Alex Langlands
archaeology, history and presenting the past


Tintern Abbey in the Valley of the Wye



Alex on site in Wiltshire

Alex undertook his first degree, a BA Hons in Medieval Archaeology, at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. Following this he worked as a Survey Officer for the Thames Archaeological Survey based at the Museum of London, where he also worked in the Interpretation Unit developing a wide range of communication skills.

Alex returned to the Institute of Archaeology to take an MA in World Archaeology (Themes, Thoughts and Theory) and to continue his research into the archaeology and history of Anglo-Saxon England. Over the years, his research work has taken him to sites all over Europe in Iceland, Spain, France, Latvia, Bulgaria and Hungary. He has presented his findings at conferences and seminars all over Great Britain including at the University of Leeds, Oxford University and University College London. In 2001 he accepted a one-year research assistant's position at King Alfred's College, Winchester and is due to continue his part-time PhD research back at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London in September, 2005.

A jug I excavated in Sussex very similar to one I drank out of in the green valley

Alex's work in the realms of archaeology and history has not only been centred on desk-based research. Often, research has lead to excavation and Alex has travelled the length and breadth of the country excavating prehistoric, roman, medieval and modern sites. He has also spent a number of years working for contract archaeology firms as an archaeologist, archivist and field officer. Much of his time with MoLAS, Pre-Construct Archaeology and Archaeology South East was spent excavating sites across London and the South-East. At the time of writing, Alex is working for English Heritage excavating a badger damaged Bronze Age burial mound in North Wiltshire.

As an archaeologist and historian Alex has always been keen to stress the importance in presenting the past and ensuring that information uncovered by archival research and archaeological excavation is made accessible to the broadest possible audience. Alex has taught a number of different courses to public, school and academic groups. In particular, he taught courses in British landscape history and Anglo-Saxon archaeology to members of the London Workers’ Education Association. He has also taught courses in archaeological methods and techniques to members of the public and to undergraduate students from a variety of universities throughout Britain.

One of my favorite places to be....a medieval cess pit!

Archaeology remains one of Alex's key areas of interest and over the course of the next year he will be looking to excavate sites in England, Spain and on the Outer Hebrides. He is, however, always on the look out for new sites and new challenges. If you would like to chat about prospective projects or find out more about his background in archaeology, please do get in touch.

Alex is currently editing the Society for Medieval Archaeology's website which can be visited here.

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