Matthew Armitage
AUTHOR HISTORIAN & HERITAGE RESEARCHER
Exploring Britain’s past through archaeology, waterways , landscape and endangered heritage crafts.
Biography
Matthew Armitage is a British author, historian and heritage researcher whose work explores archaeology, waterways heritage, landscape history, traditional craft practices and Britain’s industrial and cultural past.
Originally trained in archaeology, Matthew worked with several major archaeological organisations before moving into heritage management, public history and waterways heritage. He is Managing Director of Tooley’s Boatyard in Banbury, one of the oldest continuously working dry docks on Britain’s inland waterways, where traditional blacksmithing, canal art, wooden boatbuilding and boatyard skills continue to survive.
His work is rooted in the belief that history is not distant or abstract. It survives in landscapes, objects, buildings, working environments and craft traditions that people continue to use, preserve and care for today. Through his books, research, talks and heritage work, he aims to make archaeology and history accessible to wider audiences while encouraging a deeper connection with the historic environment.
Matthew is the author of Forging Ahead: A History of Tooley’s Boatyard and History Under Your Feet. He is currently working on Before England, a narrative history exploring Britain’s story from the Ice Age to the Norman Conquest through archaeology, landscape and the surviving traces of the past.
Alongside his writing, Matthew has been involved in heritage conservation, museum interpretation, archive research and public engagement projects for many years. His work combines academic research with practical experience, helping to connect people with the landscapes, objects and stories that have shaped Britain over thousands of years.
Welcome to my website. Here you can explore my books, articles, research projects, public talks and heritage work, covering subjects ranging from archaeology and ancient Britain to waterways heritage, traditional crafts and industrial history.
Research Interests
- Archaeology
- Prehistoric Britain
- Landscape history
- Industrial heritage
- Inland waterways
- Traditional craft practices
- Material culture
- Public history
- Museum interpretation
- Heritage conservation
Public History and Heritage Work
Alongside his writing, Matthew is actively involved in heritage preservation and public interpretation. Through his work at Tooley’s Boatyard, he helps protect and promote one of Britain’s most important surviving inland waterways heritage sites.
His wider work includes research, talks, exhibitions, museum collaboration and the interpretation of traditional skills that are increasingly at risk of being lost.
Matthew’s approach brings together academic research, practical heritage experience and accessible storytelling, helping readers and visitors connect with the past through real places, real objects and surviving traditions.
Selected Works
History Under Your Feet
A practical guide to identifying archaeological objects found across Britain.
Forging Ahead
A history of Tooley’s Boatyard
Exploring the history, people and heritage of Tooley’s and the inland waterways.
Before England
A major current writing project exploring prehistoric and early historic Britain through archaeology, landscape and ancient sources.
Talks Media and Collaborations
Matthew is available for talks, interviews, heritage events and public history projects relating to archaeology, landscape history, waterways heritage, traditional crafts and the interpretation of Britain’s past.
- Public Talks & Lectures
- Media Appearances
- Museum Collaborations
- ExhibitionsHeritage Events
- Research Partnerships
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