The recycling of Roman 'spolia' is a distinctive feature of medieval building practice, yet until now the British evidence has not been systematically explored. The author has carried out first-hand research on over 200 standing medieval buildings, by far the largest survey so far conducted in Britain.

Tim Eaton begins by examining the chronology of re-use and tackles the question which is basic to an understanding of the early medieval building industry: at what point did builders revert from the salvaging of Roman masonry to the exploitation of freshly quarried stone? Having established this context he looks at the possible motives behind recycling the ancient stonework and finds - especially in an 'energetics' evaluation of the Norman Keep at Chepstow Castle - that, contrary to accepted wisdom, the medieval builders did not automatically adopt the cheapest option.

An alternative explanation for the re-use of the ancient building material is developed on the evidence that many monuments were reclaimed intentionally and then put on display. Roman altars were adapted into medieval cross bases and fonts, and milestones were reinvented as early British memorials, coffins and tombs exhibited over post-Roman burials. By recycling Roman masonry and monuments an individual or institution could promote an impression of longevity: an invented past was used to generate influence and kudos. Both the early church and the Norman elite used this technique to convince the English that they were the natural successor to the Roman Empire.

This refreshingly original study will not only be useful to professional archaeologists and students, but will appeal to amateur enthusiasts interested in historic buildings and the historic landscape.

About the Author

Tim Eaton studied archaeology at the University of Reading, where he obtained his BA, MA and PhD. During this period he took part in prehistoric, Roman and medieval fieldwork projects in Britain, Spain and Italy. This is his first book.

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