Phil  graduated in archaeology in 1977 from Lancaster University, and has worked as an archaeologist for over 30 years.  He was employed by Essex County Council from 1977-2003. During this time he worked as a field archaeologist, directing several large-scale of excavations, survey and other projects, before being appointed Principal Archaeologist of the newly formed Field Archaeology Unit in 1992.  He has published numerous site reports in the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological and Historical Society, with two major excavations being published as volumes in the East Anglian Archaeology series (the most recent being EAA 126, 'An early Neolithic Ring-ditch and Middle Bronze Age Cemetery: excavation and survey at Brightlingsea, Essex', C.P. Clarke and N.J. Lavender, 2008). 

 

Phil has been a Member of the Institute for Archaeologists since 1995, and is an elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

In 2004 Phil chose to move to Dorset to concentrate on public participation projects by means of part-time PhD research at Bournemouth University; he is now in the fourth year of this research project (entitled 'Large Area Rural Archaeological Survey and Public Participation').  The project involves developing use of several survey techniques to create a 'best-fit' survey model for community use which is efficacious, efficient and enjoyable; the model is underpinned by a rigorous quality control system.

The part-time nature of the research allows Phil the flexibility to undertake consultancy work as required.