Medieval Archaeology 34

In an extended model for maritime trade with Atlantic Britain and Ireland in post-Roman times, two `phases' are postulated. Phase one involves long-distance imports of amphorae, accompanied by fine red slip-wares and glass, from the Mediterranean. Phase two, perhaps rooted in 4th-5th century contact with Gaul, is best seen in the late 6th-7th century, and marked by widespread importation of `Class E', a kitchen-ware of continuing Gallo-Roman appearance. It is suggested that this was ancillary to a vigorous trade of Gaulish wine in barrels, not archaeologically evidenced; literary references are adduced. Possible witnesses to Insular contact with Merovingian or Frankish Gaul are examined. Actual Frankish mercenaries serving abroad are seen as likely, with a range of British and Irish finds of ornaments and weapons that, while seen generally as `Germanic', may be Frankish rather than Anglo-Saxon and so support this hypothesis. Despite years of sporadic searching, the production centre for Class E pottery remains unlocated; re-affirming a belief that it lies in north-central France, ideas for further work conclude the paper. Au

Dispersed settlements in a woodland parish of South West Worcestershire provide a detailed example from which general lessons can be learned about the history of settlement. The case study explores such problems as the relationship between medieval settlements and their Romano-British predecessors, the changing use of land in the medieval period, and the evolution of a distinctive type of dispersed settlement, the `interrupted row'. The usual explanations of the contrasting nucleated and dispersed settlements of the Middle Ages are found wanting, and they are regarded instead as elements in complex regional cultures. Au