Revision:Rackham - Marshes, Fens, Rivers, and the sea
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Rackham - Marshes, Fens, Rivers, and the sea
- Classical example of how written sources led historians down wrong path.
- Literary story of fens fen life copied down and elaborated by outsiders with disdain web footed, independent rescued from indolence by progressive Dutch who drained Fens and turned them into rich farmland.
- Looking at sources different story great Fenland churches March, Whittlesey great Abbeys at Peterborugh, Ely. King's Lynn, Wisbech, Boton medieval towns. Real heyday Fens was in 12 and 13th centuries away from political upheavals- civilised prosperity and could afford splendid architecture.
- Actually three periods when Fens were drained Dutch third draining, second draining 1250 (difficult to see from literary sources, detected from archaeology) and Roman or first draining engineering miracle. From aerial photography.
- Romans 90 mile fen drainage system Car Dyke, Bottisham Lode.
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