Name: Jessica Treacher
Institution: Institute for Name-Studies, University of Nottingham
Con​tact: jessicatreacher@nottingham.ac.uk
Project Details: PhD (2017-2020) The Arboreal Toponym: place-name evidence for the exploitation and management of trees in early medieval England

Supervisors: Dr John Baker (University of Nottingham), Dr Jayne Carroll (University of Nottingham), and Dr Richard Jones (University of Leicester)

Research Overview:

My research explores onomastic evidence for the social, cultural, environmental and economic importance of trees within the physical and ideological landscape of early medieval England. It considers their use as monuments and resources, and their role in landscape management. I am in my second year of research and have thus far compiled a database of major names that reference a tree species or woodland management technique, and which are first attested by the end of the twelfth century. This data will be mapped and analysed in conjunction with regional case-studies that allow for the consideration of geological and climatic influences on tree growth and species prevalence. It is my aim that this comprehensive approach to the material will contribute to our understanding of early medieval perceptions and uses of trees and their place within the medieval landscape.

Further information can be found on https://vpp.midlands3cities.ac.uk/display/aexjt5nottinghamacuk/Jessica+Treacher