Books by Paul Belford
The Ironbridge Gorge is an iconic industrial landscape, presented as the birthplace of the Indust... more The Ironbridge Gorge is an iconic industrial landscape, presented as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and so part of a national narrative of heroic Protestant individualism. However this is not the full story. In fact this industrial landscape was created by an entrepreneurial Catholic dynasty over 200 years before the Iron Bridge was built. This book tells that story for the first time.
Acquiring land at the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Brooke family invested in coal mining and iron production – and introduced a radical new method of steelmaking which transformed that industry. Drawing together years of painstaking archaeological and historical research, this book looks in detail at the landscape, buildings and industrial installations created by the Brooke dynasty between the Dissolution and the English Civil War. It also explores the broader contexts – religious, economic and political – which shaped their mind-set and their actions. It considers medieval influences on these later developments, and looks at how the Brookes’ Catholicism was reflected in the way they created a new industrial landscape. In so doing it questions traditional narratives of English industrialisation, and calls for a more sophisticated understanding of this period by historical archaeologists.
What is historical archaeology? What are the challenges facing archaeologists looking at the rema... more What is historical archaeology? What are the challenges facing archaeologists looking at the remains of the last 500 years? What are the issues for archaeology itself in today's rapidly-changing economic and political circumstances? How can we develop a uniquely European historical archaeology? The result of a conference in 2009, Across the North Sea contains 24 papers from 28 leading archaeologists, historians, curators and heritage managers from Britain and Denmark, and explores a wide range of issues - including the development of the discipline and current practice in both countries, together with a range of case studies, and discussion of future directions. This fascinating book provides an essential guide for anyone wanting to understand the evolving discipline of historical archaeology in Britain, Denmark and the North Sea region.
This manual provides a unique user guide to practicing archaeology and working in the cultural he... more This manual provides a unique user guide to practicing archaeology and working in the cultural heritage sector within the diverse setting of Great Britain.
Papers and chapters by Paul Belford
Medieval Settlement Research, 2021
More than 25 years of development-driven archaeology in historic settlements in mid- and north-ea... more More than 25 years of development-driven archaeology in historic settlements in mid- and north-east Wales has revealed new insights into the origins and development of medieval settlements. This paper reviews the evidence, providing an analysis of the effectiveness of planning-led interventions as well as discussing the results. Improvements in understanding defences, town planing, urban life and industry are highlighted, and challenges for the future identified.
The Historic Environment: Policy and Practice, 2020
Research frameworks for archaeology in the UK have a long history. Since the 1990s research frame... more Research frameworks for archaeology in the UK have a long history. Since the 1990s research frameworks have been developed in formal programmes initially driven by state heritage bodies. These were intended to facilitate better decision-making in development-driven archaeological projects, and to provide an interface between archaeologists. However the effectiveness of such frameworks is limited by a number of constraints. These include 'internal' boundaries created by historic environment professionals: chronological borders; professional borders; disciplinary borders; and borders limiting access and regulating control. There are also boundaries created by others, which include institutional and resourcing constraints as well as the geographical limits of modern administrative boundaries. This paper discusses these issues through the prism of the border region between England and Wales, a borderland zone with long histories of conflict and cooperation. Some suggestions are offered for future changes.
Offa's Dyke Journal, 2019
Concerns over the condition of linear earthworks in north-east Wales have resulted in a series of... more Concerns over the condition of linear earthworks in north-east Wales have resulted in a series of projects
undertaken by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT). These have taken place on both Offa’s Dyke and
Wat’s Dyke, and on parts of those monuments that are both legally protected (scheduled) and those which have
no such protection. This article reports on two such projects, jointly funded by Cadw and the National Trust,
which looked at Offa’s and Wat’s Dykes in 2018 and 2019. Excavations took place on unscheduled sections of both
monuments where little above-ground evidence survived; in both cases the work revealed well-preserved sections
of ditch and bank. Samples were recovered for palaeoenvironmental analysis and dating. The implications of these
results for research and protection of the monuments in the future are discussed.
Current Archaeology, 2019
Recent work by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust has revealed new information about the constr... more Recent work by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust has revealed new information about the construction and preservation of these mighty monuments. Paul Belford reports from the Anglo-Welsh borderland.
The Historic Environment: Policy and Practice, 2018
The process of devolution in the U.K. since 1999 has created differences in policy and practice b... more The process of devolution in the U.K. since 1999 has created differences in policy and practice between the different parts of the U.K. This paper considers the historic environment sector in Wales. In practice the Welsh system has always been slightly different from other parts of the U.K, not least because of the role of the four independent Welsh Archaeological Trusts in performing duties that elsewhere are undertaken by public-sector bodies. The passing of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act in 2016 has made that divergence apparent in policy terms as well. The new legislation has also brought into being policy changes and new guidance across the planning system. This is broadly welcomed as a positive step for Wales. However, it has occurred at a difficult time for cultural heritage in the U.K. in general, and in Wales in particular, with economic and political issues close to the surface of policy and practice in the sector. This paper explores the interface between politics and heritage, both over the long term and in the context of implementing the new legislation, and discusses some of the implications for the future of the historic environment sector in Wales.
Paul Belford examines the historical and archaeological trajectory of Offa’s Dyke, and considers ... more Paul Belford examines the historical and archaeological trajectory of Offa’s Dyke, and considers motivations behind its construction and formation, including political, ideological and defensive requirements. In the context of a book about fortification, Dr Belford re-examines the defensive aspects of the Dyke, considering its relationship to the surrounding landscape – how it overlooked the land, how it was viewed by local society, how it contributed to methods of control, and how it may have functioned as a frontier. In terms of the latter point, the chapter discusses the relationships between Offa’s Dyke and Iron Age hillforts and identifies three locations where pre-existing hillforts could have played a role in the operation of the Dyke: Beacon Ring, the Breidden, and Llanymynech. Although the Dyke was designed to establish a visual domination of the landscape, even the large and formidable sections would not have presented a serious military defence against invasion. Dr Belford reminds us that Offa’s Dyke is a complex and sophisticated earthwork for which more research is required to unravel the social and cultural significance of the monument. This chapter is a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussions, investigations and projects on the earthworks of the Anglo-Welsh border.
Industrial Archaeology Review
The archaeology of the 20th century has been studied since the 1960s, but it is only more recentl... more The archaeology of the 20th century has been studied since the 1960s, but it is only more recently that explicit theoretical and methodological issues have been explored by the wider archaeological profession. This paper explores some of those issues in the contexts of developer-funded archaeology and community archaeology. Ways in which the archaeology of the more recent past may both help and hinder the discipline are considered, together with the relevance of archaeology to society at large.
Industrial Archaeology Review, 2014
Arqueologia Publica, 2014
This paper considers the rise of community archaeology in England and Wales, its relationships wi... more This paper considers the rise of community archaeology in England and Wales, its relationships with other branches of archaeology, and its long-term sustainability. It is argued that true sustainability for community archaeology will only be possible if research outcomes and public benefit are considered as being of equal value.
Buildings Archaeology Group Newsletter, 2013
Post-Medieval Archaeology, 2011
The Bermudian shipbuilding industry was an important part of the local economy, and made a partic... more The Bermudian shipbuilding industry was an important part of the local economy, and made a particular international contribution to trade and maritime design during the 18th century. Whilst its importance has long been recognized by historians, little archaeological attention has hitherto been paid to the extant remains. This paper describes archaeological survey of two shipbuilding sites, undertaken in 2004 and 2006. The project found that extensive remains of Bermuda’s important shipbuilding industry survive; future directions for research are outlined.
The Historic Environment: Policy and Practice, 2011
"It has been widely accepted that elements of the historic environment have been deployed to crea... more "It has been widely accepted that elements of the historic environment have been deployed to create an ‘authorized heritage discourse’ which supports the ‘top-down’ reinforcement of particular identities. Archaeology can be a vehicle for the expression of alternative identities. This article looks at the ways in which the historic environment has been used in Telford, an English new town created in the 1960s, both to support the creation of this new place, and in opposition to it. A community archaeology project forms the basis of a discussion on the role of communities in heritage, the ways in which community identities may shift, and how relationships between communities and the historic environment profession may evolve."
Post-Medieval Archaeology, 2010
Archaeological excavations undertaken between 2004 and 2008 at Wednesbury Forge, Wednesbury, West... more Archaeological excavations undertaken between 2004 and 2008 at Wednesbury Forge, Wednesbury, West Midlands encountered extensive remains of timber and masonry structures and other features. Historical and archaeological evidence revealed a sophisticated ironworking complex in existence by c. 1600, which was subsequently continually adapted and redeveloped until the site closed in 2005. Processes included finery and chafery forges, nail-making,
saw-making, gun-making and edge-tool manufacture. Later developments included a wind-powered grinding mill, internal railway networks, water turbines, rolling mills, housing and workers’ recreational facilities. Archaeological investigations comprised documentary research, excavation, building recording, oral history and process recording.
Across the North Sea, 2012
The development of historical archaeology in Britain is closely related to the ways in which fram... more The development of historical archaeology in Britain is closely related to the ways in which frameworks for managing the historic environment have evolved. This chapter provides an introduction to those frameworks, and examines how the disciplines of industrial, post-medieval and historical archaeology have beneftted from the growth of commercial practice.
The Historic Environment: Policy and Practice, 2012
Historical Metallurgy, 2012
The introduction of hot blast was the most important development in early 19th century iron smelt... more The introduction of hot blast was the most important development in early 19th century iron smelting. The conventional story of James Beaumont Nielson’s 1828 patent has been widely accepted since the 1840s. This paper re-appraises the development of hot blast in the light of an earlier patent of Thomas Botfield, and suggests that many elements of Botfield’s development anticipated those of Nielson. The role of Gilbert Gilpin, and through him connections with John Wilkinson and the iron industry in South Wales, are also discussed. It is argued that the early development of hot blast iron smelting in fact remains poorly understood, and some suggestions are made for improving understanding.
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Books by Paul Belford
Acquiring land at the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Brooke family invested in coal mining and iron production – and introduced a radical new method of steelmaking which transformed that industry. Drawing together years of painstaking archaeological and historical research, this book looks in detail at the landscape, buildings and industrial installations created by the Brooke dynasty between the Dissolution and the English Civil War. It also explores the broader contexts – religious, economic and political – which shaped their mind-set and their actions. It considers medieval influences on these later developments, and looks at how the Brookes’ Catholicism was reflected in the way they created a new industrial landscape. In so doing it questions traditional narratives of English industrialisation, and calls for a more sophisticated understanding of this period by historical archaeologists.
Papers and chapters by Paul Belford
undertaken by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT). These have taken place on both Offa’s Dyke and
Wat’s Dyke, and on parts of those monuments that are both legally protected (scheduled) and those which have
no such protection. This article reports on two such projects, jointly funded by Cadw and the National Trust,
which looked at Offa’s and Wat’s Dykes in 2018 and 2019. Excavations took place on unscheduled sections of both
monuments where little above-ground evidence survived; in both cases the work revealed well-preserved sections
of ditch and bank. Samples were recovered for palaeoenvironmental analysis and dating. The implications of these
results for research and protection of the monuments in the future are discussed.
saw-making, gun-making and edge-tool manufacture. Later developments included a wind-powered grinding mill, internal railway networks, water turbines, rolling mills, housing and workers’ recreational facilities. Archaeological investigations comprised documentary research, excavation, building recording, oral history and process recording.
Acquiring land at the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Brooke family invested in coal mining and iron production – and introduced a radical new method of steelmaking which transformed that industry. Drawing together years of painstaking archaeological and historical research, this book looks in detail at the landscape, buildings and industrial installations created by the Brooke dynasty between the Dissolution and the English Civil War. It also explores the broader contexts – religious, economic and political – which shaped their mind-set and their actions. It considers medieval influences on these later developments, and looks at how the Brookes’ Catholicism was reflected in the way they created a new industrial landscape. In so doing it questions traditional narratives of English industrialisation, and calls for a more sophisticated understanding of this period by historical archaeologists.
undertaken by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT). These have taken place on both Offa’s Dyke and
Wat’s Dyke, and on parts of those monuments that are both legally protected (scheduled) and those which have
no such protection. This article reports on two such projects, jointly funded by Cadw and the National Trust,
which looked at Offa’s and Wat’s Dykes in 2018 and 2019. Excavations took place on unscheduled sections of both
monuments where little above-ground evidence survived; in both cases the work revealed well-preserved sections
of ditch and bank. Samples were recovered for palaeoenvironmental analysis and dating. The implications of these
results for research and protection of the monuments in the future are discussed.
saw-making, gun-making and edge-tool manufacture. Later developments included a wind-powered grinding mill, internal railway networks, water turbines, rolling mills, housing and workers’ recreational facilities. Archaeological investigations comprised documentary research, excavation, building recording, oral history and process recording.
In 2020 radical changes were proposed to the planning system in England
which could potentially impact on both the archaeological profession and the public benefits it generates. This paper outlines the evolution and operation of the current UK system with particular reference to England, and highlights some changes that the new proposals could make to the status quo. Some structural issues are highlighted which will need to be overcome for archaeologists to improve things for themselves and for the society they serve in the future.