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Expertise Summary
My specialism is urban archaeology for the late medieval period (specifically 1300-1540). Following graduation in 2004, I worked as a field archaeologist in several parts of England, and it was whilst working in Leicester city centre that I developed an interest in urban archaeology and the development of towns during the medieval period. Since 2008 I have worked on research projects and development control work in Nottingham. I am undertaking my PhD in Archaeology on a part-time basis, whilst employed as Nottingham's City Archaeologist (a position I have held since 2016).
My work as City Archaeologist, and involvement in all the archaeology research projects to take place in the city since 2008, have given me a strong understanding of the city's past. I advocate a dual-disciplinary approach to the research of English towns during the late medieval period, with archaeological evidence being studied alongside documentary evidence. Through my PhD, I am developing a good understanding of documentary sources, and how these can be used in tandem with archaeological evidence to revise traditional narratives and move the historiography forward.
Research Summary
My research consists of detailed examination of archaeological and documentary evidence relating to the economic conditions, and their socioeconomic consequences, in Nottingham during the period 1300… read more
Recent Publications
LOMAX, SC, 2024. The Southern Town Wall of Nottingham Transactions of the Thoroton Society. 127,
LOMAX, SC, 2023. Out of the Land of Ice and Fire: Icelandic Immigrants in the Midlands During the Fifteenth Century Midland History. 48(2), 158-175
LOMAX, SC, 2022. 'Evidence for Late Medieval Horn Working at Goose Gate, Nottingham' Transactions of the Thoroton Society of Nottinghamshire. 125, 49-64
G. DAVIES, D. KNIGHT, S. LOMAX and C. P. LOVELUCK, 2020. From 'House of Caves' to nexus of central England: Nottingham, c. AD 650-1250 - Future Research Directions Transactions of the Thoroton Society of Nottinghamshire. 123, 55-75
Current Research
My research consists of detailed examination of archaeological and documentary evidence relating to the economic conditions, and their socioeconomic consequences, in Nottingham during the period 1300 and 1540.
Previous studies of medieval towns, in particular those of the 1970s and 1980s, gave consideration to these issues within the context of a debate regarding late medieval 'urban decline'. Discussion about urban decline influenced the interpretation of the results of excavations undertaken in Nottingham between 1969 and 1980 and the narrative upon which subsequent research was based. My research offers a fresh approach with the aim of achieving greater clarity regarding economic and socio-economic conditions and the processes of urbanisation for Nottingham during this little understood period, and form a model of how the disciplines of medieval history and archaeology can be brought together.
The experience of Nottingham will also be placed within a regional context, using published research for other large medieval towns in the Midlands.
Past Research
My previous research has focussed upon medieval Nottingham, with a particular focus upon the development of the town. Previous research projects have included 'The Origins of Nottingham' (funded by Historic England), which looked at unpublished excavations undertaken between 1969 and 1980, and 'Defining Nottingham's Medieval Defences' (also funded by Historic England) which consisted of documentary research, as well as geophysical survey, primarily to better understand the extent of the medieval town.
One of my key projects aimed to establish the circumstances necessitating the hurried burial of an estimated 90 individuals immediately the medieval defences of Nottingham on at least two occasions during the 15th century.
Furthermore, I have researched Nottingham's caves in order to better understand their age, character and functions.