A new team at the head of educational charity, York Archaeology, is promising exciting developments in 2025 and beyond.
“In the last couple of years, we’ve celebrated the 50th anniversary of York Archaeology and the 40th of JORVIK Viking Centre, and now we have our eyes firmly focused on where we are going to be five, ten or twenty years from now – and there are exciting times ahead,” comments Ellen Roberts, chair of trustees. “For many charities in the heritage sector, last year was financially challenging, and we were no exception. This has provided the catalyst to really look at what we do best – operating world-class visitor attractions, and as a well-respected archaeological investigation unit – and refocus our activities on these core strengths and our charitable objectives.”
Paul Davies joined York Archaeology earlier this year as chief financial officer. He was previously managing director of Ampleforth Abbey Trust, and has had a varied career including finance director positions in traffic management and architecture.
Paul joins chief operating officer Howard Jones on the senior leadership team, along with Gareth Henry, who has moved up to the role of director of public engagement. Gareth has worked for York Archaeology for 12 years, starting in the reservations team, before taking on events, digital engagement, and most recently as head of operations for the visitor attractions.
Chief executive David Jennings is stepping down after 12 years at the helm, but will continue as a research associate – returning to his original passion of archaeology – and undertaking freelance work for York Archaeology. “It’s been an extraordinary honour to work for one of the UK’s best archaeological charities,” says David.
Moving Forward
Moving forward, York Archaeology has a slimmed-down structure, with plans underway to sublet Barley Hall Coffee Shop, Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar, creating extra agility for the charity to be able to respond to ever changing market conditions.
The new team has an exciting time ahead, with major new projects already underway for the core visitor attractions – JORVIK, DIG and Barley Hall – and several new contracts and public engagement projects for the archaeological teams in both York and Nottingham. This will include a cutting-edge addition to JORVIK this winter, building on the fantastic public reception to last year’s Winter Adventure.
Before that, a new exhibition in partnership with children’s author Cressida Cowell and publisher Hachette will bring the new How to Train Your Dragon School book to life at DIG on York’s St Saviourgate. DIG has recently undergone a refurbishment, including brand new family-friendly branding and improvements. New events and talks are also planned for JORVIK Viking Centre this summer, built around the not-so-peaceful origins of the Norse settlers.
Work is currently underway on a training dig and community project at Willow House and the adjacent School Green in Walmgate in York, and two more public-facing digs are planned in Derby, working with Derby Museums, and at the childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton near Grantham in association with the National Trust. Recruitment is also underway to support commercial archaeology contracts, with active projects in Yorkshire, the East Midlands, Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
Picture shows: L-R Paul Davies (Chief Financial Officer), Howard Jones (Chief Operating Officer), Ellen Roberts (Chair of Trustees) and Gareth Henry (Director of Public Engagement)
