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Description of  The Later Saxon and Early Norman Manorial Settlement at Guiting Power, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Investigation of a Domesday Book Entry

This report outlines investigation of the early manor at Guiting Power, a village in the Cotswolds with Saxon origins, lying in an area with interesting entries in the Domesday Survey of 1086. Excavation has shown that, during the later Saxon period, a lightly defended compound contained a principal area of habitation, with an adjacent, more open working area partly divided by ditched sub-enclosures, perhaps related to subsidiary settlement, or other economic activity. This complex may have formed the main estate-centre for a more extensive land-holding, scattered over the northern Cotswolds, and leased from the king, its last Saxon tenant being one Alwin, as sheriff of the county a thegn of some standing. During the major economic and social changes following the Conquest, under a change to Norman lordship, the manorial perimeter was reinforced, and a small apsidal church was constructed within it, now restored as a standing monument. Subsequently, a new complex of manorial buildings was established on a fresh site within the enclosure, the precursor of the present parish church was constructed nearby, with further development of manor and village into the full medieval period. Table of Contents SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE SITE, OBJECTIVES, AND METHODS OF INVESTIGATION SECTION 2: STRUCTURAL SEQUENCE AT THE SITE SECTION 3: GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE SITE SECTION 4: FINDS AND SAMPLES FROM THE SITE SECTION 5: CONSERVATION OF THE SITE SECTION 6: SUPPORTING INFORMATION/SOURCES SECTION 7: FIGURES AND PLATES SECTION 8: ONLINE CONTENT