ABSTRACT
Archaeologists of all periods have considered how people use the material culture available to them to construct different sorts of identity. Sumptuary laws confirm the impression given by archaeological evidence that although ‘closure’ created identity shaped by a sense of personal place, social ambition was not precluded and was achieved by demonstration of access to resources. Identity expression through objects became much less subtle; although bullion rings appear to have been worn, highly decorated objects almost disappear from the record, though a range of cheaper items is known. Searching for salvation was one way in which medieval people came increasingly to see themselves as on an individual journey through life, the Lollards even asserting that the mediation of a priest was largely unnecessary. Money was raised for churches and the support of the poor by communal church-ales; increasing use of ale-houses excluded many, as of course did guild feasts.
