Sutton Park is a nationally important historic landscape. Its many visitors are often drawn by the rich ecology that this public open space of about 2,250 acres provides. However, the Park also contains extensive and well-preserved archaeological remains of various periods of the past. The recent exposure of hitherto concealed archaeological features by heathland clearance has emphasised the remarkable extent and survival of these remains. This book reveals the evidence of manmade structures and objects that show how people exploited and managed their environment; amongst other things, the 28km (17 miles) of former boundaries that explain the present-day vegetation patterns; and the impact that the industrial use of water power had on the landscape. This informative and carefully illustrated book reveals the special history of this site to visitors from near and far.

Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. It was always set apart as ‘special’ and remains so, as a large and well-used public park. Its creation as a deer park in the twelfth century preserved the past and created the present. Detailed study of extensive earthworks, combined with excavation, documentary research, palaeo-environmental evidence and the results of LiDAR survey, shows how the landscape was shaped and managed by people living in and around it, travelling through it, or hunting in it, and demonstrates how its present vegetation patterns result from past uses. In addition to the boundary, subdivisions and fishponds of the medieval deer park, its archaeological features include prehistoric burnt mounds and a Roman road, and prominent remains of later uses including woodland management, water-powered industries, military training, sport and recreation. In addition, this book discusses management of the park to protect its landscape for the future, and an appendix highlights particular features to visit.

For the first time in its 750-year existence, a full history of Holy Trinity is available to the general public. One of only a small number of parish churches to be Grade I listed, Holy Trinity displays its rich heritage through stained glass, memorials, unique woodwork and glorious painted ceilings. It also houses the tomb of Sutton Coldfield's most famous son, John Vesey, Bishop of Exeter. Vesey's work for the benefit of both church and town, with the blessing of King Henry VIII, continues to earn him the respect of the local community in every generation. Funded by the Heritage Lottery, this book is a complete and up-to-date history of an ancient place of worship, preserving its story alongside a major re-ordering of the church interior, which has created a space for church and community fit for the twenty-first century.

Praise for Samantha Sutton and the Labyrinth of Lies: "Suspenseful."—Time for Kids A secret society, a lost fortress, a precious artifact only Samantha Sutton can protect. Twelve-year-old Samantha Sutton isn't sure she wants to go to England with her Uncle Jay, a brilliant, risk-taking archeologist. But the trip seems safe enough—a routine excavation in Cambridge—and Samantha has always had a love for the past. At first the project seems unremarkable—just a survey to clear the way for a massive theme park. But everything changes when Sam uncovers something extraordinary. Are the local legends true? Is this the site of the ancient fortress belonging to Queen Boudica, the warrior queen? What treasures might be found? When others begin to learn of her findings, Samantha senses she is in danger. Can any of her friends be trusted? Samantha will need to solve the mystery of the site in order to protect herself and let the world know of her remarkable discovery.

Examines what the Sutton Hoo ship-burial site reveals about early England, describes the site's treasures and mysteries, and recounts the events surrounding its discovery.

The general perception of the west midlands region in the Roman period is that it was a backwater compared to the militarized frontier zone of the north, or the south of Britain where Roman culture took root early – in cities like Colchester, London ,and St Albans – and lingered late at cities like Cirencester and Bath with their rich, late Roman villa culture. The west midlands region captures the transition between these two areas of the ‘military’ north and ‘civilized’ south. Where it differed, and why, are important questions in understanding the regional diversity of Roman Britain. They are addressed by this volume which details the archaeology of the Roman period for each of the modern counties of the region, written by local experts who are or have been responsible for the management and exploration of their respective counties. These are placed alongside more thematic takes on elements of Roman culture, including the Roman Army, pottery, coins and religion. Lastly, an overview is taken of the important transitional period of the fifth and sixth centuries. Each paper provides both a developed review of the existing state of knowledge and understanding of the key characteristics of the subject area and details a set of research objectives for the future, immediate and long-term, that will contribute to our evolving understanding of Roman Britain. This is the third volume in a series – The Making of the West Midlands – that explores the archaeology of the English west midlands region from the Lower Palaeolithic onwards.

This cutting-edge text offers an introduction to the emerging field of media archaeology and analyses the innovative theoretical and artistic methodology used to excavate current media through its past. Written with a steampunk attitude, What is Media Archaeology? examines the theoretical challenges of studying digital culture and memory and opens up the sedimented layers of contemporary media culture. The author contextualizes media archaeology in relation to other key media studies debates including software studies, German media theory, imaginary media research, new materialism and digital humanities. What is Media Archaeology? advances an innovative theoretical position while also presenting an engaging and accessible overview for students of media, film and cultural studies. It will be essential reading for anyone interested in the interdisciplinary ties between art, technology and media.