• Interpreting Wat’s Dyke in the 21st Century

    Author(s):
    Howard Williams (see profile)
    Date:
    2020
    Group(s):
    Archaeology, Early Medieval
    Subject(s):
    Cultural property, Public history, Archaeology
    Item Type:
    Book chapter
    Tag(s):
    Wat's Dyke, linear earthworks, public archaeology, Heritage, Cultural heritage
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/8st0-sp89
    Abstract:
    Linear monuments offer special challenges in the context of the public archaeology of frontiers and borderlands. This chapter tackles the interpretive neglect of Britain’s second-longest early medieval earthwork, Wat’s Dyke, showing how its sparse and sporadic archaeological attention is reflected in poor and out-dated public archaeology and heritage interpretation. I evaluate the current media and mechanisms by which various publics – including global digital audiences, visitors to the Anglo-Welsh borderlands through which the monument runs, and local communities living in the Dyke’s environs in Flintshire, Wrexham and Shropshire – can access, experience and learn about Wat’s Dyke. Having identified how Wat’s Dyke is fragmented and obscure in the landscape despite its monumental presence, and how its digital resources are inadequate, I then propose new avenues for developing innovative interpretations of Wat’s Dyke for both existing and new audiences which aim to provide up-to-date and engaging resources and connect the monument to the rich cultural landscapes, past and present, through which it runs. I argue these recommendations provide the basis for both enhancing awareness and knowledge. I also argue they provide a more robust resources for current and future generations of research and public engagement. I also suggest they serve to combat the risk of pseudo-archaeological narratives and extremist political appropriations of Wat’s Dyke.
    Metadata:
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    Published as:
    Book chapter     Show details
    Publisher:
    Archaeopress
    Pub. Date:
    December 2020
    Book Title:
    Public Archaeologies of Frontiers and Borderlands
    Author/Editor:
    Kieran Gleave, Howard Williams and Pauline Clarke
    Page Range:
    157 - 193
    ISBN:
    9781789698022
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    2 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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