Absolute Archaeology
Professional Archaeological Services
Company Profile
Absolute Archaeology is an independent archaeological unit with over 40 years combined experience, working in the commercial and research sectors. Formed in 2008, we have undertaken projects all over the UK and Jersey in the Channel Islands.
Our individual areas of expertise, which range from Mesolithic through to Post Medieval and Industrial archaeology (including lithics, metalwork, ceramics, buildings and landscapes), are supported by a full range of specialist services to ensure that our clients receive an efficient, comprehensive and professional service.
The Partners
Paul Martin and Sam Driscoll at Butleigh Roman Villa
Paul Martin BSc (Hons), AIFA
Paul has over 30 years archaeological experience, working extensively throughout the commercial and research sectors, undertaking the co-ordination and management of numerous projects on sites throughout England and the Channel Islands.
In addition, Paul has supervised a wide variety of research projects, including excavation and large scale survey schemes, notably working in association with Bournemouth University, the University of Cambridge and Dorchester County Museum resulting in numerous publications.
Paul specialises in the assessment and interpretation of lithics and is frequently commissioned to provide publication reports on this subject.
Paul was awarded a BSc (Hons) from Bournemouth University’s Department of Archaeology in 2001 and is an Associate level member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA).
Sam Driscoll BA (Hons), MA, PIFA
Sam has extensive experience in the commercial archaeology sector and is skilled in all aspects of archaeological investigation of green-field, brown-field and industrial sites. Working throughout England and the Channel Islands, Sam has coordinated and managed excavation, building recording, landscape, earthwork and geophysical survey projects.
In addition, Sam has extensive post-excavation management experience, having worked as Finds and Environmental Sampling Supervisor for a number of leading commercial archaeology units in the UK.
Sam has particular interests in Industrial, Post-Medieval archaeology and buildings and is specialised in the identification of post-medieval ceramics.
Paul Driscoll BA (Hons), MA
Paul has over 15 years archaeological experience covering research, rescue and commercial projects, and has worked throughout England and the Channel Islands. As a Channel Islander, Paul has strong links to Jersey and has completed numerous commissions for various heritage bodies on the island.
Paul is the first year course tutor for the Certificate in Archaeology at the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bristol and undertakes a varied teaching role as part of this appointment. In addition, Paul lectures in British Prehistory for undergraduates students in addition to other subjects including artefact studies and methods and practice in archaeology.
Paul has recently completed a detailed analysis and reappraisal of prehistoric ceramic and metalwork collections from the Channel Islands, which will form part of a PhD due to be completed shortly on the prehistory of the Channel Islands. Paul has a BA 1st class (Hons) in Archaeology and an MA in Landscape Archaeology awarded from Bristol University.