Changes in the purpose and appearance of deer parks between the Medieval and Early modern periods
People from various walks of life have always wanted to feel superior to their neighbors. Human beings elevate themselves into classes that only those with similar characteristics can fit in. During the Medieval period, deer parks were used as a means of expressing one’s class (Dallas, 2013). They were also used as a means of expressing the owners’ authority and status in society. Just like the classes found in modern societies whereby few people are allowed access, only exclusive people could have access to the parks. The latter is because access to the parks was strictly controlled (Dallas, 2013).
Some zones were known as elite zones and they also displayed exclusivity; with residents of these zones having minimal connections with the local society (Dallas, 2013). There were relationship changes between the commoners and the elites. The common people were allowed limited or no access at all to the elite zones. The exclusivity of the elite zones can be confirmed as there divided into various zones namely; primary elite zone, secondary elite zone, tertiary zone, detached zone, transitional zone, mixed zone, vernacular zone, and contact zone (Dallas, 2013). These zones had different landscapes and different levels of access. Some of the archaeological evidence showing the existence of deer parks and elite zones during the medieval period includes water resources, brick-making raw materials, and the discovery of a brick-making location somewhere close to River Blue (Dallas, 2013).
Reference
Dallas, P. A.W. 2013. ‘Elite landscapes in late Medieval and Early Modern East Anglia: Families, residences and the development of exclusivity.
Ratings
