Roman and Medieval Exeter and Their Hinterlands: From "Isca" to "Excester"

This first volume, presenting research carried out through the Exeter: A Place in Time project, provides a synthesis of the development of Exeter within its local, regional, national and international hinterlands. Exeter began life in c. AD 55 as one of the most important legionary bases within early Roman Britain, and for two brief periods in the early and late 60s AD, Exeter was a critical centre of Roman power within the new province. When the legion moved to Wales the fortress was converted into the civitas capital for the Dumnonii. Its development as a town was, however, relatively slow, reflecting the gradual pace at which the region as a whole adapted to being part of the Roman world. The only evidence we have for occupation within Exeter between the 5th and 8th centuries is for a church in what was later to become the Cathedral Close. In the late 9th century, however, Exeter became a defended burh, and this was followed by the revival of urban life. Exeter’s wealth was in part derived from its central role in the south-west’s tin industry, and by the late 10th century Exeter was the fifth most productive mint in England. Exeter’s importance continued to grow as it became an episcopal and royal centre, and excavations within Exeter have revealed important material culture assemblages that reflect its role as an international port.

Table of Contents

List of Figures List of Tables List of Appendices List of Abbreviations List of Contributors

Preface Acknowledgments Summary Foreign Language Summaries

1. Introduction: Roman and Medieval Exeter and their Hinterlands – From Isca to Excester
Stephen Rippon and Neil Holbrook

2. Exeter’s Local and Regional Hinterlands: The Landscape of South-West Britain
Stephen Rippon and David Gould

3. Regional Identities in the Roman Period: Dumnonia and the Wider South-West of Britain
Stephen Rippon and David Gould, with a contribution by Gundula Müldner and Delphine Frémondeau

4. ‘Richer in its bowels than in the face thereof’: The Hinterland of Exeter during the Medieval Period
Stephen Rippon and David Gould, with a contribution by Gundula Müldner and Delphine Frémondeau

5. The Legionary Fortress and its Landscape Context
Paul Bidwell, with a contribution by Mark Maltby

6. The Civitas Capital
Neil Holbrook, with contributions by Paul Bidwell and Mark Maltby

7. The Early Medieval Period c. 410–900 and Urban Revival c. 900–1200
John Allan, with contributions by Robert Higham, Mark Maltby and Stephen Rippon

8. The Medieval City, 1200–1550
John Allan, with a contribution by Mark Maltby

9. Conclusions: Exeter – A Changing Place in Time
Stephen Rippon, John Allan, Paul Bidwell, David Gould and Neil Holbrook

Bibliography Index