The Norman Conquest : a zooarchaeological perspective

Abstract

Although it has long been recognised that the Norman Conquest was a significant historical watershed, archaeological evidence, in particular artefact-based studies, have produced little evidence for its impact on Anglo-Saxon life. As a result, the effects of 1066 have come to be viewed as archaeologically invisible, with emphasis being placed on pre- to post-Conquest continuity. Yet, since there is seldom a direct link between ethnic identity and material culture, it should not be expected that Norman influence would manifest itself as obvious changes in artefact forms. Instead, shifts may have been more subtle, perhaps reflected by inter-site variation in the distribution of different products.

This thesis studies the effect of 1066 from a new perspective, that of zooarchaeology. In conjunction with other archaeological and historical evidence, the animal bone data are examined, in detail, at three levels: the Norman Empire, Saxo-Norman England and the individual site. At its most basic, this thesis provides a development and synthesis of current zooarchaeological data for 5^th-14^th century England and France. Beyond this, it assesses the role of the Conquest as an instigator for economic, social and cultural change. Saxo-Norman shifts in the management and utilisation of domestic and wild animals are considered, with particular attention being given to diet, husbandry and hunting strategies. The belief that the Normans impacted upon Britain's wildlife, with the introduction of fallow deer and rabbits, is also re-examined.

In some instances, sample sizes are still small and further research will be required before the situation is understood fully. Nevertheless, it is hoped that this thesis sets the agenda for future investigations.

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