Monuments in motion

The linking of history and archaeology – or in this instance, monuments and artefacts – is explored in this special ‘in conversation’ talk. Approaches to understanding the beliefs and attitudes of medieval man and woman have broadened and we are no longer restricted to the description and classification of the objects of devotion which they left behind. ‘Purpose’ and ‘function’ are usually difficult to interpret: what, for instance, is the significance of the muzzled bears carved at each end of the house-shaped so-called ‘hogback’ tomb covers which the Viking settlers of North England and South Scotland chose to use as grave covers? Are the elaborately carved high crosses specific to the British Isles and Ireland?