The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, between the rivers Severn and Wye where England meets Wales, is known chiefly for its post-medieval industrial heritage. This book seeks to tell the story of its pre- and early history through written sources and archaeology. It builds on existing summaries, such as Hart's Archaeology in Dean (1967) and Walters' Ancient Dean and the Wye Valley (1992), but also incorporates historical and archaeological research undertaken in the late 20th and early 21st century, in particular Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology Service's Forest of Dean Archaeological Survey. This included aerial imaging using lidar technology which revealed for the first time many archaeological sites and landscapes previously obscured by woodland.

Although the majority of archaeological sites in the Forest of Dean are still to be investigated and their dates and status are not known for certain, this book sets out a considerable amount of new information which should promote debate and encourage further investigation into the Forest's archaeology.

About the Author
Jon Hoyle is an archaeologist with Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology Service. Between 2002 and 2011 he directed the Forest of Dean Archaeological Survey which investigated aspects of the Forest's archaeology and particularly those parts hidden by the extensive tracts of woodland in the area.

Reviews

'Hidden Landscapes is a resounding success and forms both a definitive statement on current knowledge of the archaeology of the Forest and a reference point for numerous strands of future research and investigation, Jon Hoyle provides a level of insight and understanding that reflects his career dedicated to the archaeology of the region and in spite of the range of material and complex themes that he covers, the many threads of narrative are engagingly woven into a coherent story.'

Will Davies, Archaeologia Cambrensis

Book Information
ISBN 9781848022584
Author Jon Hoyle
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Historic England
Publisher Historic England