The Scientific Basis for the Reconstruction of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Houses

Author(s): Peter J Reynolds

Year: 1987

Summary

The purpose of this paper was to explore the scientific basis of building reconstruction of prehistoric and protohistoric houses. The critical issue was to address the problems of reconstruction in order to specify limits within which the reconstruction is of research/ educational value and to set standards which may act as guidelines.

Case studies referenced include Maiden Castle House, the Balksbury House, the Conderton House, Stake Houses, the Pimperne House, Romano-British Grain driers, and the Wroxeter House. After examining these case studies, the article concludes that there is little reason to conduct a building reconstruction unless there is a specific question(s) that requires an answer. To build only for the museological and educational fields denies the opportunity for scientific investigation with its advantages in elucidating the potential of the archaeological evidence.

Cite this Record

The Scientific Basis for the Reconstruction of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Houses. Peter J Reynolds. euroREA. Journal for (Re)construction and Experiment in Archaeology. 3: 58-68. 1987 ( tDAR id: 417018) ; doi:10.6067/XCV8417018

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

Keywords

Material
Building Materials • Wood

Site Name
Balksbury House • Conderton House • Maiden Castle • Pimperne House • Wroxeter House

Site Type
Domestic Structure or Architectural Complex • Domestic Structures • Stake House

Investigation Types
Methodology, Theory, or Synthesis • Research Design / Data Recovery Plan

General
Experimental Archaeology • Grain Driers • Site Reconstruction • Stake House

Geographic Keywords
Balksbury • Bredon Hill • Danebury • Dorset • England • Glastonbury • Hampshire • Hertfordshire • Oxfordshire • Wales • Worcestershire

Temporal Keywords
Prehistoric • Protohistoric • Romano-British

Spatial Coverage

min long: -9.58; min lat: 49.684 ; max long: 2.461; max lat: 56.476 ;

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Record Identifiers

ExArc Id(s): 3274

Notes

Rights & Attribution: The information in this record was originally compiled by Dr. Roeland Paardekooper, EXARC Director.

Rights & Attribution: Christine Shaw contributed a copy of this document to the collection. EXARC thanks her for her dedication to preserving the Butser Ancient Farm Archive.

General Note: More information about the Butser Ancient Farm Archive and this document can be found at butser.org.uk.

File Information

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