CBA Research Reports
1 primary work
Book 121
In England, the number of glass vessels found from the period AD 1200 to 1500 has steadily increased, resulting from both the greater number of medieval excavations and the advances in conservation methods which have preserved these fragile fragments for study. This volume reviews the current state of knowledge of the variety and significance of these glass vessels, providing a central source of reference for the identification of glass. Published and unpublished glass from museums and archaeology units has been collated from approximately 1350 vessels, from over 200 sites, and includes decorated tablewares imported from Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, as well as plain green utilitarian vessels made in England. The potential of the glass to provide insights into medieval society is also considered. Between AD 1200 and 1500, changes occurred in the organisation of English society which appear to be reflected in the style and use of glass: key issues include who used glass, its status in medieval society, the social contexts in which it might have been used, and how its use changed during the period.