Uncovering medieval Trim

Michael Potterton & Matthew Seaver

‘This book is a ‘must’ for anybody interested in the medieval archaeology of Trim, the County Meath town that is among the most historic in Ireland … The quality of the book is excellent, both in terms of presentation and of editing, and it represents good value for money … a splendid volume', Linzi Simpson, Studia Hibernica (Spring 2010).

‘A beautifully presented book, with copious illustrations and photographs … Uncovering Medieval Trim would make an admirable model for any others hoping to undertake a similar study in their own area', Brendan Scott, Breifne journal (2009/10).

‘Uncovering Medieval Trim – archaeological excavations in and around medieval Trim, Co. Meath contains a series of papers highlighting the results of recent excavations in and around the town. In the foreword to the book, medievalist John Bradley reminds us that “the importance of Trim is that it is one of a handful of towns with an archaeology rather than just a list of incidental unconnected discoveries”’, Tom Condit, Archaeology Ireland (Spring 2010).

‘This is an impressive and valuable collection, which will deservedly raise the profile of Trim in medieval urban studies, setting a useful model for publication where there is no prospect of the resources to produce a “standard” synthesis of excavation', Deirdre O’Sullivan, Medieval Archaeology (Spring 2011).

‘Uncovering Medieval Trim brings together the work of various archaeologist and specialists to present important insights on the origins and development of Trim as a town. As John Bradley points out in the foreword to the book, published monographs on urban archaeology have hitherto focused on the coastal ports – Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Galway. This collection of essays goes somewhat towards redressing this imbalance … [it] takes a commendable approach in which specialists are given space to provide a thorough account of their findings … this well-edited and well-illustrated book builds on the seminal work of one of its editors, Michael Potterton’s Medieval Trim: history and archaeology (2005), resulting in not only a thorough appraisal of this particular locality, but also creating a benchmark against which the archaeology of other medieval towns in Ireland can be compared … the backers of this particular book must be commended in their foresight in bringing this important historical legacy into the public arena', James Lyttleton, JRSAI (2009).

‘Following an introduction that describes what had been learned about the medieval town prior to the most recent research, contributors present their findings about Trim’s early religious houses, medieval defenses, streets and houses, and crafts and industry. Particularly interesting are a paper on an Iron Age pit full of pigs’ feet and another examining the origins of medieval pottery found in and near the town. Papers are accompanied by numerous maps, diagrams, and photos, some in color. While aimed at researchers and historians, this book will also appeal to general readers interested in the nuts and bolts of life in medieval Ireland', Reference & Research Book News (February 2010).