Mick Aston Lecture: The Archaeology of Anarchy

This lecture explores the castles that played a pivotal role during the Anarchy (1139–1153), one of the most complex and often misunderstood periods in English history. Although relatively understudied, the Anarchy had profound and lasting political, social, and archaeological consequences.

Politically, royal authority reached its lowest ebb while baronial power reached its height. The number of earls and barons increased, and their rights to hereditary succession became firmly established. Archaeologically, the conflict transformed the landscape. Barons compelled local communities to provide labour for the construction of adulterine castles (castles built without royal permission) and the strengthening of existing castles and town defences.

The war had severe consequences for the wider population. Agricultural land was devastated, farmsteads were abandoned, and many people were forced to migrate. Churches were looted for their wealth, with some even being fortified for military purposes. Coinage was issued not only by King Stephen and Empress Matilda but also by several powerful barons, reflecting the fragmentation of royal authority. Numerous siege castles were constructed, while several towns and cities were attacked, burned, and ultimately deserted.

Drawing on research for the forthcoming book The Archaeology of Anarchy by Costen and Prior (expected 2026/27), this lecture examines the archaeological evidence for these developments and considers how the material remains of the conflict illuminate one of the most turbulent periods of medieval English history.

Please note: this event closes for enrolment at 23:59 GMT on 24 November 2026.