A day school of the Medieval Section of the Yorkshire Archaeological Society to be held at the Village Hall, Kirkby Malham on Saturday 10th May 2008.

This days school will examine how the medieval landscape of the village and township of Malham can be understood. The important influence of Fountains Abbey and Bolton Priory, who held respectively the manors of West Malham and East Malham township, will be explored. Malham village looks like a normal single village, but the influence of the two monastic hoursed created two separate villages either side of the Malham Beck with very different and distinctive plans. The remains of these villages, earthworks and standing structures will be explored through a field visit in the afternoon.

The day-school will examine field systems by their form, why they are there, evidence for use and their lifespan through a series of disciplines and techniques, which will include the natural elements of geology and geography, field survey, aerial photography (including the exciting new technique of LiDaR), written records, maps and name evidence.

10.00 Registration

10.30 Documentary evidence for the layour of the township of Malham Mike Spence

11.30 The twin villages of medieval Malham: form and development Stephen Moorhouse

12.30  Lunch

  1.45 Field trip to Malham village. Park anywhere that is safe and legal in the village. Meet at YDNP Information Centre at the southern end of the village, where there is a public (fee payable) car park.

  4.30 Close

The day school will cost £7.50p (incl. drinks) for members and £10.00 (incl.drinks) for non-members. Lunch is not provided but there are plenty of places to eat and drink in the village. Please send a cheque, made payable to YAS Medieval Section, for the right amount to :
Mike Edwards, Secretary Medieval Section, 12 Smithwell Lane, Heptonstall, Hebden Bridge,West Yorks; HX7 7NX

For further information please contact Stephen Moorhouse. Tele 01924 475618. If you require an acknowledgement or a map of Leeds showing the venue and parking please enclose a SAE with your application.