Bruce has had a varied career covering 40 years, all associated in some way with archaeology and history. Starting as a field archaeologist in Wales in the late 1970’s he moved on to museum work – firstly in Shropshire and then as a museum development specialist in Cumbria. This included management of Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall and later managing the County Library Service. After taking early retirement in 2015, he has continued his involvement with Birdoswald, this time as a volunteer archaeologist working with Historic England and the University of Newcastle, introducing students to the joys and pleasures of archaeological excavation!
Birdoswald Roman Fort is one of the most well known Roman Forts along Hadrian’s Wall, it has been the subject of archaeological investigation since the 19th century. Whilst the Fort is relatively well known, the small town that grew up around it is not. From early in its life the Fort saw the growth of a settlement of retired soldiers and their families, local tradespeople and many others who saw benefit from living close to large military base. The current excavations are looking in more detail at that settlement and the large bath house which was built to serve the Fort.
