Historical Background

I started my journey in archaeology at the University of Winchester (formally Alfies) studying Archaeological Practice BA (Hons) with my fondest memories being of the geophysical fieldwork I assisted on and the month long summer fieldwork training schools. I even managed to facilitate a taster day for local secondary schools as an undergrad. I spent the following years as a Field Archaeologist. Whilst I loved excavation, I was drawn to understanding landscapes, so learned the Geomatics side of archaeological fieldwork.

I was fortunate enough to be awarded a bursary to study Archaeological Prospection MSc (geophysical and chemical investigation) at the University of Bradford. Following working as an archaeological geophysicist (collecting, processing and reporting on both terrestrial and marine data), I worked outside of archaeology for a time. My archaeological skills easily translated to unexploded ordnance (UXO) identification. I later had the opportunity to work on New Business for the survey department, and soon was leading the tendering and marketing activities.

The commercial skills I learned stood me in good stead for my return to the archaeological sector, where I achieved my dream role leading an archaeological geophysics department, working as part of the Geoservices management team. Highlights included managing projects for NSIPs such as HS2 (Phases 1 and 2a), A303 Stonehenge and Thames Tideway.

I went on to become an Archaeologist for Historic England, covering a sabbatical within the Archaeological Excavation team but happily ended up staying for almost two years. Key projects included Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, Marble Hill House and Birdoswald Fieldschool (co-directed with Newcastle University).

I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had to date, and all the people who have supported me along the way.