The role of Anglo-Saxon great hall complexes in kingdom formation

Abstract

activity on the site. It is always a challenge to succinctly present such extensive excavation data, especially when it is combined with the challenges of building stratigraphic narratives from work undertaken across numerous construction phases (Section 1). Here, however, the two main parts of the book are exceptionally well crafted. Section 3 details the deposit and structural sequence, providing the specialist with a detailed factual summary of all key features. Notable findings include the identification of a probable pharmacy east of the Canons Infirmary, and the well-preserved remains of a charnel crypt of the cemetery chapel. Section 4 considers a number of key themes arising from the site observations and the material culture. Particularly important sections detail the structural development of the Priory and its water management arrangements, there is also a fascinating section on changing burial practices at the site. Perhaps of most importance, however, is the synthetic consideration of the variety of evidence for medieval medical treatment. Here, the range of evidence includes rare artefact types (from crucibles to distilling flasks), remains of medicinal plants, and hearths and residues relating to the preparation of medicines on-site. This volume, in addition to reporting upon a significant corpus of findings, also represents a considerable achievement by a large team of authors and specialists. The MOLA monograph series, as well as being prolific, is market-leading in terms of its quality of structure and illustrative outputs, and it sets the benchmark for other comparable monograph series.