About
Matthew Armitage
AUTHOR HISTORIAN & HERITAGE RESEARCHER
Biography
Matthew Armitage is a British author, historian and heritage researcher whose work explores the relationship between archaeology, landscape, traditional craft practices and Britain’s industrial and cultural past.
Originally trained in archaeology, he worked with several major archaeological organisations before moving into heritage management and public history. He is the Managing Director of Tooley’s Boatyard, one of the oldest continuously working dry docks on the inland waterways, where he has played a central role in preserving traditional waterways skills and industrial heritage.
His writing 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 and research, 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 his new book History Under Your Feet, an accessible guide to identifying archaeological finds from Britain’s past. Copies of both books are currently stocked by Banbury Museum, Waterstones and other heritage venues.
Alongside his published non-fiction work, his short fiction has also begun attracting attention, with a forthcoming published story due to appear in Stand Magazine.
He is currently working on Before England, a major narrative history exploring Britain from the Ice Age to the Norman Conquest through archaeology, landscape and surviving traces of the past.
His wider work includes public talks, museum interpretation, archive research, heritage projects and media appearances connected to archaeology, waterways heritage and British 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
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