Land Assessment and Lordship in Medieval Northern Scotland by Alasdair Ross
Sybil M. Jack|Sybil M. Jack
Reviewed by: Land Assessment and Lordship in Medieval Northern Scotland by Alasdair Ross Sybil M. Jack Ross, Alasdair, (Medieval Countryside, 14), Turnhout, Brepols, 2015; hardback; pp. xiv, 393; 8 b/w illustrations, 4 maps, 6 line art; R.R.P. €100.00; ISBN 9782503541334. is one of a small group Scottish historians concerned with environmental, specifically landscape, history, the way pioneered sixty years ago England W. G. Hoskins. believes that historical palimpsest an area can be decoded discerned careful examination land as it despite sparse surviving records. He argues use survival particular descriptive terms for landscape divisions critical to proper interpretation what occurred this end he has chased down every reference dabhach This book lists its appendices results Ross's search. It will essential any student local history northern who needs know where these units landholding were, how long they lasted, whether underwent changes, size shape resources – from fishing grazing included. From this, seeks establish came from. Dismissing nearly all prior explanations drawing on Alex Woolf's demonstration Pictish kingdom Fortriu was north Mounth, absence direct evidence original unit Pictish. Like many contemporary European historians, were imposed central government part attempt order standardise dues owed occupiers. acknowledges continental rulers like Carolingian dynasty relatively more powerful, but suggests some monarchs must have had enough authority make such impositions. Through his painstaking dabhach, confirms theory promoted Simon Taylor when parish formally emerged 'within jurisdiction baptismal church' right teinds, bounds determined existing assessment units. Whether developed demonstrate provided basis society remains unclear. further claims each necessary economic element self-sufficiency, less say matter continuity or change over time exploitation. While argument perhaps too abstruse serve accessible introduction subject newcomers, great importance those already appreciate problems involved. [End Page 242] The University Sydney Copyright © 2017
Parergon