The Archaeology of Anglo-Saxon England

Course details

Code
O19I201OER
Fees
From £1130.00
Dates
Sun 12 Jul 2020 - Sat 18 Jul 2020

The Archaeology of Anglo-Saxon England



Overview

The Oxford Experience is a residential summer programme providing one-week courses in a variety of subjects aimed at non-specialists. It offers a choice of seminars each week over a period of six weeks.

This course provides a detailed introduction to Anglo-Saxon England, covering the seven centuries from the end of the Roman Britain to the Norman Conquest.

Although the approach is mainly archaeological, we will also consider the art of the time as shown in the metalwork, manuscript illumination and sculpture, Anglo-Saxon literature and other documentary evidence.

Considerable changes took place in England during this time: the transition from paganism to Christianity; the Viking raids; the attempts at conquest by the Viking ‘Great Army’; King Alfred’s decisive victory over the Vikings at Edington; the consolidation of the Kingdom of England; and finally, the conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy.

Programme details

Seminars meet each weekday morning, 09.15-10.45 and 11.15-12.45, with afternoons free for course-related field trips, individual study or exploring the many beautiful places in and around the city.

Monday
The end of Roman Britain; the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons; Pagan Anglo-Saxon England.

Tuesday
Conversion to Christianity; the Celtic church and the Roman church; the Synod of Whitby; literacy in Anglo-Saxon England

Wednesday
The Viking incursions; The arrival of the Great Army; King Alfred; the Danelaw; the Burghal System

Thursday
Field Trip to Asthall Barrow; North Leigh; Taplow; Wallingford

Friday
Late Anglo-Saxon England; the Battle of Fulford; the Battle of Stamford Bridge; the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest

 

Field Trip

Destination:     Asthall Barrow; North Leigh, & Taplow; Wallingford

Excursion rating: Demanding
More than two hours' walk on even ground or up to two hours' walk on rough and/or steep ground or up lots of stairs and steps.

Recommended reading

Blair, John.  2000.  The Anglo-Saxon Age: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Crossley-Holland, Kevin.  2009.  The Anglo-Saxon World: An Anthology.  Oxford University Press.

Lucy, Sam.  2001.  The Anglo-Saxon Way of Death.  Sutton Publishing.

Accommodation

During your course, you will stay in typical Oxford student accommodation at Christ Church in buildings which range from the 18th to the 20th century. Bedrooms are modestly-furnished, do not have air-conditioning and are arranged on a staircase of four or five floors.

The fee £1625 includes a bedroom with private bathroom facilities (shower, washbasin and toilet). Most are single but a few twins are available for couples or those who wish to share with a friend. Those couples wishing to book a twin room should contact us direct ipoxex@conted.ox.ac.uk, as these rooms cannot be booked online.

There are also a few standard rooms available which all have their own washbasin and shaver point but the bath and toilet facilities on each staircase are shared. To apply for one of these rooms please select the ‘Programme Fee (with single standard accommodation and meals)’ option on the application form.  Early application for these rooms is essential.

Most standard rooms are single but there are a few ‘twin sets’ (two single rooms opening off a sitting room). If you wish to book a twin set, please contact us direct ipoxex@conted.ox.ac.uk, as these rooms cannot be booked online.

Please indicate your accommodation preferences (either online or on your application form) together with a note of any mobility problems.

We regret that we are unable to offer you accommodation at Christ Church prior to or following your course. Additionally, family or friends who are not enrolled in the programme cannot be accommodated in college.

Fees

Programme fee (no accom–incl. field trip, lunch and dinner): £1130.00
Programme fee (with single en-suite accom, field trip and meals): £1625.00
Programme fee (with single standard accom, field trip and meals): £1440.00

Tutor

Mr David Beard

Tutor

David Beard is a freelance archaeologist and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland specializing in medieval archaeology, especially the Anglo-Saxon and Viking periods. He has been involved in continuing education for many years having taught for the Universities of Oxford, London, Essex and Ulster.

Assessment methods

There are no assessments for this course.

Application

Online registration closes on Friday, 1 May 2020 but please note that this course may be fully booked very quickly so early registration is recommended.