Landmarks in Church Archaeology: a review of the last thirty years

Excavations at Winchester and York in the 1960s led to the recognition of the wealth of archaeological evidence which is encapsulated in and around churches. In 1972 the first steps were taken to establish church archaeology as a sub-discipline and to promote widespread recognition of its importance. This has been achieved to a remarkable degree and fabric studies, excavations and surveys have taken place in many parts of Britain, organised both for research and in response to perceived threats. Consequently, our understanding of the origins and development of numerous buildings, and their settings, has been revolutionized.