Archaeologist, Sophie Cabot, delivered an excellent talk about the development of Norwich in the period before the Norman invasion in 1066. This survey, took us from the early development of the settlement along the banks of the river Wensum, beginning in the 6th-7th centuries, to the accelerated growth of the city during the period of Scandinavian (Viking) domination beginning in the 9th century.
Given the immense changes since those times, most of the evidence for this relatively distant past is archaeological. Noting the many gaps, absences and, necessarily, scanty and skewed nature of the surviving evidence, Sophie nevertheless managed to help us picture the city's roots, routes and past.
There was so much of interest to ponder, but one thing that - once again - struck me, was the importance of language in describing - or, in this instance, periodising - the past. I thought Sophie's explanation of the movement and migration of people from, initially, north-west mainland Europe to Eastern England, and the subsequent re-orientation towards Scandinavia was well made. Being in an area of the country that was dominated by 'Viking' settlement, means that Norfolk's history between the middle of the ninth century (800s) to the Norman Conquest (1066) should really be referred to as the Anglo-Scandinavian period, rather than the much more commonly known, 'Anglo-Saxon'.
It is also true that Norfolk - despite the stereotypes - has always been subject to outside influences - hence my reference to 'routes' (above). There is an often neglected tendency for historians to underestimate the influence of geography - the effects that space/places exert. Conversely, Human geographers often underplay the influence of history on the formation of places. This is one reason why I would love for someone like Tom Williamson (a Landscape historian who teaches at UEA) to get involved with us from time to time (in fact, I think I'll email him in a minute!).
Listening, I made a note to self, thinking that one future session for the Club might be a generic one with an historian and an archaeologist talking about the way their chosen field generates knowledge of the past. Just a thought... If you think that would be of interest, let me know (and you can, of course, leave comments via this blog: easiest to sign in as 'Anon' - please note, all comments are moderated)
Anyway, Sophie definitely earned her round of applause at the end, and from the feedback I've received, left us wanting more.
Thanks Sophie!
Feedback on the day:
"A wealth of knowledge I would (otherwise) probably never find out about."
"Very interesting and informative. Thank you"
"Very interesting - learning a lot"
