Norfolk Archaeology 34 (4)

Of all the sites of Anglo-Saxon sees, North Elmham may offer one of the best opportunities for excavation of preconquest structures. An outline of the history of the East Anglian diocese is followed by discussion of some of the problems, caused by the ambiguity of the documentary evidence, which archaeology may help to solve. A summary of recent discoveries in the North Elmham area (eg RB, pagan, and mid-Saxon material) which have shed new light on the origins and early development of North Elmham, forms an introduction to a discussion of the village itself. The plan of medieval Elmham, which differs somewhat from the modern one, is considered and the structures so far found in the park excavations near the cathedral are described. The buildings recovered (provisionally dated to mid- and Late Saxon periods) are notably varied in plan and construction. Plans for future work are outlined. Au(adp)