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The Ecology and Economics of Medieval Deer Parks

Depiction of a medieval hunting park from a 15th century manuscript version of The Master of Game, MS. Bodley 546 f. 3vThe Ecology and Economics of Medieval Deer Parks

By Ian D. Rotherham

Archaeology and Ecology, Vol.6 (2007)

Abstract: Where deer parks survive, and even this is rare, they do so as a unique landscape separated in time and function from their origins. They reflect the landscapes of the time and place they were imparked and the changes in economic function and ecology over a long lifespan. The ecologies of these landscapes were driven by uses in a multi-functional system of economic utilisation. As purpose changed so did ecology, each new phase incorporating, preserving, or removing those that preceded it. It is argued by Frans Vera (Vera, 2000), that these are landscapes that originate in medieval or earlier times, and give a unique insight into once great primeval savannah across much of northwestern Europe. Certainly, their remarkable biodiversities provide evidence of such potential lineage. These landscapes present palimpsests of ecology and archaeology that reflect their economically driven origins over 800-1,200 years.

 

There is a wealth of literature on a diversity of aspects of medieval parks, from their invertebrate ecologies, to rare lichens and bryophytes, to their herds of deer, their fishponds, and to the politics of fashion and taste and the provision of sport and entertainment for an affluent elite. This is a far greater literature than can be the focus of this paper, although much more is covered in the other papers of this volume. However, it is clear that there is still a need for more multi-disciplinary meetings such as the conference held at Sheffield Hallam University in September 2007. Very often each specialist group has its own meetings and produces its own literature, each excellent in its own sphere, but crying out for these riches to be brought together in one place. Some key aspects of forests and chases are brought together in Langton & Jones (2005), and many of these relate to early parks too. Paul Warde in that volume notes how fuel uses and its economy for example, are neglected fields of historical research. The same oversight applies to parklands, which driven by economy and politics have acquired a uniquely rich ecology and a heritage interest, that are both steeped in history. To more fully understand and appreciate the wildlife and heritage of the medieval parks we must consider not only their ecology, but also the social drivers behind their origins and their survival. Their study crosses to that of other recreational, hunting, and productive landscapes such as chases, forests, wooded commons, and wastes. In particular, with the emphasis on deer parks, we must also look to literature on hunting (e.g. Blüchel, 1997) and associated activities such as falconry. With the food production aspect of the park, it is useful to consider literature on warrens (e.g. Henderson, 1997; Williamson, 2006) and fishponds for example.

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See also: The Prince, the Park, and the Prey: Hunting in and around Milan in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries

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