Cultural Transition in the Chilterns and Essex Region, 350 AD to 650 AD

With authority and sound methodology, this study compares archaeological evidence from the fourth to seventh centuries AD in the Chilterns and Essex region with the considerable body of data taken from the place names of the same area. The distribution of supposedly early Old English place name elements suggests that, contrary to orthodox opinion, these elements are not particularly useful indicators of early Germanic influence. Additionally, some elements traditionally thought to be relatively unimportant may belong to an earlier stratum of place name formation. By reexamining data, this book presents a new theory about the emergence of Anglo-Saxon culture at the end of the Romano-British period and suggests that some revision of place name chronology is necessary.

John T. Baker is a seminar tutor in medieval history at the University of Birmingham and the University of Leicester.