This project connects the medieval archaeology of Reading Abbey with current heritage needs and opportunities in the town of Reading. It offers a unique platform for a doctoral student to make an original contribution to archaeological understanding of this site of national historical significance; to develop innovative approaches to 4D digital data modelling and visualisation; and to use the research to inform local conservation policy and community engagement with heritage.
The doctoral student will work closely with supervisors at Reading Museum (RM) and Berkshire Archaeology (BA) (both part of Reading Borough Council) to interrogate primary archaeological sources and to connect the research with local heritage management needs. Supervisors at Reading and Southampton Universities will support interpretation of sources and integration and visualisation of data, to enhance academic understanding of RA’s historical significance and to digitally model deposits to appreciate extent, value and threat for future heritage management by RBC.
The research process will prioritise spatial questions and place the medieval abbey in long-term perspective. The wider monastic landscape and its distinctive character will be evaluated against Benedictine monasteries of comparable status (e.g. Glastonbury, York, Bury St Edmunds). The digital modelling will bring together data within a 4D geographical information systems (GIS) package, in contrast with traditional approaches where architectural remains and subsurface archaeological deposits are treated separately.
Key research questions:
o What are the full range of archaeological sources for RA and how reliable are they?
o How can these sources be used to chart the development of the precinct over time? How did RA evolve in comparison with other urban Benedictine monasteries?
o What is the most effective method for developing a digital subsurface model to map the extent of evidence? Can areas of the precinct be characterised according to their archaeological value (e.g. sensitivity to new development, research potential, degrees of previous disturbance), in order to create a tool for future heritage management?
o What approaches to data visualisation can be harnessed to integrate all sources of 4D data (including surviving and documented architectural remains)?
o How can the resulting 4D visualisation models of RA be used to enrich public engagement and local placemaking initiatives?
The student will have the opportunity to select a special theme or case study appropriate to their own research interests. They might choose to focus on a particular area of the precinct (e.g. the functioning of the inner and outer courts for charity and industry); or to highlight a specific chronological phase (such as the post-medieval royal palace and Civil War fortification); or to experiment with additional methods of digital modelling or visualisation.
RM’s collection database has over 1000 records for RA, ranging from antiquarian observations to site archives (finds and data) from 20 formal interventions, including non-destructive surveys and excavations. BA maintains the Historic Environment Record (HER) which includes digital/GIS and ‘legacy’ (paper) records. Antiquarian maps and surveys date from the 18th century onwards. A recently completed digital base plan will facilitate digital mapping of the evidence using ArcGIS.
A 6-month placement based at RM/BA is planned (Year 2) to enhance the public databases and to develop a deposit model. The placement will directly address the research questions and outcomes of the doctoral project, while also improving the quality and consistency of public records to inform future planning and heritage management decisions.
Through collaborative research and a placement opportunity, the student will gain skills in the critical interpretation of sources, data interoperability, digital mapping, community engagement and local government heritage management. This will enhance their employability in multiple sectors: academic, heritage, museums, digital, commercial archaeology, conservation and planning.
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