About the book

“This book is a fitting way to commemorate the excellent work of David Dymond in many areas of local history and the inspiration that he has given to so many aspiring local historians over the years.” Hillary Walker, The Local Historian

“Shaping the Past has a rich diversity of content but also an overarching theme which captures the essence of the work and philosophy of its dedicatee. Here that theme, which links every contribution, is the deep-rooted and endlessly varied interaction of people and place, the relationship between human society and the environment which shapes it and which it in turn shapes. It is a worthy tribute to a great historian and a great friend.” Alan G. Crosby, Landscape History

“I really enjoyed these succinct essays, and whilst their focus is generally on the East of England, they paint pictures that would undoubtedly be replicated in many other towns and cities across the country.” Paul Gaskell, Oxfordshire Family Historian

“The… essays in this collection… exemplify the very considerable influence that David Dymond has brought to bear on most of the authors, many of whom began their researches under the influence of David as their teacher within the MSt course that he implemented in Cambridge. All of them meet key criteria in David's frequently voiced requirements for the writing of successful local history; their essays are largely founded on the careful dissection of relevant primary sources, and they all bring to light information and develop arguments that relate to larger questions which extend the significance of their findings beyond the immediate locality in which they are grounded.” Richard Smith, Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History

“Both Amor and Evelyn Lord are to be congratulated for bringing this Festschrift of essays to fruition. While inevitably focused upon the east of England, thereby reflecting David Dymond’s own sphere of activity, the range of topics covered should ensure that the various essays gain a wider readership than that based in Norfolk, Suffolk and adjacent counties. The volume is a fine collection of essays and a fitting tribute to a fine scholar.” Brian Ayers, History Journal

Dr David Dymond is one of Britain’s most highly respected local historians. He is a Vice President of the British Association for Local History and of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History, President of the Suffolk Records Society, and an honorary fellow of the University of East Anglia.

The author of several valued books about the practice of local history, notably Researching and Writing History, his contribution to the study of local history generally, and in his adopted county of Suffolk in particular, has been immensely influential.

The essays in this Festschrift are offered as a token of esteem and affection by colleagues, friends and students of David. They consist of new research on aspects of local history from the medieval period to the twentieth century, with a particular focus on Eastern England.

Taken together, they illustrate David’s philosophy of local history (that it should be ‘wide‐ranging, inclusive, integrating and interdisciplinary’).