“All told, this a report that maintains the standard of an exemplary excavation. It is a stimulating and enjoyable read, and a fitting tribute to Philip Barker, whose enthusiasm, integrity and penetrating mind inspired so many of us who knew him.” –Antiquity, Sept 2001
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Antiquity )
“The authors express the hope that they have made a solid contribution to the study of castles and also to medieval archaeology in general. There can be little doubt that this is indeed the case and, given the current state of funding for research excavation, Hen Domen will remain our most detailed example of the development of a motte and bailey castle for many years to come . . . In a series of highly readable, genuinely reflective and well illustrated chapters the development of the castle is brought to life in a discussion that is happily free of unnecessary jargon . . . a readable, reflective and well-illustrated piece of work that will stand the test of time.” –Landscape History, 2001
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Landscape History )
“This is a very readable excavation report with a strong touch of humanity. As well as the main contributors, the local community played its part, and continues to do so with the display of the site model and exhibits in ''The Bell'', the visitor centre of the Montgomery Civic Society. The spirit of the excavation and its team pervades the text, and is recognised by the photographs of camp life among the final pages.’” –Archaeological Journal, Vol. 158, July 2001
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Archaeological Journal )
“The authors deserve our thanks for seeing this well-produced report to publication, as indeed does Exeter University Press for publishing it. It is an expensive volume compared to other excavation reports published recently as monographs, but it is a book that should be on the shelves of anyone interested in the history of the Welsh borderland, let alone students of castle history.” –Archaeology in Wales, Vol. 40, 2001
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Archaeology in Wales )
“This is a book I would like to see in the hands of anyone involved in archaeological excavation, but most especially students approaching the trenches for the first time, shiny trowel at the ready. This is what excavation should be about: digging and recording to the highest standards, intellectual rigour and transparency, an appreciation that a complex site can only begin to be understood within its landscape by constantly revisiting it, and sheer dedication. In fact, it is the antithesis of much that passes for excavation today . . . As well as being important, it is attractively and well produced – the quality of the drawings and photographs, and their integration with each other and the text is exemplary – with a charm and personality entirely missing from so many reports . . . When the history of medieval archaeology is written, this site and its excavations will feature prominently.” –Medieval Archaeology, Vol. 45, 2001
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Medieval Archaeology )
“Two features lift this above the usual range of excavation reports – the reconstruction drawings of the phases of the castle by Peter Scholefield, which are already classics, and the “photographic memoir” at the end. We all have collections of informal excavation photographs never intended for publication, but it takes a Philip Barker to realize that these were already an historical document in their own right, recording what that threatened, and well nigh extinct species, a large-scale volunteer-based excavation, looked and felt like to those taking part.” –Antiquaries Journal, Vol 81
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Antiquaries Journal )
The late Philip Barker was formerly Reader in British Archaeology, University of Birmingham. He has directed a number of excavations and published several books. Robert Higham is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology, University of Exeter. His research interests cover two broad topics relating to the medieval period: the general theme of defence, in both its military and social aspects, and the medieval archaeology of South West England. He has directed a number of excavations and published several books.
He has particular interests in the interplay between archaeological and historical data in the medieval period. Specific areas of research include urban defence, the archaeology, social and settlement history of castles and castle-building society, and the settlement history of Greater Exmoor.
