Young Archaeologist of the Year 2018: Introducing Rosie

Roisin (Rosie) O’Toole was nominated by her Mum. She has been a member of the Chiltern YAC since the age of 8 and has been part of lots of archaeological projects ever since. Rosie’s Mum says she is ‘a passionate archaeologist taking every opportunity to learn and share her passion. She shares her knowledge and experiences across all the parts of the archaeology community she encounters’. Rosie’s Mum is not alone in backing her daughters nominations, as we have received letters of support from DigVentures, the Thames Discovery Programme and Durham University to name but a few!

We asked Rosie some questions about how she got involved with archaeology, what she enjoys and what it means to be nominated:

My name is Rosie and I’m currently thirteen years old; I started studying my GCSE subjects this year. I’ve loved history for as long as I can remember and went on my first dig at the age of eight. I now have around 50 days of digging experience and run my own blog: rosiedigs.wixsite.com/blogs

I first discovered archaeology at Dig! in York, which is run by the Yorvik Centre. It’s a synthetic dig experience, where you get to try your hand before actually getting out into the field. I love the Tudor period, particularly the Elizabethan era, but I really enjoy digging Roman archaeology because there is so much of an imprint left behind to find.

My favourite archaeological experience had to be excavating an Anglo-Saxon skeleton on Lindisfarne. Not only was it something few people get to do, Holy Island is such an influential site that little archaeological investigation has taken place there.

It’s really amazing to know that what I’ve done has been acknowledged – I think that it’s also a way of showing how I’ve used the wonderful opportunities everyone around me have provided to the best of my ability. All I can say at this point is that may the best young archaeologist win!

The winner of the Young Archaeologist of the Year Award will be announced at the Council for British Archaeology’s Annual Archaeology Day in York. More information is available here: CBA Archaeology Day