Published 03.2025

In November 2024, I (Bethany) joined the Vindolanda Trust to begin an exciting new project, starting work on the Trust’s archive collections to begin the process of opening them up to the public.

When you first think of Vindolanda, you probably think of the archaeological site. Perhaps you’ve volunteered on one of the excavations or come to visit the museum. The site brings to mind any number of incredible finds which bring to life the experience of Roman Britain.

However, in my role - I’m not so interested in the Romans.

I’m much more focused on the legacies of those who came afterwards and the work they have done (and continue to do) to uncover, preserve and understand the rich history of this site and the wider landscape of Hadrian’s Wall.

Over the next two years, I will be working to organise, catalogue, re-package and digitise two key archives held by the Vindolanda Trust, with the aim of eventually making the collections accessible to the public.

The first collection will be the Archive of Charlie Anderson (1909-1998), who was a stonemason for the Ministry of Works. Anderson worked as an expert in masonry conservation and consolidation at various sites along Hadrian’s Wall for almost 50 years, helping to maintain and improve their condition. Throughout this time, he kept a detailed photographic record his work, documenting various archaeological sites and excavations. We are lucky to have acquired these photographs, which form the basis of this collection.

Secondly, we will be focusing on the Archive of Eric Birley (1906-1995), a rich resource filled with notes, correspondence and research on Vindolanda and the wider Roman Frontier. 

Each of these collections present incredible potential for academic research, but also exciting new opportunities for exhibitions and public engagement.

At the end of this project, it is hoped that further funding can be acquired to extend our archival work, moving on to start on the bulk of the Trust’s archival holdings: our own archaeological archive. This consists of all the material created in addition to the archaeological objects during the course of excavations, such as notebooks, site plans, object drawings and survey data. Facilitating access to this immeasurable resource would further open up our site and provide an incredibly unique link between the tangible remains of the Roman world and the work of its modern-day investigators.