The contribution of excavation to the wider understanding of vernacular architecture over the last 50 years seems to have been that of the wayward brother to its more mature sibling, the study of standing buildings. Archaeology had a stumbling start, but as it has reached a greater maturity it has begun to make a contribution to the wider study of vernacular architec- ture. It has not merely broadened the scope of evi- dence, but brought entirely new approaches to the subject.
