The archaeological study of churches

'It becomes increasingly evident that churches more than any other structure are likely to advance the understanding of settlement histories . . . (this) volume presents a number of specific studies to illustrate the variety of techniques and approaches now to be found in British church archaeology'. H M Taylor (3-9) examines the logical foundations for constructing the architectural history of any period, explaining the particular problems of Anglo-Saxon churches. A section on organization of church archaeology (10-17) contains the editors' description of the network of Diocesan Archaeological Consultants formed to improve communication between church authorities and archaeologists; and short contributions on Danish, German and Dutch organization come respectively from O Olsen, G Fehring and H Halbertsma. Part 3 (18-27) treats the documentary background, with L A S Butler and D Owen explaining the types of evidence available and their use by the archaeologist. Part 4 (28-64) is on approach and techniques, with papers on individual churches by R Cramp (Jarrow), J G Hurst (Wharram Percy) and S Knight (Upleatham), while P A Rahtz considers the wealth of information found in churchyards, and the dangers to which it is subject. K A and W Rodwell discuss the problems of investigating churches in current use, from local politics and sensitivities through practical problems like the display of research results. A D Phillips describes the recording of the York Minster rescue excavations, advocating the use of 9cm x 12 film with monorail camera and the indirect application of a Cartesian coordinate system. P A Rahtz's second contribution is on the 'total archaeology' being applied to Deerhurst church and village. Martin Biddle (65-71) on the widening horizons discusses continuity of site and settlement, the origins of churchyard burial, and structural problems. The Reverend Henry Stapleton offers a postscript.