Eric Birley
Encyclopedia
Eric Barff Birley was a British
historian
and archaeologist, particularly associated with the excavation of the forts of Hadrian's Wall
, notably at Vindolanda
. He was born in Eccles
, Lancashire
, England
, on 12 January 1906. He died at Carvoran House
, Greenhead
, Northumberland
, England, on 20 October 1995, age 89.
and Brasenose, Oxford, where he obtained a double first in Greats and Classical Mods. He was influenced in the study of history
and archaeology
by Michael Holroyd, his Brasenose tutor; R. G. Collingwood
, the renowned authority on Roman Britain
; and F.G. Simpson, Director of Field Studies at Durham, and a great influence on Birley vis-à-vis the art and science of excavation.
Under the direction of F.G. Simpson, Birley began excavating at Hadrian's Wall in 1927 while an undergraduate. Birley’s first archaeological dig occurred at Birdoswald
. After graduating from Oxford, Birley worked for a short time for the Society of Antiquaries of London
acting as a construction site observer for the Society. It was during this period in London that Birley befriended Mortimer Wheeler
of the London Museum
engendering in Birley a lifelong interest in "imported Roman 'samian' pottery with moulded decoration." A chance discovery in 1929 of two inscription stones in the praetentura at Birdoswald led Birley to suggest redating the Wall periods. This discovery, and Birley's redating, impacted the study of Roman Britain
tremendously inasmuch as it "has formed the basis of all subsequent work on the chronology of Hadrian's Wall."
In 1929, having developed a keen interest in the Wall through his excavations, Birley succeeded in buying the Clayton Estate at Chesterholm that had belonged to Anthony Hedley, the 19th century antiquary. Nearby Houselands would also come up for sale; however, Birley could not afford the purchase of both properties, although he would eventually excavate them both. Chesterholm-Vindolanda
would eventually be converted into a museum and research centre, in which the spectacular finds from Vindolanda
would be displayed and interpreted.
In 1931, at the age of 24, he became a lecturer
at the University of Durham
, "already with an impressive record of excavation on Hadrian’s Wall, partly under the guidance of F.G. Simpson," whom he would replace upon the latter's stepping down as Director of Field Studies. Through trips to Germany
and Switzerland
, he began to expand his expertise in samian pottery, epigraphy
, and his primary field of interest, the Roman army
. As a consequence of these trips abroad, his continental
reputation grew.
In 1943, he was promoted to Reader
. In 1947, he became Vice Master of Hatfield College
. In 1949, he was promoted to Master of Hatfield. He would finish his academic career having been Master of Hatfield College (1949–1956); Professor
of Romano-British History and Archaeology (1956–1971); Head of the Department of Archaeology (1956–1971); and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (1968–1971).
In 1949, Birley established the first International Congress of Roman Frontier Studies. During his tenure, he was president of all three of the local archaeological societies. Also, during his years at Durham, he would influence such notable students as George Jobey and John Gillam, each of whom would go on to hold prestigious university teaching positions. One student recalls that Birley was "incredibly generous and trusting in … [his] … support to students."
Birley would become known as an expert on the Roman army. For his "practical experience of the ways in which modern armies work," he was inspired in asking questions about organisation and methods of the Roman army. His expertise and work in this field served to make Birley the founder of the "Durham School" of archaeology having attracted
In Birley's obituary, former Durham PhD student and Emeritus Yates Professor of Greek and Roman Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology
, John Wilkes wrote in The Independent
that "Eric Birley dominated the study of the Roman army, of Hadrian's Wall and Roman frontiers in general for much of his 40 years as a teacher at Durham University, interrupted only by six years of war service, when he was engaged in the study of the German army for Military Intelligence."
, he worked in military intelligence
. He remained in the military until December 1945 leaving with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He was awarded an MBE
and the Polonia Restituta
for his service during the war.
(1935– ) and Anthony
(1937– ), would both become eminent in their field, and would continue their father's work at Vindolanda. The eldest, Robin, was named after Birley's great influence, R.G. Collingwood, while the youngest, Anthony, was named after Anthony Hedley, the former owner of Chesterholm. While still excavating at Chesterholm-Vindolanda
to this day, the Birley family no longer reside there having left Chesterholm for Durham in 1950.
, who led the troops at the Peterloo Massacre
.
British people
The British are citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Isle of Man, any of the Channel Islands, or of any of the British overseas territories, and their descendants...
historian
Historian
A historian is a person who studies and writes about the past and is regarded as an authority on it. Historians are concerned with the continuous, methodical narrative and research of past events as relating to the human race; as well as the study of all history in time. If the individual is...
and archaeologist, particularly associated with the excavation of the forts of Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall was a defensive fortification in Roman Britain. Begun in AD 122, during the rule of emperor Hadrian, it was the first of two fortifications built across Great Britain, the second being the Antonine Wall, lesser known of the two because its physical remains are less evident today.The...
, notably at Vindolanda
Vindolanda
Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall in northern England. Located near the modern village of Bardon Mill, it guarded the Stanegate, the Roman road from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth...
. He was born in Eccles
Eccles, Greater Manchester
Eccles is a town in the City of Salford, a metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester in North West England, west of Salford and west of Manchester city centre...
, Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, on 12 January 1906. He died at Carvoran House
Carvoran
Magnis was a fort on Hadrian's Wall, in the Roman province of Britannia. Magnis was originally built to guard the junction of the northbound Maiden Way with the Stanegate, the key supply route linking Coria Magnis (or Carvoran Roman Fort) was a fort on Hadrian's Wall, in the Roman province of...
, Greenhead
Greenhead, Northumberland
Greenhead is a village in Northumberland, England. The village is on the Military Road , about from Chollerford, from Haltwhistle and from Brampton, Cumbria along the A69 road. The A69 road bypasses the village, but until the 1980s all vehicular traffic passed through the village. The village...
, Northumberland
Northumberland
Northumberland is the northernmost ceremonial county and a unitary district in North East England. For Eurostat purposes Northumberland is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "Northumberland and Tyne and Wear" NUTS 2 region...
, England, on 20 October 1995, age 89.
Education and career
He was educated at Clifton CollegeClifton College
Clifton College is a co-educational independent school in Clifton, Bristol, England, founded in 1862. In its early years it was notable for emphasising science in the curriculum, and for being less concerned with social elitism, e.g. by admitting day-boys on equal terms and providing a dedicated...
and Brasenose, Oxford, where he obtained a double first in Greats and Classical Mods. He was influenced in the study of history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
and archaeology
Archaeology
Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
by Michael Holroyd, his Brasenose tutor; R. G. Collingwood
R. G. Collingwood
Robin George Collingwood was a British philosopher and historian. He was born at Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands in Lancashire, the son of the academic W. G. Collingwood, and was educated at Rugby School and at University College, Oxford, where he read Greats...
, the renowned authority on Roman Britain
Roman Britain
Roman Britain was the part of the island of Great Britain controlled by the Roman Empire from AD 43 until ca. AD 410.The Romans referred to the imperial province as Britannia, which eventually comprised all of the island of Great Britain south of the fluid frontier with Caledonia...
; and F.G. Simpson, Director of Field Studies at Durham, and a great influence on Birley vis-à-vis the art and science of excavation.
Under the direction of F.G. Simpson, Birley began excavating at Hadrian's Wall in 1927 while an undergraduate. Birley’s first archaeological dig occurred at Birdoswald
Birdoswald
Birdoswald is a former farm in the civil parish of Waterhead in the English county of Cumbria . It stands on the site of the Roman fort of Banna.-Middle Ages:...
. After graduating from Oxford, Birley worked for a short time for the Society of Antiquaries of London
Society of Antiquaries of London
The Society of Antiquaries of London is a learned society "charged by its Royal Charter of 1751 with 'the encouragement, advancement and furtherance of the study and knowledge of the antiquities and history of this and other countries'." It is based at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London , and is...
acting as a construction site observer for the Society. It was during this period in London that Birley befriended Mortimer Wheeler
Mortimer Wheeler
Brigadier Sir Robert Eric Mortimer Wheeler CH, CIE, MC, FBA, FSA , was one of the best-known British archaeologists of the twentieth century.-Education and career:...
of the London Museum
London Museum
The London Museum was inaugurated on 21 March 1912 by King George V with Queen Mary and Princess Mary and Prince George at Kensington Palace. It opened for public visitation on 8 April, admitting more than 13.000 visitors during the day. Two years later the collections were removed to Lancaster...
engendering in Birley a lifelong interest in "imported Roman 'samian' pottery with moulded decoration." A chance discovery in 1929 of two inscription stones in the praetentura at Birdoswald led Birley to suggest redating the Wall periods. This discovery, and Birley's redating, impacted the study of Roman Britain
Roman Britain
Roman Britain was the part of the island of Great Britain controlled by the Roman Empire from AD 43 until ca. AD 410.The Romans referred to the imperial province as Britannia, which eventually comprised all of the island of Great Britain south of the fluid frontier with Caledonia...
tremendously inasmuch as it "has formed the basis of all subsequent work on the chronology of Hadrian's Wall."
In 1929, having developed a keen interest in the Wall through his excavations, Birley succeeded in buying the Clayton Estate at Chesterholm that had belonged to Anthony Hedley, the 19th century antiquary. Nearby Houselands would also come up for sale; however, Birley could not afford the purchase of both properties, although he would eventually excavate them both. Chesterholm-Vindolanda
Vindolanda
Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall in northern England. Located near the modern village of Bardon Mill, it guarded the Stanegate, the Roman road from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth...
would eventually be converted into a museum and research centre, in which the spectacular finds from Vindolanda
Vindolanda
Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall in northern England. Located near the modern village of Bardon Mill, it guarded the Stanegate, the Roman road from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth...
would be displayed and interpreted.
In 1931, at the age of 24, he became a lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer is an academic rank. In the United Kingdom, lecturer is a position at a university or similar institution, often held by academics in their early career stages, who lead research groups and supervise research students, as well as teach...
at the University of Durham
Durham University
The University of Durham, commonly known as Durham University, is a university in Durham, England. It was founded by Act of Parliament in 1832 and granted a Royal Charter in 1837...
, "already with an impressive record of excavation on Hadrian’s Wall, partly under the guidance of F.G. Simpson," whom he would replace upon the latter's stepping down as Director of Field Studies. Through trips to Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, he began to expand his expertise in samian pottery, epigraphy
Epigraphy
Epigraphy Epigraphy Epigraphy (from the , literally "on-writing", is the study of inscriptions or epigraphs as writing; that is, the science of identifying the graphemes and of classifying their use as to cultural context and date, elucidating their meaning and assessing what conclusions can be...
, and his primary field of interest, the Roman army
Roman army
The Roman army is the generic term for the terrestrial armed forces deployed by the kingdom of Rome , the Roman Republic , the Roman Empire and its successor, the Byzantine empire...
. As a consequence of these trips abroad, his continental
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
reputation grew.
In 1943, he was promoted to Reader
Reader (academic rank)
The title of Reader in the United Kingdom and some universities in the Commonwealth nations like Australia and New Zealand denotes an appointment for a senior academic with a distinguished international reputation in research or scholarship...
. In 1947, he became Vice Master of Hatfield College
Hatfield College
Hatfield College is a college of the University of Durham in England. Founded in 1846 by the Rev. David Melville, it is the second oldest of Durham's colleges, and was originally called Bishop Hatfield's Hall...
. In 1949, he was promoted to Master of Hatfield. He would finish his academic career having been Master of Hatfield College (1949–1956); Professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of Romano-British History and Archaeology (1956–1971); Head of the Department of Archaeology (1956–1971); and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (1968–1971).
In 1949, Birley established the first International Congress of Roman Frontier Studies. During his tenure, he was president of all three of the local archaeological societies. Also, during his years at Durham, he would influence such notable students as George Jobey and John Gillam, each of whom would go on to hold prestigious university teaching positions. One student recalls that Birley was "incredibly generous and trusting in … [his] … support to students."
Birley would become known as an expert on the Roman army. For his "practical experience of the ways in which modern armies work," he was inspired in asking questions about organisation and methods of the Roman army. His expertise and work in this field served to make Birley the founder of the "Durham School" of archaeology having attracted
several highly-talented and influential postgraduate students to the Department, whose research has … "epitomised, and to a large degree set the agenda for, British work on the Roman military for much of the twentieth century." Often known collectively as the "Durham School," they include David Breeze (Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Historic ScotlandBirley's influence is still very much alive in the Archaeology Department at Durham University: "Durham Archaeology is still founded on the vision and determination of its early pioneers, notably Eric Birley and … [his] … influence lives on in successive generations of staff and students."Historic ScotlandHistoric Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government, responsible for historic monuments in Scotland.-Role:As its website states:...
and Visiting Professor at Durham University since 1994), Brian Dobson (Emeritus Reader at Durham University), the late Mike Jarrett (former Professor at Cardiff UniversityCardiff UniversityCardiff University is a leading research university located in the Cathays Park area of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. It received its Royal charter in 1883 and is a member of the Russell Group of Universities. The university is consistently recognised as providing high quality research-based...
), Valerie Maxfield (Professor at Exeter University) and John Wilkes (Emeritus Professor at the London Institute of ArchaeologyInstitute of ArchaeologyThe UCL Institute of Archaeology is an academic department of the Social & Historical Sciences Faculty of University College London , England. It is one of the largest departments of archaeology in the world, with over 80 members of academic staff and 500 students...
).
In Birley's obituary, former Durham PhD student and Emeritus Yates Professor of Greek and Roman Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology
Institute of Archaeology
The UCL Institute of Archaeology is an academic department of the Social & Historical Sciences Faculty of University College London , England. It is one of the largest departments of archaeology in the world, with over 80 members of academic staff and 500 students...
, John Wilkes wrote in The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
that "Eric Birley dominated the study of the Roman army, of Hadrian's Wall and Roman frontiers in general for much of his 40 years as a teacher at Durham University, interrupted only by six years of war service, when he was engaged in the study of the German army for Military Intelligence."
World War II service
During World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, he worked in military intelligence
Military intelligence
Military intelligence is a military discipline that exploits a number of information collection and analysis approaches to provide guidance and direction to commanders in support of their decisions....
. He remained in the military until December 1945 leaving with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He was awarded an MBE
MBE
MBE can stand for:* Mail Boxes Etc.* Management by exception* Master of Bioethics* Master of Bioscience Enterprise* Master of Business Engineering* Master of Business Economics* Mean Biased Error...
and the Polonia Restituta
Polonia Restituta
The Order of Polonia Restituta is one of Poland's highest Orders. The Order can be conferred for outstanding achievements in the fields of education, science, sport, culture, art, economics, defense of the country, social work, civil service, or for furthering good relations between countries...
for his service during the war.
Personal life
In 1934, he married Margaret Isabel Goodlet, a former student of his, a marriage that would last over 60 years until his death. Their two sons, RobinRobin Birley (archaeologist)
Robin Edgar Birley was formerly the Director of Excavations at the Roman site of Vindolanda, and now heads the Vindolanda research committee. The son of Eric Birley , he worked as a Royal Marine and then a teacher before giving this up to run the Vindolanda Trust and excavate the site...
(1935– ) and Anthony
Anthony Birley
Anthony Richard Birley was the Professor of Ancient History at University of Manchester and at University of Düsseldorf . He is the son of the archaeologist Eric Birley, who bought the house next to Vindolanda where Anthony and his brother Robin began to excavate the site...
(1937– ), would both become eminent in their field, and would continue their father's work at Vindolanda. The eldest, Robin, was named after Birley's great influence, R.G. Collingwood, while the youngest, Anthony, was named after Anthony Hedley, the former owner of Chesterholm. While still excavating at Chesterholm-Vindolanda
Vindolanda
Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall in northern England. Located near the modern village of Bardon Mill, it guarded the Stanegate, the Roman road from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth...
to this day, the Birley family no longer reside there having left Chesterholm for Durham in 1950.
Birley family
Eric was the great-great-nephew of Hugh Hornby BirleyHugh Hornby Birley
Hugh Hornby Birley was a leading Manchester Tory who is reputed to have led the fatal charge of the Manchester and Salford Yeomanry at the Peterloo Massacre. He was also instrumental in founding the Royal Victoria Gallery of Practical Science in 1839...
, who led the troops at the Peterloo Massacre
Peterloo Massacre
The Peterloo Massacre occurred at St Peter's Field, Manchester, England, on 16 August 1819, when cavalry charged into a crowd of 60,000–80,000 that had gathered to demand the reform of parliamentary representation....
.
See also
- Official Vindolanda Site
- Robin Birley (son)Robin Birley (archaeologist)Robin Edgar Birley was formerly the Director of Excavations at the Roman site of Vindolanda, and now heads the Vindolanda research committee. The son of Eric Birley , he worked as a Royal Marine and then a teacher before giving this up to run the Vindolanda Trust and excavate the site...
- Anthony Birley (son)Anthony BirleyAnthony Richard Birley was the Professor of Ancient History at University of Manchester and at University of Düsseldorf . He is the son of the archaeologist Eric Birley, who bought the house next to Vindolanda where Anthony and his brother Robin began to excavate the site...
- Andrew Birley (grandson)Andrew BirleyAndrew Robin Birley is the Director of Excavations on the site of Vindolanda and the son of Robin Birley and grandson of Eric Birley, who founded the department of Archaeology at Durham University...