Vanishing Landscape: Archaeological Investigations at Blakeney Eye, Norfolk

By (author) Naomi Field

Book cover: Vanishing Landscape: Archaeological Investigations at Blakeney Eye, Norfolk

Extent: 240 pages

Publisher: Archaeopress Publishing

Subjects: Earth & Life Sciences , European Prehistory, Medieval Studies

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(September 2021)

ISBN: 9781789698404

8.07 x 11.42 inches

Price: $64.00

In stock

This volume presents a report on the archaeological excavation of a small building on the Norfolk coast, locally known as ‘Blakeney Chapel’, in advance of expected coastal erosion at Blakeney Eye. The investigations produced evidence for multi-period occupation, with abandonments driven by the ever-changing climate.


A Vanishing Landscape: Archaeological Investigations at Blakeney Eye, Norfolk documents the results of several archaeological investigations undertaken on Blakeney Eye on behalf of the Environment Agency after the decision was taken for a managed retreat of the area. The Eye is a part of the north Norfolk coastline that has been under constant pressure of erosion for centuries. Excavation revealed evidence for multi-period occupation, with abandonments driven by the ever-changing climate. Neolithic features and artefacts were the earliest remains present. Fragmentary remains of an enclosed 13-14th century farmstead were identified, mainly preserved beneath the two-celled flint building of 16th-17th century date (the scheduled monument known locally as Blakeney Chapel). Archaeological evidence for the function of this building is discussed in conjunction with the documentary sources. The archaeological remains throw light on the trading links between the medieval and post-medieval port of Cley and the Continent, as well as the storms and tidal influxes of the past that resulted in repeated abandonments of the area. This volume includes contributions by Kathryn Blythe, Michael Clark, Jacqueline Churchill, Jane Cowgill, John Giorgi, Alison Locker, Adrian Marsden, Graham Morgan, Quita Mould, Andrew Peachey, Sara Percival, James Rackham, Ian Rowlandson, Zoe Tomlinson, Alan Vince, Hugh Willmott, Jane Young.

Chapter 1: The Site and its Historical Setting - Naomi Field and Kathryn Blythe Chapter 2: Topography and Setting of Blakeney Eye - D. J. Rackham Chapter 3: The Fieldwork - Naomi Field and Kathryn Blythe Chapter 4: Environmental Remains - D. J. Rackham, John Giorgi and Alison Locker Chapter 5: The Prehistoric Remains - Andrew Peachey and Sarah Percival Chapter 6: The Pottery - I. M. Rowlandson and Jane Young Chapter 7: The Building Materials - Zoe Tomlinson, M. V. Clark and Graham Morgan Chapter 8: The Metal Finds - Naomi Field, Adrian Marsden, Quita Mould and Jane Cowgill Chapter 9: The Other Finds - Hugh Willmott and Alan Vince Chapter 10: Discussion - Naomi Field with Kathryn Blythe References, Chapter 1: The Site and its Historical Setting – Naomi Field and Kathryn BlytheD. J. RackhamNaomi Field and Kathryn Blythe D. J. Rackham, John Giorgi and Alison Locker Andrew Peachey and Sarah PercivalI. M. Rowlandson and Jane YoungZoe Tomlinson, M. V. Clark and Graham MorganNaomi Field, Adrian Marsden, Quita Mould and Jane CowgillHugh Willmott and Alan Vince† ;

Chapter 10: Discussion – Naomi Field with Kathryn Blythe

  • By (author) Naomi Field

'...Naomi Field and the other contributors should be commended on extracting as much insight as they have from what was evidently a problematic site to interpret.' – Gareth Davies (2023): Medieval Settlement Research 38