Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the history of the use of town plans in researching urban form going back to the nineteenth century. It focuses on the dynamic relationship between lordship and town planning. The narratives in the book also focuses on town foundation in different countries confirm that the formation of the urban network in medieval Europe occurred overwhelmingly in the context of territorial structures and on the initiative of lords, be they abbots, bishops, kings or noblemen who founded towns for financial and security reasons. It explores the interdisciplinary character of the towns atlas project is strengthened by critical contributions by an archaeologist, an art historian and an historical geographer. Some of the case studies from the periphery of medieval Europe also highlight the importance of security.