We currently have vacancies for new trustees, particularly with expertise in the field of archaeology, landscape, farming, social enterprise, and policy making. Please email epiacum@gmail.com if you would like to find out more.
Epiacum Heritage is managed by a small team of Trustees.
Steve Bentley
Steve has been a Trustee of Epiacum Heritage since July 2019. He first became aware of the site when he moved to Alston from the Midlands in July 2015.
Steve says:
I have no background in stunning archaeological sites, although I was born some 12 miles from Ironbridge (World Heritage Site) and have always been interested in the history “under our feet” not just the well-known sites.
After helping out with a couple “fort” related activities (Operation Jericho and an autumn ceilidh) I was keen to become more involved. Being a Trustee means you have a hand in most things, but my main role is to coordinate our excellent band of local volunteers affectionately known as the Second Nervian’s.
I should be filling up your inboxes and Facebook feeds with information about “Epiacum 2020 – A Fort for All Seasons” our brand new photo competition but a certain pandemic lockdown got in the way. [But watch this space!]
Epiacum is so exciting because under that diverse upland habitat there is evidence of 3000 years of history in hiding. As Trustees it is our job to help reveal that history, share the magic of the site and whet your appetite for a time when you can come and see for yourself.
Fran Breen
Fran become a Trustee back in 2018 and specialises in bid writing and fund raising.
Fran says:
“After studying archaeology at Manchester, I worked in a variety of creative industries before moving into the charity sector, specialising in fundraising and communications. I maintained an interest in archaeology and heritage and continued to take part in excavations across the British Isles and Europe, being lucky enough to work in Rome and Pompeii. I now work as a bid writer and run accessible archaeological field schools, and recently completed my MRes in Archaeology at Bournemouth University researching archaeology and the impact it can have on people’s mental wellbeing.
Operation Jericho was my first experience of Epiacum and I was immediately hooked – and once Elaine heard that my background included fundraising and archaeology, that was it! Joining the board of trustees in 2018 I have responsibility for fundraising, design and any other job that needs doing. I am passionate about helping people uncover the stories of those who lived and worked at Epiacum, and what they can can teach us. The team at Epiacum are committed to learning more about this incredible landscape, sharing that knowledge and conserving the site for generations to come.
Elaine Edgar
Along with her husband, Elaine owns Castle Nook Farm, the land on which Epiacum and the whole archeological site is situated, and has, quite literally lived ‘in the nook of the castle’ for thirty years! Elaine is passionate about education and in particular in getting children engaged and interested in our history and heritage. Elaine’s vision and passion for the site has been the foundation for where Epiacum Heritage is today.
Elaine says:
“Up until 2009, Epiacum existed as an earthwork monument on our farm, which we used for grazing. Under a strict management agreement with English Heritage, we are responsible for the preservation and management of the site.
Having worked in Primary education for eighteen years and progressing towards a full teaching qualification, I realised the potential for education on my doorstep and began the long process of preparing the site for use as an “Outdoor Classroom” environment.
I have experience in planning and delivering educational activities and believe that learning should be meaningful, creative and enjoyable. The site of Epiacum, and indeed the farm, provides an excellent base for cross curricular learning. I also recognise the potential for increased tourism and economic regeneration in the local area and am keen to set up strong partnership working relationships with other local tourism providers.“
Jan Harding
Jan is our most recently recruited Trustee and takes the lead on all archaeological matters.
Jan says:
“My professional background is in academic archaeology. After studying at Sheffield and Reading, I moved to Newcastle University to become a lecturer in archaeology, before retiring in 2017. My specialism was Neolithic and early Bronze Age Britain- especially the monuments, burials, and religions of this era- but have extensive teaching experience of archaeological theory and later European prehistory. I have undertaken large-scale fieldwork, published seven books, and written numerous academic papers and articles.
I live locally in Allendale, Northumberland, so the beautiful north Pennines is my home. The areas’ heritage has often been neglected, but the landscape at Epiacum boasts some spectacular archaeology. By visiting you can truly begin to understand the distinctive lifestyles and experiences of those who lived and worked here over the last three millennia. It offers a unique window on the prehistoric and historic north Pennines.”
Mark Haworth
Mark has been helping out at Epiacum for some time and became a Trustee late in 2020. He spends most of time dealing with technical matters.
Mark says:
“Other than a couple of years working in the defence sector, I have over 40 years experience working in the telecommunications industry on both hardware & software design, manufacturing and test engineering development, project management and most recently logistics design.
Since 2011, I’ve also been actively involved in contributing to archaeological projects as a volunteer. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being involved with them, particularly those where I was able to learn something about a place by means other than just digging it.
I do not claim to have any real knowledge of the heritage sector, I try instead to lend a hand in as many other ways as I can.”
Paul Mercer
Paul is an experienced heritage professional, who has worked on a number of projects both at home and overseas.
Paul says:
I have worked for over 30 years as a heritage consultant but started off as a Primary School teacher. I have specialised in the development and delivery of heritage and cultural education, working with schools and heritage centres across Europe, but especially in Scandinavia. More recently I developed, achieved funding for, and delivered a 7 year programme across the North Pennines and it was then that I discovered the wonderful site of Epiacum. I then returned to Norway to join the project team to work on the construction and test sailing of a large ocean going reconstruction of a Viking Longship.
I am now semi-retired and living in Chester, still involved in what my family refers to as ‘hobby jobs’ which they say I have been lucky to pursue since I left teaching!
It is exciting to be involved in developing the heritage of Epiacum and its landscape. There is so much to discover and learn, so many stories to tell, so many links to 3000 years of our history. I have been involved one way or another with the site since working in the North Pennines and am both pleased and honoured to be a Trustee of the Epiacum Heritage charity.
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a trustee or adviser to the charity, click here.