The project will be based on a combination of desk-based and on-site survey methods, – analysing LiDAR, cartographical, and archival data, as well as field data (ground truthing/test trenching). We will identify micro relief traces/archaeological features related to economic activities in the neighbourhood of large manorial farms of medieval monastic sites, collect environmental data, and study medieval and post-medieval land use changes. In addition to selected sites in different parts of the country, the geographical coverage of the project extends to the estate of Plasy Abbey (the oldest royal Cistercian house), an area of about 200 km2. The themes of woodland and water management and of agricultural cultivation will be explored, using physical environmental data as explanatory variables to understand the site selection patterns of manorial farms and to characterize historic patterns of land use shaped by manorial management – in contrast to non manorial (tenanted) lands.
