Dr David Ashby

Biography

​I studied Archaeological Practice (2008-11) then did a Research Master’s degree in Archaeology (2011-13), both at the University of Winchester. I have also supervised on and taught archaeological fieldwork skills on Oxford University, Marcham/Frilford excavations (2007-11); University of Winchester, St Mary Magdalen Leper Hospital excavations (2009-15) and University of Winchester, St Denys Lodge, Church Place excavations (2016-present).

In 2014 I took up the position of Laboratory Technician for Archaeology and Forensic Studies, with expansion into Geography and Anthropology over the subsequent few years. I am currently Laboratory Manager.

My role comprises a diverse range of activities including maintaining the laboratories and equipment, enforcing Health & Safety regulations, and supporting staff and students with both laboratory and fieldwork. I am also a Radiological Protection Supervisor (RPS) within the University. I undertake lecturing and demonstrating within the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology on subjects such as excavation skills, geophysics, site health & safety and research skills, as well as geoarchaeological and environmental archaeological work for Archaeology's consultancy arm ARCA Geoarchaeology.

In 2008 I formed the Stanford in the Vale Archaeological Research Project, an ongoing project which I direct. SVARP examines the formation and development of the Oxfordshire village of Stanford in the Vale from its earliest beginnings to the modern day, combining multi-disciplinary archaeological techniques and community archaeology. In 2022 I was awarded a PhD for my doctoral research on this project; my thesis, titled ‘Stanford in the Vale in context: a multi-disciplinary approach to rural settlement development in Oxfordshire’, was supervised by Dr Simon Roffey.

Areas of expertise

• Laboratory techniques in Archaeology, Geography and Forensics
• Maintenance and acquisition of laboratory and fieldwork equipment
• Health & Safety legislation in Archaeology, Geography and Forensics
• Archaeological fieldwork techniques
• Geophysical survey
• Community archaeology
• Rural settlement archaeology

Publications

• Ashby, D. (2009). Stanford in the Vale, Prior Farm Field. South Midlands Archaeology, 39, 33-24
• Ashby, D. (2010). The Archaeology of an Oxfordshire Village: Interim Report. Alfred, 2, 7-11
• Ashby, D. (2010). Stanford in the Vale, Prior Farm. South Midlands Archaeology, 40, 28-29
• Ashby, D. (2011). Stanford in the Vale Archaeological Research Project. South Midlands Archaeology, 41, 55-57
• Ashby, D. (2012). Stanford in the Vale Archaeological Reseach Project. South Midlands Archaeology, 42, 71-73
• Ashby, D. (2013). Stanford in the Vale archaeological Research project. South Midlands Archaeology, 43, 68-73
• Ashby, D. (2014). Stanford in the Vale Archaeological Research Project. South Midlands Archaeology, 44, 81-84
• Ashby, D. (2015). Stanford in the Vale Archaeological Research Project. South Midlands Archaeology, 45, 83-86
• Ashby, D. (2016). Stanford in the Vale Archaeological Research Project. South Midlands Archaeology, 46, 83-87
• Michael Taylor, G, White-Iribhogbe, K, Cole, G, Ashby, D, Stewart, G.A. and Dawson-Hobbis, H. 2024 Bioarchaeological investigation of individuals with suspected multibacillary leprosy from the mediaeval leprosarium of St Mary Magdalen, Winchester, Hampshire, UK  Journal of Medical Microbiology Volume 73, Issue 2
• 2008 - Present: over 50 ‘grey literature’ reports on geophysical survey, test pitting and excavation, as well as contributions to consultancy reports.