Ebook: Rivenhall: Investigations of a Roman Villa, Church and Village, 1950-77. Vol. 2. Specialist Studies and Index to Volumes 1 and 2

With contributions by David Andrews, Marion M. Archibald, Michael D. Astor, Justine Bayley, Howard Brooks, N. Brown, Lawrence Butler, William Cole, C. M. Cunningham, P. J. Drury, Vera I. Evison, Margaret Gelling, C. J. Going, B. R. Hartley, M. W. C. Hassall, Elizabeth Healey, K. Kilmurry, David King, Julian W. S. Litten, G. Lloyd-Morgan, Rosemary M. Luff, J. P. Northover, T. P. O’Connor, Oliver Rackham, Richard Reece, E. Clive Rouse, G. E. Sheldrick, T. Sturge, Alan Vince, J. S. F. Walker and N. P. Wickenden.

This is the second and concluding report on the archaeology and topography of Rivenhall parish, Essex. Basic topographical, stratigraphic and structural evidence was presented in the first volume, together with an analysis and synthesis of the history of human activity in parish, from prehistoric to modern times. This appeared as CBA Research Report 55 (1985). The present volume is devoted to the technical and specialist studies which amplify the evidence already given, and which support the conclusions offered. No attempt is made here to describe or evaluate the contexts of archaeological finds, where these have already been considered in the main report; hence, frequent cross-referencing is given to volume 1. A general summary and chronological outline will be found at the beginning of that volume. Most of the basic study and analysis of the finds and thematic topics covered here was undertaken in 1977-78, although some revision and updating has been carried out subsequently. Administrative, financial and personal difficulties have all contributed to the unconscionable delay in the appearance of this report. It has also been necessary to revise the strategic approach to the publication of primary evidence, on account of the sheer bulk of data collected. A highly selective approach has had to be adopted for the publication of excavated finds relating to the Roman and medieval periods; and no more than a small fraction of the historical research carried out on the fields, manors and other properties of the parish could be included here. Comprehensive publication could have filled another two volumes.