New publication
Posted on 7 March 2018
Dr Emma Wells has contributed a chapter on The Medieval Senses to a new book published by Oxford University Press.
Despite a wealth of studies on the history of the medieval sensory world, key issues remain regarding how sensory experiences were constructed and conducted, and thus impacted the archaeological record. A particularly overlooked consideration has been the relationship between worshipper and church building, as the senses played an integral part in determining not only devotional experience but also the formation of its aesthetic and physical setting.
Emma's chapter provides a general introduction to the archaeology of the senses, addressing the role of the senses in late-medieval society with emphasis on their impact on religion and spirituality, and how current understandings have arisen.
The book, The Oxford Handbook of Later Medieval Archaeology in Britain, Gerrard, C, & Gutiérrez, A. (eds.) also includes chapters from other University of York staff, Dr Kate Giles and Aleks McClain.
Dr Wells is Programme Director for the University of York's MA in English Building History and Postgraduate Diploma in Parish Church Studies.