The Icknield Way: Some Queries

Abstract

This paper addresses various problems with the concept of the Icknield Way as a long-distance prehistoric routeway. It argues that the assumptions usually made about the Way's date, origins and whereabouts are in essence erroneous, since they are based upon a complex, if unintended, historiographical myth coupled with a failure to keep up with changing ideas about prehistoric societies. In order to accomplish this, a detailed examination of the origins and development of writing concerning the Icknield Way is followed by an investigation of the evidence for the route, including documentary, archaeological and theoretical approaches.