James Lawton BSc MSc

Project Manager (Geophysics)

James graduated from Bradford University in 2007 with a BSc in Geoarchaeology and a Masters in Archaeological Prospection. This included a year’s diploma in archaeology working at GSB Prospection as an Assistant Geophysics Surveyor and he was involved with several Time Team episodes undertaking geophysics.

Following University, James began employment as an graduate archaeological consultant for AECOM. After nearly five years at AECOM, James moved back into field archaeology and geophysics in which he specialises, joining Archaeological Services West Yorkshire (ASWYAS) as a Geophysics Supervisor in 2013. A year later he moved to GSB SUMO where he worked initially as a Field Coordinator but was promoted to Senior Field Coordinator, including a role as head of equipment. 

In 2016 after 3 years at GSB SUMO, and wanting a change and a position which allowed for more archaeological involvement he joined AOC Archaeology as a Project Officer for geophysics. Since then he has progressed to geophysics manager and lead geophysicist for AOC Archaeology building a geophysics department within AOC.

James’s experience in archaeology allows him to have a broad understanding of the heritage sector and how geophysics can be used successfully. He is fully committed to the Historic Environment and strongly believes it should be a resource accessible to everyone and suitably conserved for future generations. He is particularly interested in community archaeology and sharing his enthusiasm for archaeology and geophysics with others. He has been involved in a number of projects involving local interest groups and the general public in the past and has conducted geophysical surveys for these and his own research sites. He has also given numerous archaeological presentations to local history societies about geophysics.

As a consultant he gained experience which included writing WSIs, DBAs, EIAs and Heritage Statements as well as undertaking evaluations and watching briefs. In geophysics James has 10 years’ experience in field survey undertaking large scale complex surveys for large nationally acclaimed infrastructure projects including HS2, EWR and A9 upgrades throughout the British Isles and Ireland. Other surveys include complex large scale pipeline surveys, road corridors and large area surveys.

This work include a range of techniques including magnetometry surveys; using fluxgate gradiometers, resistance surveys and radar. This experience includes all stages of geophysics projects, from tendering through to data processing and final report writing.