The Amateur Historian Volume 1 Number 10 February March 1954

By Bensusan, Arnold E.

pp 293-296

The author recommends the use of photography both for fieldwork and in the laboratory, quoting examples of capturing Roman remains on film using flash photography and suggesting that photography can help in conserving ancient manuscripts. He offers advice on various appropriate techniques and makes reference to the use of aerial photography.

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By Franklin, T. Bedford

pp 297-300

Analysis of the techniques used by the compilers of the Domesday Survey to assess the agricultural value of land. The author suggests that estimates differed mainly due to geological variations, and especially the composition of the local soil. Farming land was assessed in terms of the number of 8-oxen plough teams as the standard unit of measurement. Feeding animals in the winter was of vital importance and there is discussion of hay production and the regional variations in the area of meadow required to support the oxen. There is considerable evidence for the existence of large numbers of sheep and pigs, the latter usually being found in forested areas. Domesday contains much detail on mills. Franklin points out other regional diversities, contrasting the sparsely populated fenland 'sheep' counties with more densely populated areas of intensive cultivation (see also 01 09 261-267; 01 11 344-347).

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By Tupling, G.H.

pp 301-304

Account of the administrative systems devised for maintaining highways, and the development in the 16th century of the office of parish or highway surveyor to organise work on the roads in consultation with the parishioners. Originally the surveyor was chosen by ratepayers, but by the late 17th century their appointment was confirmed by local justices. The work was often troublesome, as the surveyor had to ensure that all owners of lands adjoining roads kept the routes clear: fines could be imposed for neglect, and statute labour work was generally employed. The author quotes examples from surveyors' accounts, including details of methods of assessing the contributions for road maintenance levied upon local householders. He also discusses different types of road and construction techniques (see also 01 07 198-201; 01 08 234-237; 01 09 269-272; 01 11 335-339; 01 12 361-364). 

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By Grant, Jean M.

pp 305-308

Account of the writing and publication of a village history in Knebworth, Hertfordshire.

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By Halcrow, Elizabeth M.

pp 308-311

Introductory article outlining approaches to one of the main genres in local history research and publishing - the writing of town histories - with suggestions for locating and using good quality primary and secondary material, and with reference to bibliographic sources.

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