Transformations of Identity and Society in Anglo-Saxon Essex: A Case Study of an Early Medieval North Atlantic Community presents the results of a comprehensive archaeological study of early medieval Essex (c.AD 400-1066). This region provides an important case study for examining coastal societies of north-western Europe. Drawing on a wealth of new data, the author demonstrates the profound influence of maritime contacts on changing expressions of cultural affiliation. It is argued that this Continental orientation reflects Essex's longterm engagement with the emergent, dynamic North Sea network. The wide chronological focus and inclusive dataset enables long-term socio-economic continuity and transformation to be revealed. These include major new insights into the construction of group identity in Essex between the 5th and 11th centuries and the identification of several previously unknown sites of exchange. The presentation also includes the first full archaeological study of Essex under 'Viking' rule.

About the Author
Alexander D. Mirrington is a specialist in the early medieval archaeology of north-western Europe. He earned his Doctorate in archaeology from the University of Nottingham in 2013 for his research on Anglo-Saxon Essex.

Reviews
"Mirrington's volume on changes in identity and society in early medieval Essex makes a valuable contribution to the archaeological study of this period. [...] There is much to recommend in this volume. The 44 maps showing the distributions of dress ornaments, pottery types, and coinage are very useful and represent a significant contribution to the archaeology of Essex. The book is well organized and clearly written, and Mirrington's conclusions are well supported by the archaeological evidence that he presents. [...] Mirrington's volume is an important contribution to the archaeology of early medieval Essex and its place in the North Atlantic community. I recommend it to readers who are interested in how material culture can be used to reconstruct changes in identity and society during this period in England."
- Pam J. Crabtree, The Medieval Review, 21.10.11 (2021)

"Alexander Mirrington has written an important history of Essex between the collapse of Roman Britain and the Norman Conquest from the perspective of archaeology, placed within a wider European context. One of its strengths is that it connects the archaeology of Essex with Anglo-Saxon London, thereby bridging a significant disciplinary divide in both history and archaeology which separates the history of London from its wider hinterland. The book will also be of value to local historians because it fills a significant gap in the early history of Essex. [...] [Mirrington] is to be congratulated."
- Andrew Wareham, University of Roehampton, Speculum 96/3 (July 2021)



Book Information
ISBN 9789462980341
Author Alexander D. Mirrington
Format Hardback
Page Count 300
Imprint Amsterdam University Press
Publisher Amsterdam University Press