This book brings together the history of the village and the results of excavations undertaken from 1989 to 1992 by members of the Oxford Archaeology Unit, writes Helen Peacocke.

The colourful publication, compiled by the archaeologists, illustrates the building of the abbey both during the 11th century and then during Norman times, when a second foundation was laid. It goes on to describe life in the abbey, including details of the monks' diet and the wealth accumulated by the abbey through the sale of wool, livestock and rents.

Illustrated with photographs from the air and ground views of archeological finds as well as Rosalyn Smith's watercolours, it concludes by discussing the archaeological finds, which have taken a team of experts more than 10 years to analyse.