Abstract

This chapter reviews the aims and results of a linked
series of outreach projects which have involved thousands
of members of the public in archaeological testpit
excavations in rural settlements. These have been
intended to engage members of the public in research,
in order to inspire and to enrich lives and communities
while simultaneously advancing knowledge and
understanding of the historic development of today’s
previously overlooked villages, hamlets and small
towns. This chapter presents and assesses the social
impact of these projects as well as the new perspectives
the archaeological evidence has provided on the
historic development of medieval settlements and
landscapes, documenting the story of an innovative
landscape research programme which, since 2005,
has sought to bring together public engagement and
scholarly research in a genuinely symbiotic community
research partnership.