Introductory description

Very few historic buildings have escaped alteration over the period in which they have been in use, changes to liturgy, and to society, have required that the buildings are adapted to accommodate these changes. By studying the fabric of the buildings, reading the evidence in the structure and combining this with documentary research it is possible to build up a picture of the whole history of individual monuments.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Methodologies for Interpreting Buildings
Antiquarianism
Structural Development
Building Materials
Masons, Surveyors and Architects
Geometry and the medieval Mason
Design books and their uses in the 16th-18th Centuries
Case Study Lincoln Cathedral
The Country House as a subject for study

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the design and construction methods used for medieval and early-modern buildings.
• Examine relevant topics based on the use of primary material drawn from a range of written, visual an material sources.
• Apply analytical methods involving archaeological techniques applied to standing buildings.

Indicative reading list

Richard K Morriss, The Archaeology of Buildings, (Stroud 2000)
Warwick Rodwell, The Archaeology of Churches, (Stroud 2005) 3rd edn
Lance Smith, Investigating Old Buildings, (London 1985)
Jason Wood (ed.) Buildings Archaeology Applications in Practice, (Oxford 1994)
Tim Tatton-Brown and Julian Munby (eds) The Archaeology of Cathedrals, (Oxford 1996)
Jean Gimpel, The Cathedral Builders, (Salisbury 1983)
L.F. Salzman, Building in England down to 1540, (Oxford 1967) 2nd edn

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

Students compile a Statement of Significance on a building of their choice as part of the assessment, using and showcasing the skills they have acquired throughout the module.

Subject specific skills

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the design and construction methods used for medieval and early-modern buildings.
Deploy skills in documentary research.
Demonstrate analytic methods involving archaeological techniques applied to standing buildings.
Demonstrate critical analysis in assessing source material drawn from a range of sources.

Transferable skills

Develop an ability to undertake primary research, including the selection and use of relevant bibliography, and to write up the results in the form of a well-structured argument based on well-selected and clearly organised evidence.

Produce original work reflecting their interaction with the themes discussed in class and demonstrating their application.