Series: University of York Archaeology Publications

Papers are presented in three sections: Recognising a public; Media and presentation; Placing politics. The contributors are P J Fowler, P Stone, H Cleere, T Gregory, A Selkirk, T O'Connor, J Knight (BBC), E Hartley, A Saville and P Ucko.

Previously unpublished material from the excavation of the west row is described and assessed against vernacular and functional models. Post-medieval vernacular traditions, known to be in existence by the late 14th century, could already have been long-established. The evidence for and archaeological identification of crucks (eg the presence of padstones) is reviewed in this context; substantial cruck-built peasant buildings could have lasted for centuries. Non-domestic structures, including barns and buildings containing kilns/ovens, and the change from central hearth/cross passage plan to hearth-passage plan, are also discussed. F B

Papers from a conference to assess the state of British rescue archaeology in the 1980s. H Mytum provides the introduction, noting some topics not covered by participants. P Barker surveys the years around 1971 when Rescue was founded. M Henig attacks the whole business of treasure hunting, from the detector users to the renowned dealers who provide outlets for the spoil. A Vince proposes a new structure for pottery studies to raise them above the level of stamp-collecting. C C Taylor appeals yet again for archaeologists (let alone legislators and public) to appreciate the value and cost-effectiveness of field survey properly done by fully trained staff. M Millett views universities and the future of archaeology in Britain, calling for more interchange between universities, units, and museums to raise the whole standard of research and debate. Looking forward to the 21st century, B Hobley stresses the importance of the Code of Practice set up between archaeologists and developers, especially in the absence of any policy of 'polluter pays' and the diminution of government funding. Tim Crump also deals with funding, analysing the MSC contribution of recent years. Tim Schadla-Hall suggests how museums might redeem their role in archaeology, while the presentation of monuments (especially roofed ones) to the public is A Emery's contribution, and P Crummy has examined and bibliographed a wide range of popular publications on archaeological results. The treatment of archaeology in the media, especially TV, is assessed by C Hills. Policy and practice of rescue and research in Wessex is presented by A J Lawson and M O H Carver contributes an analysis of the politics of project design, suggesting some ways of improving both the archaeology and the general good. Progress (and losses) in the archaeology of churches and cathedrals is noted by W Rodwell. The organization of Welsh archaeology is described by C Musson, and of the very different Scottish scene by N Fojut. A Selkirk writes on archaelogy and the leisure revolution. A retrospect and prospect on the role of English Heritage is offered by G J Wainwright, and H Sheldon concludes the volume by looking forward to a renascent Rescue.