Dr Joanne (Jo) Kirton | University of Chester (original) (raw)
Completed Doctoral Research
Sculpture and Place: a Biographical Approach to Early Medieval Stone Sculpture in Cheshire
Researching early medieval stone sculpture has long been enabled and constrained by approaches devised and subsequently honed over the last century focusing on form and ornamentation. These approaches largely prioritise the physical appearance of sculptural fragments, often distancing them from their physical and cognitive contexts in which they operated from their creation to the present.
This thesis brings together popular strands of research from other areas of archaeology - landscape, biography, materiality and monumentality - to explore how early medieval stone sculpture operated in place and time, from their construction through processes of use and reuse. The study recognises that sculpture did not function independent of physical location or the socio-political context with which it was connected and that many sculptures have life-histories which can be charted through individual monuments, assemblages of sculpture, and regional patterns.
Using a tenth-/eleventh-century assemblage from Cheshire, the biographies of the county’s early medieval monuments and architectural fragments are explored in relation to their physical location and the local historical frameworks with which they are connected. Through this original and distinctive approach, Cheshire's corpus of early medieval stone sculpture is both revisited and reinterpreted to emphasis the power of place and the biographies of stone sculpture.
Current Fieldwork
I am currently co-director of the Bamburgh Research Project - please follow the link to learn more about the project http://bamburghresearchproject.co.uk/
Employment
I work for the Council for British Archaeology as their Youth Engagement Manager. The CBA is an educational charity working throughout the UK to involve people in archaeology and to promote the appreciation and care of the historic environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
The role involves co-ordinating the Young Archaeologist Club (YAC), developing, managing and/or participating in national projects that involve 8-25 year olds, and contributing to national strategies with a youth focus, such as Heritage2020.
Previously, I worked as a Project Manager. I was responsible for acquiring funding, planning, implementation and reporting of multiple archaeological and heritage projects. The types of projects varied from commercial undertakings to community focused research ventures and the curation of temporary museum exhibitions. Daily, I had a number of varied responsibilities, including working with stakeholders and volunteers, costing, organising, managing and delivering projects.
Affiliations
• Research Associate at the University of Chester, History and Archaeology Department
• Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Field Archaeology
• Member of the Runes, Monuments and Memorial Carvings Network
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Books by Dr Joanne (Jo) Kirton
Often fragmented and without context, early medieval inscribed and sculpted stone monuments of th... more Often fragmented and without context, early medieval inscribed and sculpted stone monuments of the fifth to eleventh centuries AD have been mainly studied via their shape, their decoration and the texts a fraction of them bear. This book, investigating stone monuments from Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia (including the important memorials at Iniscealtra, County Clare), advocates three relatively new, distinctive and interconnected approaches to the lithic heritage of the early Middle Ages. Building on recent theoretical trends in archaeology and material culture studies in particular, it uses the themes of materiality, biography and landscape to reveal how carved stones created senses of identity and history for early medieval communities and kingdom. An extensive introduction and eight chapters span the disciplines of history, art-history and archaeology, exploring how shaping stone in turn shaped and re-shaped early medieval societies.
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Papers by Dr Joanne (Jo) Kirton
Often fragmented and without context, early medieval inscribed and sculpted stone monuments of th... more Often fragmented and without context, early medieval inscribed and sculpted stone monuments of the fifth to eleventh centuries AD have been mainly studied via their shape, their decoration and the texts a fraction of them bear. This book, investigating stone monuments from Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia (including the important memorials at Iniscealtra, County Clare), advocates three relatively new, distinctive and interconnected approaches to the lithic heritage of the early Middle Ages. Building on recent theoretical trends in archaeology and material culture studies in particular, it uses the themes of materiality, biography and landscape to reveal how carved stones created senses of identity and history for early medieval communities and kingdom. An extensive introduction and eight chapters span the disciplines of history, art-history and archaeology, exploring how shaping stone in turn shaped and re-shaped early medieval societies.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The Woodchurch Big Dig was a community archaeology project conducted by Big Heritage C.I.C. on be... more The Woodchurch Big Dig was a community archaeology project conducted by Big Heritage C.I.C. on behalf of Woodchurch Church of England Primary School. The public element of the project commenced in October 2016 and concluded at the end of June 2017. Excavation was undertaken between 7th October and 3rd of November 2016. The project was a test pitting exercise focused on the historic core of Woodchurch (NGR SJ 27584 86871). Fifteen test pits were excavated, supported by geophysical survey. These were undertaken in residential and business premises.
The project demonstrated that geophysical survey can be successfully implemented in the area. However, due to significant re-landscaping of the open areas little survives of notable archaeological interest. The test pitting was more successful in detecting earlier activity at the core of the village. Ceramic material was recovered, dating from the 13th century onward, which is comparable with the date of the upstanding Holy Cross Church at the centre of the study area. Activity appears to increase during the 15th-17th centuries, with a surge in activity noted from the 19th century onward.
This report documents the results of the 2016 excavation season.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
174, Oct 2016
This report will detail the results of the investigations undertaken to date within the Inner War... more This report will detail the results of the investigations undertaken to date within the Inner Ward of Bamburgh Castle, by the Bamburgh Research Project between 1997 and 2008, using resistivity and ground penetrating radar survey and limited excavation.Throughout the course of the investigation around the ruins of the medieval chapel, material evidence was found of Romano-British activity. Furthermore, stone structures of pre-twelfth-century date were revealed. Two phases of a possible early medieval defensive wall were identified beneath the north wall of the current chapel structure, and a stone building was found beneath the main body of the church which
may represent part of the church of St Peter, mentioned by Bede.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Early Medieval Stone Monuments: materiality, biography and landscape
It is generally accepted that early medieval stone sculpture served as visual aids: as waymarkers... more It is generally accepted that early medieval stone sculpture served as visual aids: as waymarkers on journeys, visual indicators of cognitive boundaries and signals of land ownership through complex commemorative practices. However, rarely has research been undertaken to understand how place-names, topography and archaeology might reveal perceptions of an early medieval sculpture’s location, appearance and use. All these factors might have been carefully orchestrated to manipulate the experience of early medieval monuments by controlling how and what they see, when they see it, from what distance and direction they are expected and allowed to engage with it. These orchestrations of experience combine to generate specific knowledge of a place and a memorable encounter. In this paper one monument’s landscape context will be explored to demonstrate the complex relationship a monument has with its surroundings and how recognition of this and investigation of this relationship can shed light on why a monument was created, the reasons for specific decorative choices, their function and how the particularities of landscapes were able to encourage particular interactions with the monument.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeologia Aeliana
During the course of his excavations at Bamburgh Castle between 1970 and 1974, Brian Hope-Taylor ... more During the course of his excavations at Bamburgh Castle between 1970 and 1974, Brian Hope-Taylor revealed a substantial oval mortar feature that he referred to as the 'gin gang'. The excavation remained unpublished at the time of his death in 2001. This phase of his excavation work has been revised and freshly recorded by the Bamburgh Research Project since 2000. The mortar feature has been re-evaluated and is now considered to be the remains of a mortar-mixer of early medieval date. It is one of a number of such features known from this period, both within the UK and in continental Europe, associated with high-status secular and ecclesiastical sites.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
In March 2016 Big Heritage C.I.C. and community volunteers undertook four evaluation trenches wit... more In March 2016 Big Heritage C.I.C. and community volunteers undertook four evaluation trenches within the interior of the site known as Bromborough Courthouse Moated Site and Fishponds, Wirral (centred on NGR: SJ 34496 84189). These trenches were sited in an area previously archaeologically unexplored by Big Heritage or previous schemes of investigation. The site is a scheduled monument (SMR 13428). Permission was granted by the land owners, the Land Trust, and Historic England to undertake excavation. Dr Joanne Kirton, on behalf of Big Heritage C.I.C., was granted Scheduled Monument Consent (Ref:
S00131391). The excavation was monitored by Andrew Davison of Historic England.
1.2. This work was undertaken in partnership with the Land Trust to assess the potential for survival of archaeological remains in areas of the site not previously investigated and to determine the nature and date of any features or finds recovered. This information will be used to inform future management strategies for the site and potential archaeological research projects.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Discovering Bromborough was a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) supported community archaeology project... more Discovering Bromborough was a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) supported community archaeology project conducted by Big Heritage C.I.C. over a two year period. Excavation took place between 24th May and 31st August 2013 and 12th July and 22nd November 2014. The project was primarily a test pitting exercise focused on the core of Bromborough Village Wirral, UK (NGR: SJ 34771 82359). Fifty test pits were excavated supported by geophysical survey in residential and business premises and on open public land.
The 2013 project demonstrated that the core of Bromborough village was seemingly lightly occupied until at least the 10th century. It recovered the first evidence of Roman ceramics found in the village but only in small quantities. It also unearthed the first piece of early medieval ceramic evidence in the form of a sherd of 10th-11th century Stamford Ware. Numerous ceramic sherds dating from the 13th-16th centuries demonstrate that the village reached its peak in the 15th century before an apparent decline. Revival did not take place until the 18th century, where numerous evidence was found for habitation within the village’s core. In 2014, our results confirmed this interpretation whilst expanding the distribution of the test pits to better understand the extent of the village development.
This report documents the results of the 2013 and 2014 excavation season.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
From September to December 2014 Big Heritage C.I.C. and community volunteers undertook five evalu... more From September to December 2014 Big Heritage C.I.C. and community volunteers undertook five evaluation trenches within the interior of the site known as Bromborough Court House Moated Site and Fishponds, Wirral (centred on NGR: SJ 34496 84189). These trenches were sited based upon resistivity results generated in June 2014 (Kirton 2014). The site is a scheduled monument (SMR 13428). Permission was granted by the land owners, the Land Trust and Historic England (then English Heritage) to undertake excavation. Joanne Kirton, on behalf of Big Heritage C.I.C., was granted Scheduled Monument Consent (Ref: S00089251). The excavation was monitored by Andrew Davison of Historic England.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
As part of ongoing research into the early medieval sculptural heritage of the Cheshire region, J... more As part of ongoing research into the early medieval sculptural heritage of the Cheshire region, Joanne Kirton and Dr Meggen Gondek of the University of Chester conducted resistivity survey in two fields surrounding St Edith’s Church, Shocklach (NGR SJ 4318 5016). The survey was conducted over three days, October 29 – 31, providing training opportunities for undergraduate students from the University of Chester. Results confirmed the presence of ridge and furrow and several previously unknown features of indeterminate nature.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The article documents the results of a series of investigations undertaken by the Bamburgh Resear... more The article documents the results of a series of investigations undertaken by the Bamburgh Research roject (BRP) within the Inner Ward of Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland between 1997 and
2010, using resistivity, ground penetrating radar survey, and limited excavation. Throughout the course of the investigation around the ruins of the medieval chapel, material evidence was found of Romano-British activity. Furthermore, stone structures of pre-twelfth-century date were revealed. Two phases of a possible early medieval defensive wall were identified beneath the north wall of the current chapel structure, and a stone building was found beneath the main body of the church which
may represent part of the church of St Peter, mentioned by Bede.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Book Reviews by Dr Joanne (Jo) Kirton
Book Review Medieval Archaeology
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeological Journal 174
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Early Medieval Europe 22(2), 2014
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Early Medieval Europe 22(1), 2014
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeological Journal 169
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeological Journal 168
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeological Journal 168
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Often fragmented and without context, early medieval inscribed and sculpted stone monuments of th... more Often fragmented and without context, early medieval inscribed and sculpted stone monuments of the fifth to eleventh centuries AD have been mainly studied via their shape, their decoration and the texts a fraction of them bear. This book, investigating stone monuments from Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia (including the important memorials at Iniscealtra, County Clare), advocates three relatively new, distinctive and interconnected approaches to the lithic heritage of the early Middle Ages. Building on recent theoretical trends in archaeology and material culture studies in particular, it uses the themes of materiality, biography and landscape to reveal how carved stones created senses of identity and history for early medieval communities and kingdom. An extensive introduction and eight chapters span the disciplines of history, art-history and archaeology, exploring how shaping stone in turn shaped and re-shaped early medieval societies.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Often fragmented and without context, early medieval inscribed and sculpted stone monuments of th... more Often fragmented and without context, early medieval inscribed and sculpted stone monuments of the fifth to eleventh centuries AD have been mainly studied via their shape, their decoration and the texts a fraction of them bear. This book, investigating stone monuments from Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia (including the important memorials at Iniscealtra, County Clare), advocates three relatively new, distinctive and interconnected approaches to the lithic heritage of the early Middle Ages. Building on recent theoretical trends in archaeology and material culture studies in particular, it uses the themes of materiality, biography and landscape to reveal how carved stones created senses of identity and history for early medieval communities and kingdom. An extensive introduction and eight chapters span the disciplines of history, art-history and archaeology, exploring how shaping stone in turn shaped and re-shaped early medieval societies.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The Woodchurch Big Dig was a community archaeology project conducted by Big Heritage C.I.C. on be... more The Woodchurch Big Dig was a community archaeology project conducted by Big Heritage C.I.C. on behalf of Woodchurch Church of England Primary School. The public element of the project commenced in October 2016 and concluded at the end of June 2017. Excavation was undertaken between 7th October and 3rd of November 2016. The project was a test pitting exercise focused on the historic core of Woodchurch (NGR SJ 27584 86871). Fifteen test pits were excavated, supported by geophysical survey. These were undertaken in residential and business premises.
The project demonstrated that geophysical survey can be successfully implemented in the area. However, due to significant re-landscaping of the open areas little survives of notable archaeological interest. The test pitting was more successful in detecting earlier activity at the core of the village. Ceramic material was recovered, dating from the 13th century onward, which is comparable with the date of the upstanding Holy Cross Church at the centre of the study area. Activity appears to increase during the 15th-17th centuries, with a surge in activity noted from the 19th century onward.
This report documents the results of the 2016 excavation season.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
174, Oct 2016
This report will detail the results of the investigations undertaken to date within the Inner War... more This report will detail the results of the investigations undertaken to date within the Inner Ward of Bamburgh Castle, by the Bamburgh Research Project between 1997 and 2008, using resistivity and ground penetrating radar survey and limited excavation.Throughout the course of the investigation around the ruins of the medieval chapel, material evidence was found of Romano-British activity. Furthermore, stone structures of pre-twelfth-century date were revealed. Two phases of a possible early medieval defensive wall were identified beneath the north wall of the current chapel structure, and a stone building was found beneath the main body of the church which
may represent part of the church of St Peter, mentioned by Bede.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Early Medieval Stone Monuments: materiality, biography and landscape
It is generally accepted that early medieval stone sculpture served as visual aids: as waymarkers... more It is generally accepted that early medieval stone sculpture served as visual aids: as waymarkers on journeys, visual indicators of cognitive boundaries and signals of land ownership through complex commemorative practices. However, rarely has research been undertaken to understand how place-names, topography and archaeology might reveal perceptions of an early medieval sculpture’s location, appearance and use. All these factors might have been carefully orchestrated to manipulate the experience of early medieval monuments by controlling how and what they see, when they see it, from what distance and direction they are expected and allowed to engage with it. These orchestrations of experience combine to generate specific knowledge of a place and a memorable encounter. In this paper one monument’s landscape context will be explored to demonstrate the complex relationship a monument has with its surroundings and how recognition of this and investigation of this relationship can shed light on why a monument was created, the reasons for specific decorative choices, their function and how the particularities of landscapes were able to encourage particular interactions with the monument.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeologia Aeliana
During the course of his excavations at Bamburgh Castle between 1970 and 1974, Brian Hope-Taylor ... more During the course of his excavations at Bamburgh Castle between 1970 and 1974, Brian Hope-Taylor revealed a substantial oval mortar feature that he referred to as the 'gin gang'. The excavation remained unpublished at the time of his death in 2001. This phase of his excavation work has been revised and freshly recorded by the Bamburgh Research Project since 2000. The mortar feature has been re-evaluated and is now considered to be the remains of a mortar-mixer of early medieval date. It is one of a number of such features known from this period, both within the UK and in continental Europe, associated with high-status secular and ecclesiastical sites.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
In March 2016 Big Heritage C.I.C. and community volunteers undertook four evaluation trenches wit... more In March 2016 Big Heritage C.I.C. and community volunteers undertook four evaluation trenches within the interior of the site known as Bromborough Courthouse Moated Site and Fishponds, Wirral (centred on NGR: SJ 34496 84189). These trenches were sited in an area previously archaeologically unexplored by Big Heritage or previous schemes of investigation. The site is a scheduled monument (SMR 13428). Permission was granted by the land owners, the Land Trust, and Historic England to undertake excavation. Dr Joanne Kirton, on behalf of Big Heritage C.I.C., was granted Scheduled Monument Consent (Ref:
S00131391). The excavation was monitored by Andrew Davison of Historic England.
1.2. This work was undertaken in partnership with the Land Trust to assess the potential for survival of archaeological remains in areas of the site not previously investigated and to determine the nature and date of any features or finds recovered. This information will be used to inform future management strategies for the site and potential archaeological research projects.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Discovering Bromborough was a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) supported community archaeology project... more Discovering Bromborough was a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) supported community archaeology project conducted by Big Heritage C.I.C. over a two year period. Excavation took place between 24th May and 31st August 2013 and 12th July and 22nd November 2014. The project was primarily a test pitting exercise focused on the core of Bromborough Village Wirral, UK (NGR: SJ 34771 82359). Fifty test pits were excavated supported by geophysical survey in residential and business premises and on open public land.
The 2013 project demonstrated that the core of Bromborough village was seemingly lightly occupied until at least the 10th century. It recovered the first evidence of Roman ceramics found in the village but only in small quantities. It also unearthed the first piece of early medieval ceramic evidence in the form of a sherd of 10th-11th century Stamford Ware. Numerous ceramic sherds dating from the 13th-16th centuries demonstrate that the village reached its peak in the 15th century before an apparent decline. Revival did not take place until the 18th century, where numerous evidence was found for habitation within the village’s core. In 2014, our results confirmed this interpretation whilst expanding the distribution of the test pits to better understand the extent of the village development.
This report documents the results of the 2013 and 2014 excavation season.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
From September to December 2014 Big Heritage C.I.C. and community volunteers undertook five evalu... more From September to December 2014 Big Heritage C.I.C. and community volunteers undertook five evaluation trenches within the interior of the site known as Bromborough Court House Moated Site and Fishponds, Wirral (centred on NGR: SJ 34496 84189). These trenches were sited based upon resistivity results generated in June 2014 (Kirton 2014). The site is a scheduled monument (SMR 13428). Permission was granted by the land owners, the Land Trust and Historic England (then English Heritage) to undertake excavation. Joanne Kirton, on behalf of Big Heritage C.I.C., was granted Scheduled Monument Consent (Ref: S00089251). The excavation was monitored by Andrew Davison of Historic England.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
As part of ongoing research into the early medieval sculptural heritage of the Cheshire region, J... more As part of ongoing research into the early medieval sculptural heritage of the Cheshire region, Joanne Kirton and Dr Meggen Gondek of the University of Chester conducted resistivity survey in two fields surrounding St Edith’s Church, Shocklach (NGR SJ 4318 5016). The survey was conducted over three days, October 29 – 31, providing training opportunities for undergraduate students from the University of Chester. Results confirmed the presence of ridge and furrow and several previously unknown features of indeterminate nature.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
The article documents the results of a series of investigations undertaken by the Bamburgh Resear... more The article documents the results of a series of investigations undertaken by the Bamburgh Research roject (BRP) within the Inner Ward of Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland between 1997 and
2010, using resistivity, ground penetrating radar survey, and limited excavation. Throughout the course of the investigation around the ruins of the medieval chapel, material evidence was found of Romano-British activity. Furthermore, stone structures of pre-twelfth-century date were revealed. Two phases of a possible early medieval defensive wall were identified beneath the north wall of the current chapel structure, and a stone building was found beneath the main body of the church which
may represent part of the church of St Peter, mentioned by Bede.
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Book Review Medieval Archaeology
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeological Journal 174
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Early Medieval Europe 22(2), 2014
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Early Medieval Europe 22(1), 2014
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeological Journal 169
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeological Journal 168
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
Archaeological Journal 168
Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact