Anglo Saxon Architecture *Book* Recommendations?

[Atheling]

Hi folks,

I'm going to be modelling a series of buildings based on Anglo Saxon architecture; from the dwelling places of the 'common' people to the churches and burhs.

Can anyone help me in finding a book that features not only the requisite written information but has good illustrations too please?

[Skyven]

The most recent, and fairly definitive, full-of-words book on this would be Building Anglo-Saxon England by John Blair (9780691162980). An archaeological/building history and fairly academic book, 471 pages including index. (Very heavy, quality paper, relatively expensive.) Description calls it "beautifully illustrated", book description quotes 109 colour + 43 b/w illus., but many of these are ground plans and maps (including maps counted as colour because they have red or blue dots on them :-) ).

Probably not enough in the way of illustrations of reconstructions/artist's impressions (a handful, though they are good) as you would want for the price if intended as a source for modelling. Definately a 'look to see if it is appropriate' before buying. I have a copy, but I enjoy academic level archaeology and history as well as wargaming :-)

Goes into detail about how farmsteads, villages and towns were set out. Makes comparisons to more modern rural Russia and Finland.

[Atheling]

The most recent, and fairly definitive, full-of-words book on this would be Building Anglo-Saxon England by John Blair (9780691162980). An archaeological/building history and fairly academic book, 471 pages including index. (Very heavy, quality paper, relatively expensive.) Description calls it "beautifully illustrated", book description quotes 109 colour + 43 b/w illus., but many of these are ground plans and maps (including maps counted as colour because they have red or blue dots on them :-) ).

Probably not enough in the way of illustrations of reconstructions/artist's impressions (a handful, though they are good) as you would want for the price if intended as a source for modelling. Definately a 'look to see if it is appropriate' before buying. I have a copy, but I enjoy academic level archaeology and history as well as wargaming :-)

Goes into detail about how farmsteads, villages and towns were set out. Makes comparisons to more modern rural Russia and Finland.

Excellent! Thanks. I've just picked up a copy for £30 so I'm very happy and a little pleased with myself to boot.

Thanks for your help. Without a background in Anglo Saxon architecture I was finding it difficult to know where to start. After time spent, in my youth,  working at Durham Cathedral I have a relatively high 'high end' lexicon in hybrid Norman and Anglo Saxon building styles but as to the 'lower' offices of society it was proving difficult to find a place to start. Your book recommendation sounds perfect. 

[zemjw]

I have "Towns, Villages and Countryside of Celtic Europe" by Francoise Audouze and Olivier Buchsenschutz if it's of any interest to you - Amazon link

It's destined for recycling at some point, so if you think it would be of any use let me know (assuming you're UK based)

[Atheling]

Hi zemjw,

I've PM'ed you re: book.