|
WMA
|
West Midlands Archaeology. This publication contains a short description for each of the sites where archaeological work has taken place in the previous year. It covers Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire. Some of these descriptions include photographs, plans and drawings of the sites and/or the finds that have been discovered. The publication is produced by the Council For British Archaeology (CBA) West Midlands and is published annually. Copies are held at the Warwickshire Sites and Monuments Record.
|
| back |
|
excavation
|
Archaeologists excavate sites so that they can find information and recover archaeological materials before they are destroyed by erosion, construction or changes in land-use.
Depending on how complicated and widespread the archaeological deposits are, excavation can be done by hand or with heavy machinery. Archaeologists may excavate a site in a number of ways; either by open area excavation, by digging a test pit or a trial trench. more ->
|
| back |
|
Medieval
|
1066 AD to 1539 AD (the 11th century AD to the 16th century AD)
The medieval period comes after the Saxon period and before the post medieval period.
The Medieval period begins in 1066 AD. This was the year that the Normans, led by William the Conqueror (1066 – 1087), invaded England and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings in East Sussex. The Medieval period includes the first half of the Tudor period (1485 – 1603 AD), when the Tudor family reigned in England and eventually in Scotland too. The end of the Medieval period is marked by Henry VIII’s (1509 – 1547) order for the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the years running up to 1539 AD. The whole of this period is sometimes called the Middle Ages. more ->
|
| back |
|
LAYER *
|
An archaeological unit of soil in a horizontal plane which may seal features or be cut through by other features.
|
| back |
|
HOUSE *
|
A building for human habitation, especially a dwelling place. Use more specific type where known.
|
| back |
|
BOUNDARY *
|
The limit to an area as defined on a map or by a marker of some form, eg. BOUNDARY WALL. Use specific type where known.
|
| back |
|
TRENCH *
|
An excavation used as a means of concealment, protection or both.
|
| back |
|
DITCH *
|
A long and narrow hollow or trench dug in the ground, often used to carry water though it may be dry for much of the year.
|
| back |
|
WALL *
|
An enclosing structure composed of bricks, stones or similar materials, laid in courses. Use specific type where known.
|
| back |
* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)