An exciting study of the social and landscape phenomena of the Estate Landscape. In recent years, the post-medieval landscape has attracted new interest from archaeologists, historians, and geographers concerned to understand the development of the historic environment. One of the key structuring elements within these landscapes from the sixteenth century until the aftermath of the Second World War was undoubtedly the landed estate. However, it was not until the late nineteenth century that any systematic attempt to quantify the presence of these estates was undertaken, prompted by the move to democratic reform and the persistent link between political power and landed wealth. Yet the importance of the landed estate in structuring power, social relationships, and both agricultural and industrial production was not limited to the UK. From the eighteenth century, the link between the UK estates and patterns of landholding and exploitation in the colonies became increasingly complex and recursive. This volume explores the relationships between the form and structure of British and Colonial estate landscapes, their agricultural management and the political structures and social relationships they reproduced. The articles address themes as diverse as the creation and development of the agrarian landscape, improvement, ornamental landscapes and gardens and estate architecture. Overall, it highlights the wealth and diversity of existing scholarship and suggests new directions for post-medieval archaeology in this dynamic area of research.

About the Author
ROGER LEECH, President of the Society for Post Medieval Archaeology from 1999-2002, was formerly Head of Archaeology for the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England and is now Visiting Professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Southampton.

Reviews
[An] excellent and stimulating set of papers. A fine volume, one of the best and most enjoyable sets of papers I have read for some time. * RURAL HISTORY *
This is a collection of papers whose contents, and coherence, are of an unusually high standard. Highly recommended. * LANDSCAPES *
Provides fruitful contrasts and produces numerous new ideas and fresh insights into an already much-studied subject. A well-produced and informative book which enhances understanding and broadens perspectives on many aspects of estate history and landscape development. * LANDSCAPE HISTORY *
Many of the papers contain intriguing and thought-provoking material. * AGRICULTURAL HISTORY REVIEW *



Book Information
ISBN 9781843833703
Author Jonathan Finch
Format Hardback
Page Count 248
Imprint The Boydell Press
Publisher Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Weight(grams) 1g