-century pewterer's workshop practices.

The nineteenth-century development of Irish crannog studies, attitudes to archaeological research, and traits in public and private artefact collecting are examined through the parts played by several leading antiquaries and institutions in the 1839 discovery and later exploitation of Lagore, near Dunshaughlin (Co Meath). Connections between Irish and Swiss antiquaries are noted, and contemporary attitudes to their respective `Lake dwelling' discoveries contrasted. An appendix presents information on `Crannogs in County Londonderry according to the Ordnance Survey Memoir manuscript, Royal Irish academy' (368--71).

Identifies a small copper-alloy object excavated in 1927 as a die used for making the terminals of serpent jewellery.

Describes a metal-detector find -- a badge depicting a female figure in silver-gilt with traces of enamel. The object is dated to the first half of the sixteenth century and is thought to be a crest of the Gainsford family of Crowhurst, Surrey.

A brief discussion of a type of portable communion vessel that emerged after the English Reformation, illustrating an example made by Joseph and John Angell of Clerkenwell.