Chester Society for Landscape History

Upper storeys of Chester’s iconic Rows (Photograph: Vanessa Greatorex)

What is Landscape History?

Landscape History is the study of how people have altered the landscape through time.

It seeks to explain the historical significance of the buildings, earthworks, flora and other physical features which are our common heritage. It embraces aspects of history, archaeology, architecture, geography, geology, botany and other disciplines.

“The English landscape itself, to those who know how to read it aright, is the richest historical record we possess.” – W.G. Hoskins.

Forthcoming Events

Saturday 27 April 2024, 2pm
Lecture: Underlying Geology in the History and Development of Liverpool
(Emeritus Professor Jim Marshall, Wirral Geology and Landscape Project)
Venue: St Columba’s Church Hall, Plas Newton Lane, Chester, CH2 1SA
Admission: Members Free, Visitors £4, Student Visitors £2

Wednesday 12 June 2024, 12 noon.
Field trip to The Old Dock, Liverpool. £7 per person. Advance booking essential. See our Field Trips page for more information:
https://www.chesterlandscapehistory.org.uk/field-trips/

Date tbc: Williamson Tunnels, Liverpool
Field trip. More information will be added when the arrangements have been finalised.

Date tbc: Helsby Quarry
Field trip. More information will be added when the arrangements have been finalised.

Picks of the Week

Every week our Information Officer emails members links providing details of forthcoming events, activities and online resources related to landscape history in Britain and beyond. Here are some of this week’s recommendations:

Landscape Archaeology: Approaches, Methods and Beneficiaries
Short online course of 4 weeks x 4 hours available free for the next 4-5 weeks if you enrol with Future Learn and select the ‘limited’ option.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/historic-landscape-archaeology-approaches-methods-and-beneficiaries

History of Tarvin and directions for walk to Hockenhull Platts
Photos and info about a picturesque settlement 6 miles north-east of Chester and nearby medieval pack-horse bridges.
http://www.cheshirenow.co.uk/tarvin.html

Anglo-Saxon settlement and the origins of the English village
An account of research into the evidence for English settlement and landscape from AD 600-1100.
https://archaeology.co.uk/articles/features/exploring-anglo-saxon-settlement.htm

Selected Previous Picks of the Week

Here are some previous recommendations which can still be enjoyed:

Archaeologists uncover the secrets beneath Arthur’s Stone in Herefordshire
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1871844/archaeology-arthurs-stone-neolithic-herefordshire-spt

1,100-year-old sword found in River Cherwell in Oxfordshire
https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/vikings/1100-year-old-viking-sword-pulled-from-uk-river-by-magnet-fisher?utm_term=45CAB862-7568-43AB-A667-BD7298D261D3&lrh=84ce638986bc73b191ec0774c05a547009942838093c58c9450b62a0b824de21&utm_campaign=368B3745-DDE0-4A69-A2E8-62503D85375D&utm_medium=email&utm_content=FA21F61D-3C33-4B03-8F4F-11B919A21C27&utm_source=SmartBrief

Anglo-Saxon cross found in a Civil War ditch in Tarvin…
…plus items about other 21st-century archaeological discoveries in Chester.
http://www.cheshirearchaeology.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/The-Past-Uncovered-Feb-2007.pdf

Aerial Archaeology Mapping Explorer
Interesting tool that displays archaeology in England which has been identified, mapped and recorded using aerial sources.
https://historicengland.org.uk/research/results/aerial-archaeology-mapping-explorer/

Unusual tours of Liverpool
Article highlighting some of the options available if you’d like a themed guided tour in one of the North West’s largest cities. The Western Approaches Command Centre, the Mersey Tunnels and Princes Road Synagogue are just three of the possibilities.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/unusual-tours-liverpool-you-can-26990505

Merseyside’s maritime heritage saved in Cheshire
Aged over 120, the last tugboat built in Merseyside has been given new lease of life and a new home in Ellesmere Port:
https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/history/she-gets-your-blood-last-28693194?IYA-mail=e26b78fd-f017-4895-a873-57ab3aad40c8

Discovering Cheshire’s Industrial Archaeology: Part 1
https://archaeologytea.wordpress.com/2014/08/17/discovering-cheshires-industrial-archaeology-part-1/

Discovering Cheshire’s Industrial Archaeology: Part 2
https://archaeologytea.wordpress.com/2014/08/31/discovering-cheshires-industrial-archaeology-part-2/

Archaeologists discover the world’s oldest wooden structure
In a video lasting just over 8 minutes Professor Larry Barham presents and discusses wooden remains shaped by human hands over 477,000 years ago and found under a river in Zambia by a team led by Liverpool University
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/feature/oldest-wooden-structure/

Merseyside’s Oldest Building
Funding and preservation plans to protect Birkenhead Priory:
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseysides-oldest-building-can-found-28650050

Update on dig for Viking ship under Wirral pub
https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/24144345.dig-viking-boat-wirral-pub-car-park-continues/?ref=ebmpn&nid=774&u=34c06549a3faa7a06a87ca649b5bb595&date=260224

Map of what Britain would look like if all the Earth’s ice melted
Bye-bye, Chester and Wirral! Let’s hope this transformation is a very, very, very long time coming.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/fascinating-map-shows-what-uk-would-look-like-if-all-the-earth-s-ice-melted/ar-AA1mZQ2C?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=8a8f04ec48a44424bc4a9f2a7d1756f2&ei=5

The ancient landslide and tsunami that separated Britain from Europe
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2618640/Tsunami-8-200-years-ago-wiped-tribes-British-Atlantis-say-researchers.html#i-7968f03497f4871c

Woodland walks in Wales throughout the seasons
https://www.visitwales.com/things-do/nature-and-landscapes/wildlife-flora-and-fauna/woodland-walks-wales-through-seasons

The birth of England
From separate kingdoms to a cohesive realm united under a single ruler: how the Battle of Brunanburh changed Britain forever
https://deadliestblogpage.wordpress.com/2017/10/05/england-is-born-at-bloody-brunanburh/

Sound tunnel above Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Photographs, history and how to locate the tunnel
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/hidden-tunnel-suspended-above-welsh-28352591?utm_source=wales_online_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wales+Online+-

10 facts about birds in the UK
Fascinating info in the wake of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch plus a list of the most common birds by region
https://www.daviddomoney.com/amazing-bird-facts/

History walk of Farndon with James Balme
Video tour and ancillary information in print
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/23409314.video-tour-exploring-history-farndon-cheshire/

Cucklet Church: Exploring the Plague Church cavern near Eyam
Photographs, historic background and directions for a short walk
https://www.walkmyworld.com/posts/cucklet-church-eyam

Peak District walk: Kettleshulme from the Swan Inn (4 miles)
Map, photographs, history, topographical information and directions
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/cheshire/23855396.invigorating-hill-walk-cheshires-eastern-boundary/

1,300-year-old female burial highlights Harpole’s illustrious past
High status jewellery found during archaeological investigations in Harpole indicate cultural similarities between Anglo-Saxon Northamptonshire and Sutton Hoo.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-67691018

Circular walk along Hockenhull Platts, Cheshire’s ancient packhorse route (5 miles/8km)
https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17947229.walk-hockenhull-platts—cheshires-ancient-packhorse-route-8km/

Man as a Geological Agent: An Account of His Actions on Inanimate Nature
Digital edition of R.U. Sherlock’s 1922 book, featuring numerous examples from Cheshire
https://archive.org/details/manasgeologicala00sheriala/page/136/mode/2up?ui=embed&view=theater

Island 102: Hilbre, Dee Estuary, Wirral
Photographs and summary of the history and geography of Wirral’s most famous island nature reserve
https://alifetimeofislands.blogspot.com/2011/05/island-102-hilbre-dee-estuary-wirral.html#comment-form

Landscape Level Change (Issue 25 of the digital magazine Historic England Research)
https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/research/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=brand

Behind the Scenes: Woodland Management During the Winter Months
https://heartofenglandforest.org/news/behind-scenes-woodland-management-during-winter-months?utm_source=Heart+of+England+Forest+Communications&utm_campaign=e722184de0-ENEWSLETTER-JAN-2019_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_970ca1fa29-e722184de0-159908301&mc_cid=e722184de0&mc_eid=26c300a6b7

Enjoying Walks Despite Arthritis: 5 Ways To Feel More Confident Walking Longer Distances
https://keeptheadventurealive.com/arthritis-of-the-knee/

Cheshire Walk: Disley and the Black Rocks
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/22582782.cheshire-walk—disley-black-rocks/

Secret Wales: 34 fascinating places you’ve probably never seen before
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/secret-wales-34-hidden-fascinating-14330383

Online catalogue of archaeology, buildings, industrial and maritime heritage in Wales
https://coflein.gov.uk/en/

King Stephen coins found by metal detectorist
Image of rare 12th century silver pennies plus info about the historical context
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/king-stephen-coins-0019852

National Memorial Arboretum Revisited
https://bitaboutbritain.com/national-memorial-arboretum-revisited/

Cheshire walk: Higher Poynton and Lyme Park
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/22587335.cheshire-walk—higher-poynton-lyme-park/

Ancient Irish Gold
Photos and info about some of the most stunning gold artefacts ever made in Europe
https://www.reenaahluwalia.com/blog/2013/7/6/r-irelands-gold

Gwaenysgor’s fascinating past
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/forgotten-history-tiny-north-wales-25742108

The Churches of Britain and Ireland
A huge database which continues to seek entries
https://www.churches-uk-ireland.org/

History of the Wirral Peninsula
Extensive collection of photos and snippets
https://wirralhistory.uk/

History of Tidal Science in Liverpool
https://tide-and-time.uk/tidal-science-liverpool

Cheshire Directories, 1789-1910
PDFs of 11 directories, forming a superb reference source about many aspects of the county’s past.
http://cheshiredirectories.manuscripteye.com/index.htm

15th C French painting depicts a precisely drawn prehistoric tool
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/acheulean-handaxe-painting-0019589

Old maps of Liverpool
https://historic-liverpool.co.uk/old-maps-of-liverpool/

When did humans start burying their dead?
https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/when-did-humans-start-burying-their-dead?utm_term=45CAB862-7568-43AB-A667-BD7298D261D3&lrh=84ce638986bc73b191ec0774c05a547009942838093c58c9450b62a0b824de21&utm_campaign=368B3745-DDE0-4A69-A2E8-62503D85375D&utm_medium=email&utm_content=99C8F233-401C-4298-B580-CF8DF1C6C222&utm_source=SmartBrief

The Country Seat: Brereton Hall and other Prodigy houses
This is part of a recent for-sale ad but contains a wealth of interesting information about famous houses built in a distinctive architectural style
https://thecountryseat.org.uk/2013/11/14/a-minor-prodigy-brereton-hall-for-sale/

Deep History of Cheshire
https://www.themeister.co.uk/hindley/domesticated_animals.htm

Oldest human footprints in North America really are 23,000 years old
https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/debate-settled-oldest-human-footprints-in-north-america-really-are-23000-years-old-study-finds?utm_term=45CAB862-7568-43AB-A667-BD7298D261D3&lrh=84ce638986bc73b191ec0774c05a547009942838093c58c9450b62a0b824de21&utm_campaign=368B3745-DDE0-4A69-A2E8-62503D85375D&utm_medium=email&utm_content=15F87901-BC4D-4B09-A247-485866993183&utm_source=SmartBrief

Scotland’s Most Mysterious Stone-Age Settlements
https://www.ancient-origins.net/videos/orkney-islands-stone-age-settlements-0019594?utm_source=jeeng&utm_medium=email&trigger=click

The Cheshire Regiment at the Battle of the Somme
https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/history/cheshire-regiment-key-role-battle-11546389

Lancashire walk with fields, farms and carvery pub
For directions, see:
https://www.lancs.live/whats-on/whats-on-news/perfect-lancashire-walk-fields-farms-27838327?utm_source=lancs_live_newsletter&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter2&utm_medium=email&pure360.trackingid=

Ty Hyll: The Ugly House Wales
Why is it called the Ugly House and where can you find it?
https://thirdeyetraveller.com/the-ugly-house-wales-ty-hyll-betws-y-coed/

Spotter’s Guide to Autumn Birds
https://heartofenglandforest.org/spotters-guide-autumn-birds?utm_source=Heart+of+England+Forest+Communications&utm_campaign=27851f1316-ENEWSLETTER-JAN-2019_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_970ca1fa29-27851f1316-159908301&mc_cid=27851f1316&mc_eid=26c300a6b7

Welsh trails
Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre, near Dolgellau, for mountain biking, running and walking trails, includes two trails suitable for off road mobility scooters
https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/north-west-wales/coed-y-brenin-visitor-centre/?lang=en

Public access to the Historic Environment records for Wales
https://archwilio.org.uk/wp/

Lost Lancashire village
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/lancashire-village-wiped-from-map-22194160?utm_source=lancs_live_newsletter&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter2&utm_medium=email&pure360.trackingid=

Mapped: All the land, castles and coastline owned by the crown in Wales
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mapped-land-castles-coastline-owned-27847564?utm_source=wales_online_newsletter&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter2&utm_medium=email

Archaeologists discover world’s oldest wooden structure
https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2023/09/20/archaeologists-discover-worlds-oldest-wooden-structure/

Make Wine Not War: Digs in England Reveal 1st Century Roman Vineyard
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/roman-vineyard-england-0018877

The Frodsham and Helsby Circular Walk
https://easylifetraveller.com/frodsham-and-helsby-circular-walk/

Stanlow’s Secret Island
https://www.lancs.live/news/uk-world-news/secret-island-less-hour-lancashire-27730500?IYA-reg=76f0b7bd-acc7-413c-8f5a-cb891d809460

Dorothea Quarry Walk
https://www.ancient-origins.net/human-origins-science/gristhorpe-manronze-003406?utm_source=jeeng&utm_medium=email&trigger=click

Rare Roman Cavalry Swords Found in the Cotswolds
https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/romans/2-rare-roman-cavalry-swords-from-1800-years-ago-discovered-by-uk-metal-detectorist?utm_term=45CAB862-7568-43AB-A667-BD7298D261D3&utm_campaign=368B3745-DDE0-4A69-A2E8-62503D85375D&utm_medium=email&utm_content=4EEC7A56-0BA2-4FF6-BC3C-F4FDA259BA26&utm_source=SmartBrief

The Gristhorpe Man: a Bronze Age skeleton with a story to tell
https://www.ancient-origins.net/human-origins-science/gristhorpe-manronze-003406?utm_source=jeeng&utm_medium=email&trigger=click

From pits to flushes: the strange history of toilets
https://www.ancient-origins.net/videos/history-toilets-0019271?utm_source=jeeng&utm_medium=email&

Canal, crag and castle on this easy farmland walk in Cheshire
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/23659572.cheshire-walk-peckforton-beeston-castle-circular/