Archaeological research – often in the form of urban rescue archaeology – during the 70’s and early 80’s did much to clarify the emergence of coastal-based trading sites or “wics” in middle Saxon England. Similar work on the Continent and in Scandinavia showed that these coastal trading sites were part of a north European system of markets.

More recent work in England – largely in the form of analysis of metal detector finds from so-called “productive sites” – has shown the existence of a second tier of inland markets and smaller trading sites which came into existence between the seventh and the ninth centuries. Once again, it can be seen that these English sites have their Continental and Scandinavian parallels, revealing a European market economy of a hitherto unexpected scale.

The study of inland markets and “productive sites” is still in its infancy, but this day school offers a review of the evidence to date.

For further details please contact:

Miss Rosemary Yeaxlee
50 School Lane
Gerrards Cross
Bucks
SL9 9BB

Tel. & Fax: 01753 882 905

email: