The valley of the Great Ouse in Bedfordshire is an arca of rich, but diminishing, archaeological resources. This volume draws together, for the first time, current archaeological work in the arca in an attempt to characterise the regions distinct, but previously unrecognised, archaeological identity. With synthetic surveys of specific landscape areas and short case studies it effectively captures the character of the region's archaeology, whilst highlighting both areas of theoretical concern in understanding the region's past, and areas of methodological concern in developing effective ways of exploring that past within the constraints of current archaeological practice. At a time when the formulation of research frameworks is increasingly seen as an important element in shaping the direction of future archaeological work this volume will provide the framework for defining future research.