READING archaeologist has been nominated for an award for leading a number of major excavations.
Dr Gabor Thomas, associate professor of archaeology at the University of Reading, was nominated for the Current Archaeology accolade for his track record on leading projects.
The Current Archaeology Awards nominees were announced on Thursday, December 1, and voting for candidates was opened to the public.
Last year, Dr Thomas was part of a team which unearthed the site of a monastery over a millenium old in Cookham, Berkshire, which had been led by Queen Cynethryth.
Queen Cynethryth ruled the kingdom of Mercia with her husband King Offa in the late 8th century.
The University of Reading’s school of archaeology returned to the site this year to continue to collect data “of national significance,” and Dr Thomas will join the teams set to return in both 2023 and 2024.
Dr Thomas said: “I’ve been tremendously privileged in being able to excavate amazing early medieval monastic archaeology at a succession of sites and being recognised for my work fills me with pride.
“My personal highlight for 2022 was the point of realisation during last summer’s excavations at Cookham, Berkshire, that we were walking on the surface of roads and paths last trodden by Anglo-Saxon nuns in the 8th century AD.
“Uncovering an early medieval monastic landscape preserved to this exceptional level was truly mind-blowing.”
He said also that his proudest moment in archaeology was the discovery of 7th century royal feasting halls at Lyminge, Kent, back in 2012.
The discovery settled the debate over the existence of this type of site in that particular region of Anglo-Saxon England.
He described it as “a pioneering moment that reverberated across the excavation team and the local community.”
Voting for the Current Archaeology Awards is now open and closes on Wednesday, February 1.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, February 25.
You can vote for the nominees via: archaeology.co.uk
