Timothy Darvill OBE

Professor of Archaeology, Timothy Darvill OBE

European prehistorian, best known for his publications on prehistoric Britain

Tim studied at the University of Southampton graduating with a first degree in archaeology in 1979, a PhD based on a study of the Neolithic of Wales and the west of England in 1983, and a DSc on the subject of prehistoric Britain in 2006. He worked for Western Archaeological Trust, the Council for British Archaeology, and as the head of a private consultancy company before joining BU in 1999. He was born and brought up in Cheltenham and spent much of his teenage years excavating in Cirencester and the Cotswolds.

As a European prehistorian, he is best known for his publications on prehistoric Britain, excavations in England, Wales and the Isle of Man, and studies of the way that archaeological sites are managed. “I am fascinated by the way that Neolithic farmers established themselves in the landscape, cleared woodland and built great stone monuments,” says Professor Darvill. He is one of the leading authorities on Stonehenge and, in spring 2008 jointly with Professor Geoff Wainwright, led an excavation inside the circles. They are now focusing attention on the origins and meaning of the bluestones that were brought to Salisbury Plain from north Pembrokeshire for the construction of Stonehenge. Beyond Britain, he has worked on projects exploring aspects of the Neolithic in Russia, Greece, Germany and Malta.  

As well as publishing books and papers, and appearing on numerous television and radio programmes, Professor Darvill has worked as an expert on heritage landscapes for the Council of Europe, served as Chairman of the Institute of Field Archaeologists and was a Member of the Council of the National Trust. He is currently Vice President of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Vice President of the Royal Archaeological Institute, and Chair of the Board of Directors of Cotswold Archaeology.