Field Archaeologist and Researcher

I have over 10 years of commercial experience, principally working in the South East of England. I arrived at professional archaeology late in life after a long period of amateur activity (and a Masters Degree in Field Archaeology obtained in 2008). I have extensive experience in churchyard excavations and my research interests include church buildings and graveyards, the spatial context of grave markers in churchyards, death and burial, and pre-20^th century child burials.

My work has steered me into research, particularly documents and maps, the latter of which are, in my opinion, infinitely perusable!

Key projects include:

St Anne’s Church, Lewes. Ongoing archaeological monitoring and excavations in advance of extensions and alterations involving the recording and excavation of c. 60 individuals spanning the 12^th to 19^th centuries. Watch this space for more details!

Heritage Statement and Impact Assessment to inform alterations to The Parish Church of John the Baptist, Westfield, East Sussex – more information on the origin and development of this church is available here https://www.westfieldchurch.co.uk

30-32 High Street, Arundel. In-depth research to feed into the detailed heritage statement and impact assessment created to inform alterations and extensions to this prominent building in Arundel. The project received the Sussex Heritage Trust Award in 2021 (The Walled Garden, small scale residential award)

Plumpton Place, East Sussex. A substantial assessment of the property from its origin to the present day, drawing upon extensive research material held at various repositories and at the property, that together with a recent programme of dendrochronology carried out by Dr Martin Bridge, has led to a re-assessment of the current building’s origin. Work is in progress to integrate the results of recent excavations to add further detail to the story of this significant property

Priory House, Dunstable. Responsibility for the research element of this project undertaken as part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HiHAZ) scheme comprising an in-depth assessment of the building from its early 13^th century origin through to the present day

4 High Street South, Dunstable. Another one of the Dunstable HiHAZ buildings, the detailed survey and analysis of a commercial building of medieval origin in a prominent island site within the former market place

Herstmonceux Castle research excavations and report publication (J. Compton/ P. Whitehill 1998 – 2003)

Wartling: research excavation of a post medieval building footprint (P. Whitehill 2003 – 2008)