Professional Profile

Ian Roberts is a Leeds-based archaeological consultant with over 30 years of experience as a professional archaeologist, 27 of those in commercial archaeology. He has a BSc honours degree in Archaeological Science and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA), and a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA).

For over 20 years Ian was the Principal Archaeologist for the West Yorkshire Archaeology Service’s commercial archaeology arm. In that role he represented numerous commercial clients and directed many high profile excavations and heritage projects, including work at Kirkstall Abbey, Pontefract Castle, Ferrybridge Henge and work along the route of M1-A1 Link Road. He has also directed a research project, overseen by Historic England, that focussed on the Iron Age and Romano-British cropmark landscapes on the Magnesian Limestone in South and West Yorkshire.

In addition Ian is an Archaeological Advisor the Diocese of Leeds (formerly West Yorkshire and the Dales), and the Wakefield Cathedral Archaeologist. He also has a long association with the Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society and is presently a member of the management board and the Honorary Publications Officer. He has also provides innovative input into the development and delivery of Forest School Plus’s modules designed to help educate children about the Stone Age to Iron Age periods, in particular ‘The Iron Age Experience at Herd Farm’.

Ian’s published work includes books, booklets and journal articles, written for a wide range of audiences.