The Rebirth of Towns in the West AD 700-1050

A review of current research into how, when, and why there was a rebirth of towns between 700 and 1050. Based upon papers presented to the Fourth joint CBA/DUA International conference on 'The Rebirth of Towns in the West AD 700-1050' held at the Museum of London on 21-23 March, 1986. Papers from the 4th joint CBA/DUA international conference, 1986, take the theme that the AS resettlement of many Roman towns followed a long period of desertion. Richard Hodges (1-7) in 'The rebirth of towns in the early Middle Ages' uses archaeology, anthropology, and history to propose a typology of urbanism in 1st millennium AD. David Hill (8-15) in 'Unity and diversity - a framework for the study of European towns' demonstrates that the growth of towns in England, AD 600-1066, parallels developments in the rest of Europe. Brian Hobley (69-82) reviews the identification of the twin mid-Saxon settlements of London in 'Lundenwic and Lundenburh: two cities rediscovered', and Alan Vince traces trade from mid-7th century in 'The economic basis of Anglo-Saxon London' (83-92). For 'Ipswich' Keith Wade (93-100) summarizes the evidence for the Mid and Late Saxon town from early 7th century, particularly the important pottery industry. Mark Brisbane (101-108) reviews recent discoveries in 'Hamwic (Saxon Southampton): an 8th century port and production centre'. T. J. Strickland (109-118) identifies 9th/10th century re-use of Roman buildings in 'The Roman heritage of Chester: the survival of the buildings of Deva after the Roman period', and A. T. Thacker (119-124) examines 'Early medieval Chester: the historical background'. R. A. Hall (125-132) in 'York 700-1050' traces the development of Jorvik from 8th/9th century Eoforwic and the redevelopment of the RB colonia. Remaining sections of the volume treat towns in Italy, Gaul, and Scandinavia.