Mills and the Anglo-Saxon Cultural Revolution

Wednesday 4 December 2024, 12 - 1pm

By the time of the Norman Conquest there were at least 5,624 watermills in England as recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086.  

Before this, there are occasional scant references to mills in the few documents that survive from that period of Early Medieval history.  

Over recent decades, archaeologists have dramatically expanded what we know about watermills in what is sometime referred to as the Anglo-Saxon period. 

In this talk, archaeologist Andy Bliss draws on early documents, illustrations and the results of archaeological investigation to reveal fascinating findings on the social, technological and economic developments in the Anglo-Saxon period. 

Who is this talk for?

The event is aimed at mill and history enthusiasts, including heritage professionals, millwrights, mill owners and volunteers.   

You will learn about

• The legacy of Roman agriculture and watermilling 

• The importance of Royal and monastic patronage of technological development 

• International influences on milling technology and building techniques 

• Agricultural ‘intensification’ and its relevance to the emergence of the English State 

• Watermilling technology and its impact on the everyday lives of ordinary people 

IT requirements

You will need a computer, phone or other device connected to the Internet.

Speaker

Andy Bliss (QPM MA FSA) is an experienced archaeologist and buildings historian and a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He undertakes specialist archaeological and historical consultancy for a number of organisations including Historic England, the European Commission and UK heritage organisations.  

Andy has a Master’s Degree in Medieval Archaeology from York University. His specialist dissertation was a study of the archaeology of early medieval English watermills. 

Accessibility

Closed captions are available for this talk.

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email millsinfo@spab.org.uk.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credit: SPAB