SACRED PROFANITY - THE THEOLOGY OF RABBIT BREEDING AND THE SYMBOLIC LANDSCAPE OF THE WARREN

This paper makes the case that, because rabbits were understood to hav e a symbolic meaning in medieval theology, we might expect that some s tructures associated with their management should also be suspected of having some symbolic content. Such symbolism is clearly visible at th e so-called 'Triangular Lodge' at Rushton, Northamptonshire, and a wid er group of monuments, including certain English monastic pillow mound s, is reviewed. More widely, it is suggested, the symbolic meanings of managed animals should be understood and deployed during analysis of the structures and landscapes involved.