Doctoral defense in Geography - Scott John Riddell

Doctoral candidate: Scott John Riddell

Dissertation title: Monks and mires: the vegetation and land use histories of monasteries and their tenancies in Medieval Iceland.

Advisor: Egill Erlendsson, Professor at UI Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences.

Also in the doctoral committee: 

Professor Guðrún Gísladóttir, University of Iceland.
Professor Steinunn Kristjánsdóttir, University of Iceland.
Dr. Sigrún Dögg Eddudóttir, University of Uppsala, Sweden.

Opponents: Dr. Eileen Tisdall, University of Stirling, Scotland and Professor Orri Vésteinsson, University of Iceland.

Chair of Ceremony: Professor Snæbjörn Pálsson, head of Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland.

Abstract

Focussing upon the monastic sites of Þingeyraklaustur and Helgafellsklaustur, palynological data are utilised to explore the role of Icelandic monasticism with regard to vegetation change and land use in the Medieval period. Consideration is also given to two farms, Ásbjarnarnes and Helgadalur, that were tenancies of monasteries. Vegetation change at all sites is evaluated against the settlement of Iceland, European monasticism, plague, Reformation, and the prevailing climate of the time. Pollen data are supplemented with sedimentary data and set within a chronological framework constructed through a combination of known tephra layers and 14C or Plutonium (Pu) dating. The relative precision of tephrochronology allows palynological data to be cross-referenced with historical sources. The foundation of both monasteries is visible in the pollen record, with subsequent land use focussed upon pastoralism. There is a hiatus at Þingeryraklaustur due to plague in the 15th century, with continuity at Helgafellsklaustur, both findings in keeping with the historical record. With regard to the tenancies, no direct monastic influence is discerned at Helgadalur, with haymaking a primary activity. At Ásbjarnarnes, there is evidence of woodland management, perhaps influenced by Þingeyraklaustur. There is no evidence of disruption associated with the Lutheran Protestant Reformation at any of the four sites. Further findings have allowed for some comparison between the four sites with regard to vegetation and climate, palaeoecological change associated with human colonisation, and the pre-monastic era. There is also pollen evidence of exotic plants with medicinal and/or culinary applications at Helgafell, introduced prior to the foundation Helgafellsklaustur.

About the doctoral candidate

Since moving to Iceland in 2007, and following a career in Scotland in biodiversity conservation, Scott Riddell (BSc. & MSc.) completed an MA in archaeology from the University of Iceland prior to his doctoral studies in Geography. Using palynology as a primary tool, Scott’s studies to date have been focussed upon vegetation history and land use in Iceland following its settlement in the late 9th century. A particular feature of this work has been the integration of palynology with archaeological investigation and historical sources, primarily in relation to medieval Icelandic monasticism. While pursuing his studies, Scott has taught physical geography at the University of Iceland, participated in archaeological excavations, as well as working at Þingvellir National Park as a ranger.