William Mitchell

Lecturer

Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

William studied Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Wales, Cardiff. He later completed a PGCE Advanced at the University of Birmingham.

Academic qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status (NCTL), PGDipEd (PGCE Adv) General Primary, (University of Birmingham), BA (Hons) Archaeology and Ancient History (University of Wales, Cardiff)

Expertise

William is a professional archaeologist and researcher working for the Centre of Archaeology at Staffordshire University, where he joined in 2014.

Research interests

Williams specialist subjects include urban, medieval and industrial archaeology, community based projects and forensic archaeology. Since working for the Centre of Archaeology, William has also worked with his colleagues in the Centre of Archaeology on a number of forensic research projects throughout Europe, including sites of the Holocaust in Germany, Ukraine and Poland. Using non-invasive geophysical techniques, he has developed his specialism in the search and recovery of buried remains on sites of the recent past. His research has focused on the former extermination camp at Treblinka of the former concentration camp of Bergen Belsen and the killing sites of Eastern Europe.

Enterprise and commercial interests

William has over 15 years of experience in development led and research archaeological projects. He has delivered complex commercial and community projects during his archaeological career. He has supervised and published numerous archaeological and heritage projects throughout the United Kingdom and has extensive experience in leading, delivering and consulting on historical research projects. Previously he has worked on major archaeological excavations in many of the midlands urban centres. His most recent high profile research and community project was the ‘Dig for Shakespeare’ project in Stratford-Upon-Avon. He provided site direction for the project and teaching, guidance and support of the volunteers. This project was on a unique large scale which became well cited, extremely popular, well supported and is now published.

Publications

Mitchell. W, 2018, William Shakespeare’s New Place; investing in, or inheriting a legacy? (Forthcoming)

Edmondson. P, Colls. K and Mitchell. W, 2016, Finding Shakespeare’s New Place:An archaeological biography. Manchester University Press

Jones. A, Mitchell. W and Ratkai, S. Excavations of a 16th -17th Century Pottery Production Site at Wednesbury in the Black Country. British Archaeological Reports (British Series), (Forthcoming).

Colls. K. and Mitchell. W, 2013, A cycle of Recession and Recovery AD 1200-1900: Archaeological Investigations at Much Park Street, Coventry. British Archaeological Reports (British Series 582)

Hewitson. C (Ed). Hewitson. C, Mitchell. W, McDonnell. G and Shill. R, 2013, ‘The Homes of our Metal Manufactures. Messrs R.W.Winfield and Co’s Cambridge Street Works & Rolling Mills, Birmingham’ Archaeological Excavations at the Library of Birmingham, Cambridge Street. British Archaeological Reports (British Series 579)

Hewitson. C (Ed). Hewitson. C, Mitchell. W, Cumberpatch. C, Hislop. M, McNichol. D and Duncan. M 2012, ‘Derby: The Western Suburbs. The Archaeology of the Connecting Derby Inner Ring Road.’ British Archaeological Reports (British Series 565)

Colls. K and Mitchell. W, Dig for Shakespeare, in British Archaeology, July/August 2010.

Mitchell. W and Hepburn. S, 2010, ‘Detritus or artefact? Examining archaeological approaches to the presentation of nineteenth and twentieth century industrial workshops.’ In Footprints of Industry. Papers for the 300th anniversary conference at coalbrookdale, 3-7 June 2009. British Archaeological Reports (British Series 523)

Mitchell. W, 2005 , Excavation of Edgbaston Corn Mill, Edgbaston, Birmingham and Warwickshire Archaeological Society Transactions 111

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021