PARWICH.ORG

This course is being run by Brian Rich (Keele University) at Uttoxeter Library for 9 sessions from 30th September, with one field trip on 11th October. The course is £50. Concessionary fees are £30 if on state pension or £20 if on income related benefit. Plus approx £8 for the trip.

Having been on Brian’s course before, you don’t need to be an academic but just have an interest in the subject. I am keen to do this course & would like to share transport, place are limited to 24, so give me a ring if you’re interested.  Ben B on 665.

Course Details HIS-1C084

The time period is roughly 700AD -1500AD.  We shall begin by examining the evidence for settlement before the Norman Conquest using as evidence place names and the Domesday Survey.  The morphology of medieal villages will be examined and the reason for desertion or shrinkage will be discussed.  The organisation in each village of the cultivation of the arable and the importance of common rights will be emphasised.
Monastic houses had a great influence in the Peak District with their network of granges at which the empahsis was on carefully managed sheep farms.  A constant theme throughtout the course will be the importance of roads and the trackways required to support everyday life and the needs of a variety of industries of the area.  Evidence in the landscape for the mining amd smelting of lead will be examined on maps and in the landscape.
Students will examine the significance of large parishes and manors such as Alstonefiled, Hartington and Bakewell, emphasising the significance of the mother church.  Alstonefield was a large manor and parish west of the Dove, stretching as far north as the Dane,  Its landscape and organisation is in direct contrast to that of Hartington to the east of the Dove.  The medieval hisotry of Wetton will also be used as a case study.  the shape of the natural landscape will be discussed and students will see the contrast between limestone and gritstone topography.  There are many aspects of the course that are certain to be of interest to all who love the landscape of the Peak District and it is intended to make this landscape more meaningful by examining the lives of its medieval inhabitants.

9 Sessions – 30 Sept, 7,14, 21 October, 4, 11, 18, 25 November & 2 Dec.
11th October – Field Trip using minibus – this will not involve any walking & is an integral part of the course.

For further details ring 01782 583436 until 22nd August & 01782 733436 after 22nd.