Overview

Whether knight's charger or beast of burden, horses played a vital role in medieval life. The wealth of medieval finds excavated in London in recent years has, not surprisingly, included many objects associated with horses. This catalogue illustrates and discusses over four hundred such objects, among them harness, horseshoes, spurs and curry combs, from the utilitarian to highly decorative pieces. London served by horse traffic comes vividly in view. The introductory chapter draws on historical as well as archaeological sources to consider the role of the horse in medieval London. It looks at the price of horses and the costs of maintaining them, the hiring of 'hackneys' for riding, the use of carts in and around London, and the work of the 'marshal' or farrier. It discusses the evidence for the size of medieval horses and includes a survey of finds of medieval horse skeletons from London. It answers the key questions, how large a 'Great Horse' was, and why it took three horses to pull a cart. A new introduction to this edition provides an update on research and a supplementary bibliography. This is a basic work of reference for archaeologists and those studying medieval artefacts, and absorbing reading for everyone interested in the history of the horse and its use by humankind. JOHN CLARK is Curator (Medieval) at the Museum of London.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Clark ,  Angela Wardle ,  Blanche M A Ellis ,  Brian Spencer
Publisher:   Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Imprint:   The Boydell Press
Edition:   New edition
Volume:   v. 5
Dimensions:   Width: 18.90cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 24.60cm
Weight:   0.001kg
ISBN:  

9781843830979

ISBN 10:   1843830973
Pages:   202
Publication Date:   12 August 2004
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Out of Print
Availability:   Awaiting stock  

Table of Contents

Introduction: horses and horsemen in medieval London [with contributions by Brian Spencer and D James Rackham] - John Clark Introduction: horses and horsemen in medieval London [with John Clark and D James Rackham] - Brian Spencer Introduction: horses and horsemen in medieval London [with John Clark and Brian Spencer] - James Rackham The excavations - Angela Wardle Harness fittings [with Geoff Egan and Nick Griffiths] - John Clark Harness fittings [with John Clark and Nick Griffiths] - Harness fittings [with John Clark and Geoff Egan] - Nick A Griffiths Horseshoes - John Clark Spurs and spur fittings [with contributions by Geoff Egan] - Blanche M A Ellis Spurs and spur fittings [with Blanch M A Ellis] - Curry combs - John Clark Appendix: skeletal evidence of medieval horses from London sites - James Rackham

Reviews

A fascinating book. This is a basic work of reference for archaeologists and those studying medieval artefacts. TREASURE HUNTING, Provides a thorough insight into the horse, its work and the people who depended on it in the city of London. THE RICARDIAN This volume provides many paths into the intricate history of the medieval world. Such a book, focused on the object, reminds us of the evocative power of certain otherwise-humble finds. [...] A worthy reference book, one which in its presentation of both commonplace and unusual objects increases our knowledge of the physical reality in which the medieval individual lived. THE MEDIEVAL REVIEW A very highly recommended book that should be a required reading for living history or equestrian followers everywhere. WWW.RANDLESREVIEWS.CO.UK

A fascinating book. This is a basic work of reference for archaeologists and those studying medieval artefacts. TREASURE HUNTING,Provides a thorough insight into the horse, its work and the people who depended on it in the city of London. THE RICARDIANThis volume provides many paths into the intricate history of the medieval world. Such a book, focused on the object, reminds us of the evocative power of certain otherwise-humble finds. (...) A worthy reference book, one which in its presentation of both commonplace and unusual objects increases our knowledge of the physical reality in which the medieval individual lived. THE MEDIEVAL REVIEWA very highly recommended book that should be a required reading for living history or equestrian followers everywhere. WWW.RANDLESREVIEWS.CO.UK

A fascinating book. This is a basic work of reference for archaeologists and those studying medieval artefacts. TREASURE HUNTING,Provides a thorough insight into the horse, its work and the people who depended on it in the city of London. THE RICARDIANThis volume provides many paths into the intricate history of the medieval world. Such a book, focused on the object, reminds us of the evocative power of certain otherwise-humble finds. (...) A worthy reference book, one which in its presentation of both commonplace and unusual objects increases our knowledge of the physical reality in which the medieval individual lived. THE MEDIEVAL REVIEWA very highly recommended book that shouwhich the medieval individual lived. THE MEDIEVAL REVIEWA very highly recommended book that should be

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