Mick Aston, Professor of Landscape Archaeology at the University of Bristol and known to many through the long-running TV series Time Team, retired from the University in Summer 2004. This conference celebrates his teaching, research and energy by bringing together archaeologists who have worked closely with Mick over the years - Mick's colleagues, friends, and former students.

The papers to be presented reflect various aspects of Landscape Archaeology in western Europe which have been influenced in some way by Mick's enthusiasms and insights. Many of the papers focus on Mick's interest in medieval Europe, while others that reflect his connections with the West Midlands and the South West of England. Papers will also focus on the archaeology and history of the medieval church, another of his enduring interests. They are offered as a tribute to his influence, his generosity of spirit and his enthusiasm by his friends.

Timetable

Friday 10th December 2004

9.30 – 10.15 coffee and registration

10.15 – Welcome

Session 1; Perceptions & People

10.30 – 11.05 - Experiencing the Prehistoric Landscape of Somerset (Dr Jodie Lewis, University College Worcester)

11.10 – 11.45 - Debateable ground. Conflict in landscape history (Professor Christopher Dyer, Centre for English Local History, University of Leicester)

11.50 – 12.25 –The peripatetic life of the medieval bishop. (Dr Naomi Payne, Gloucestershire County Council)

12.25 –13.00 - Perceptions of Landscape: What do we see? (Christopher Taylor FBA)

13.00 – 14.10 Lunch

Session 2; Perceptions & People

14.10- 14.45 Landscape, French wine and vans – doing medieval archaeology the Aston way. (Dr Christopher Gerrard, University of Durham)

14.50- 15. 25 Clear Fountains and Turbid: Archaeology’s Crisis of Communication (Dr Nicholas Corcos, University of Bristol)

15.25 – 15.45 Tea

15.45 – 4. 20 - The Premonstratensians in Gascony (James Bond, University of Bristol)

16. 30 close

 

Saturday 11th December

10. 00 Coffee

Session 3 ; People and Places

10.30 – 11.05 - Obscure Characters; Thegns in the Landscape of Wessex 900-1066 (Dr Michael Costen, University of Bristol)

11.10 – 11. 45 The early Church in Ireland: sketches for a new synthesis. (Dr Tadhg O'Keeffe, University college Dublin)

11.50 – 12.25 - Strategy, Symbolism and the Down-Right Unusual: The Archaeology of Three Somerset Castles (Stuart Prior, University of Bristol)

12.25 – 13.00 - Keeping the faith: the archaeological expression of differing church customs in early medieval Britain. (Teresa Hall)

13.00 – 14.10 Lunch

Session 4; People and Places

14.10 – 14.45 The Cistercian Landscape of L'Abbaye de Grosbot, Charente, France. (Dr Mark Horton, University of Bristol)

14.50- 15.25 - Chasing the tail of hunter-gatherers in south western landscapes. (Dr Paula Gardiner, University of Bristol)

15.25- 15.35 Tea

15.35 – 16.10 Of Naked Venuses and Drunken Bacchanals: the Durants of Tong Castle, Shropshire. (Dr Paul Stamper, English Heritage)

16. 10 – 16.40 - Time Team (Time Team)

17.00 close

The Conference fee is £50 (Waged, including lunch, tea and coffee). A small number of free places for students are available (buffet lunch at £6 per person).