The Archaeology of London Buildings - A Day of Talks

A day of talks exploring the archaeology of London buildings.

The lineup of experts will delve into the hidden stories behind some of the city's most iconic structures. From Roman ruins to medieval marvels, come and uncover the secrets lurking beneath London's streets. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the capital's past.

Our Speakers...(one more to be confirmed!)

Dr James Wright - Historic Building Mythbusting

Hailing from Staffordshire, Dr James Wright has been involved with the world of archaeology for over twenty years. Following graduation from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Nottingham, he began his career working for Trent & Peak Archaeology prior to retraining as a conservation stonemason under the master mason Mark Stafford with formal qualifications obtained from Weymouth College.. James then combined both disciplines as Archaeological and Historic Buildings Assistant at Nottingham County Council between 2004-2010, where he ran the Castles of Nottinghamshire Project.

Karen Averby - The Buildings of Walthamstow

Karen Averby is an historian, research consultant and writer with over 20 years experience in the heritage sector. She specialises in house histories of all periods, including other building types which have been converted into a home! Karen researches the lives of former owners and occupants, how houses change over time, and works with family historians keen to trace the history of their ancestors’ homes.

She also undertakes research consultancy for heritage organisations and consultants, property professionals, businesses, exhibitions, authors, and television producers. Diverse research commissions have included buildings and subjects from all periods, notably the Houses of Parliament, English Heritage Blue Plaque research, characterisation of seaside resorts for Historic England, and consultancy for a Royal Parks project.

She gives talks, holds workshops, and writes books, specialist reports and articles on aspects of house history, historical research, seaside history, and local history. Her work has been featured in national and local press, and she writes a fortnightly column in the East London Guardian. She is a collaborative working advocate, and welcomes opportunities to develop and promote community and local history projects using historical research.

Karen has an academic and working background in architectural history, archaeology, and archives. She is an Affiliate of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, an Associate of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and is a member of specialist societies including Archives and Records Association, Society of Architectural Historians (GB), and British Association for Local History.

Karen is Director of historical research consultancy Archangel Heritage Ltd, working with heritage organisations, consultants, conservation specialists, architects and planning professionals in the commercial heritage sector. She sits on the committee of AE17 and is part of the Waltham Forest History and Heritage and Coastal History Networks.

Melanie Backe-Hanson - Social History of London Buildings

Melanie is an independent historian, writer, and speaker, who specialises in researching and writing the social history of houses across the United Kingdom. She has a degree in history from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia and for close to six years Melanie was the first and only historian to be employed by a UK estate agent to research the history of houses and streets. Since 2012 Melanie has been an independent house historian, with the main focus of her work involving original research for homeowners and corporate clients to provide bespoke house history books and research reports.

Melanie is a research consultant for A House Through Time (BBC Two) and to accompany the popular series, Melanie has co-authored A House Through Time (Picador, 2020) with historian David Olusoga. She was series historical consultant and on-screen expert for Phil Spencer’s History of Britain in 100 Homes (More4). She is also the author of House Histories: The Secrets Behind Your Front Door (The History Press, updated edition 2019), and Historic Streets and Squares: The Secrets on Your Doorstep (The History Press, 2013).

In 2013, Melanie presented a paper, ‘Living on the Shaftesbury Park Estate’, for Mobilising London’s Housing Histories: The Provision of Homes since 1850 for the Institute of Historical Research, University of London. She is also a regular speaker at events and festivals, including The Ideal Home Show, Gloucester History Festival, London Library, Bath Spa University and The University of Portsmouth. Melanie is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, as well as a Member of the Royal Historical Society, The Society of Authors, and the Historical Writers’ Association. Melanie regularly contributes to national media, including The Times, The Telegraph, and The Daily Mail, as well as several lifestyle magazines, and appears regularly on television, radio, and online media.

Information

This event will take place in the Cathedral library and is in-person only so won't be streamed or recorded. Your ticket allows entry to the Library for the whole day and there will be a lunch break included.