Some of the projects we have been involved with in 2011/12 include Community Archaeology research projects at Scarcliffe Park, Whitwell Woods and Elmton in Derbyshire, Southwell in Nottinghamshire, and  Pleasley Vale on the Derbyshire / Nottinghamshire border, a Family Learning archaeology programme in north-east Derbyshire, a residential trip to Stonehenge and surrounding landscape, plus numerous field visits to sites as far apart as the Peak District, York and Peterborough.

 

MEET THE TEAM

 

 

Matthew Beresford BA (hons), MA

Senior Archaeologist

Project Leader for Burgage Earthworks, Elmton Research Project, Early Bolsover Project

 

Matthew Beresford qualified from the University of Nottingham with an honours degree in Combined Studies (Archaeology & History) and a Masters degree with Distinction in Local & Regional History. His dissertation topic was ‘A new interpretative model of Creswell Crags and its place in a wider European context’ and formulated the basis for his 2012 book Beyond the Ice: Creswell Crags in a wider European context published through Archaeopress.

He has worked extensively as a field archaeologist at sites including:

• Strutts Park, Derby – Roman fort
• Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottingham – Medieval village
• Whitwell Woods, Derbyshire – Romano-British enclosure
• Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire – Saxon / Medieval village
• Melton Quarry, East Yorkshire – Prehistoric cemetery
• Elmton, Derbyshire – Medieval village
• Pickering, East Yorkshire – Flood defences
• Bolsover, Derbyshire – test pit project
• Southwell, Nottinghamshire – test pit project
• St. Leonard’s, York – Medieval hospital, Roman defences
• Starting Gate, York – Roman villa with burials and road
• Wymondham, Leicestershire – Roman villa
• Collingham, Nottinghamshire – Romano-British farmstead

He is also qualified to teach in the Lifelong Learning sector and is a member of The Institue for Learning (IfL), and currently runs courses and projects for Derbyshire County Council, Workers’ Educational Association and bespoke courses and talks for archaeology and local history groups.

His main interests and research themes range from Prehistoric Ritual & Religion through to widening community participation and involvement in archaeology and the heritage sector in general. He has written extensively on a wide range of archaeological and historical topics and is a Committee Member for the Southwell Archaeology group, a contributor for Historical Honey, and Editor of the Southwell Archaeology community newsletter.

 

 

 

David Astbury BA

Field Archaeologist

Current Projects: Elmton Research Project

 

David worked as a professional musician for over ten years before embarking on an undergraduate degree in History and Archaeology at Newcastle University, for which he gained first-class honours. He has worked on projects ranging from the Iron-Age Hillfort at Fin Cop in Derbyshire, to an Assyrian palace complex at Ziyaret Tepe, south-east Turkey.

As well as excavation, David has a sound knowledge and experience in surveying techniques, such as geophysics (magnetometry & resistivity), topographic surveying and Geographic Information Software (GIS).

David is an open-minded archaeologist who sees the value of respecting the material culture of all phases of the past. His main interests lie in the development of medieval settlements; he is currently researching the deserted settlement of West Backworth in Tyne and Wear and working on comparisons with other settlements both in the area and beyond. He is now looking to incorporate community involvement  into this study.

David is an active committee member of the Northumberland Archaeological Group, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne and believes that opening up archaeology and history to the community brings huge benefits to all concerned; after all, it’s everyone’s past.

 

 

 

Emma Ings BA

Field Archaeologist

Current Projects: Burgage Earthworks, Elmton Research Project, Early Bolsover Project

 

Emma Ings achieved First Class Honours in Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Bristol. She has worked on excavations in Peru, Finland, Spain and the UK, and has recently undertaken fieldwalking research in rural Italy and worked in commercial archaeology with Avon Archaeological Unit Ltd.

Emma has a passion for discovering the past, and has wide-ranging interests from early human origins through to the archaeology of the mind and Early Medieval England.

Emma believes that everyone has an interest in their past, we just sometimes need to unlock that interest, and thoroughly enjoys igniting this through fieldwork, hand-on training and class-based sessions.

 

 

 

Lucy Woods BA

Archaeology & Media

Current Projects:

 

Lucy Woods completed her degree at the University of Bristol studying Archaeology and Anthropology. Her interest in her studies has led her to Peru and North Carolina where she has taken part in archaeological digs, igniting a passion for travel and adventure.

Lucy has also completed her NCTJ diploma in journalism, developing skills in social media, web design and online editorial.

Lucy believes that everyone should be able to get involved in archaeology. She hopes to attract more media attention to excavations and projects (and not just when kings are found under car parks!) through an extensive range of social media platforms including online blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest.

 

 

 

Ellis Morgan MA

Historical Research

Current projects: Burgage Earthworks, Elmton Research Project

 

Ellis Morgan undertook the MA in Local & Regional History at the University of Nottingham, and has spent the last twenty-five years researching and writing on the local area. He gives talks and field visits on various aspects of local history, and has written several articles on his home parish of Thurgaton and the local region.

Ellis works on the Burgage Earthworks project, where he leads archive and document research, and also advises on the Elmton-Thurgaton link for the Elmton Research Project.

Ellis firmly believs that digging in books is as rewarding and enjoyable as digging in the dirt!

 

 

 

Helen Bates BA (hons), MA

Historical Research / Community Engagement

Current Projects: Burgage Earthworks, MBA Walks

Helen Bates completed a BA (hons) in Drama & Theatre Studies at Royal Holloway College before gaining the MA in Local & Regional History with Distinction at the University of Nottingham. She has worked on several successful projects within the East Midlands, including the Hyson Green Flats project, which was short-listed for the National Lottery Awards in 2012, Take Part, a regional project for Community Engagement and Active Citizenship, and the Derbyshire Lives through the World Wars project.

Helen is currently Content Researcher on the Lincoln Castle Revealed project where she is researching the history of the Castle Prison and the stories of people connected to the site. She provides content research and support for the MBA Walks and field visits.

Helen’s main passion is finding new ways to widen community participation in the Heritage Sector and promoting the theme that history is for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

The MBArchaeology team is young, vibrant and passionate about what we do. Between us, we have over 50 years experience in archaeology, heritage and community engagement & involvement. Coupled with that experience, our passion and drive enables us to work successfully within the community – with us you get a very personal approach.

MBArchaeology are always keen to hear from community groups, organisations, heritage bodies and institutions about the potential for new projects. We are committed to helping communities  become more involved in their history and heritage, and are proud to support the Council for British Archaeology’s motto of ‘Archaeology For All’.

 

 

MBArchaeology is the trading name for Matthew Beresford