Staff Profile:Professor Martin Bell

Responsibilities:

Currently on research leave

Areas of Interest:

• Environmental change
• The prehistory of soil erosion
• Experimental archaeology

Postgraduate Supervision

Martin currently supervises the following postgraduate student projects:

• Archaeological Palaeoenvironmental Archives: challenges and potential
• Mesolithic Artefacts and Use Wear in Wetlands
• Fire in the Lower Palaeolithic: Absence of evidence or evidence of absence?
• Katy Whitaker: The role of sarsen stone in southern Britain. An archaeological and ethno-historical approach to an ancient industry.

Previous topics have included:

• Prehistoric avian, mammalian and H sapiens footpring-tracks from intertidal sediments as evidence of human palaeoecology.
• In situ preservation
• Mollusc middens in Morocco
• Wooduse
• Experimental archaeology of soils and sediments
• Mesolithic riverine archaeology

Martin is keen to discuss proposals for postgraduate research in geoarchaeology, prehistoric coastal archaeology, snail analysis in archaeology and experimental archaeology (particularly formation processes and the role of science in heritage outreach sites).

For further information, please contact m.g.bell@reading.ac.uk

Research groups / Centres:

• Landscape, Climate and Lived Environment Research Cluster
• Centre for Past Climate Change

Key Facts

Martin teaches environmental archaeology, geoarchaeology and coastal and maritime archaeology.

His research concerns the contribution which archaeology makes to an understanding of environmental change on a wide range of timescales. Analytically he is interested in the analysis of soils, sediments and molluscs, land and marine. Topics include the prehistory of soil erosion, experimental archaeology and particularly coastal environments. Coastal research has focused on an extensive programme of fieldwork and excavations in the Severn Estuary where he has been working since 1983. This has particularly involved major excavations at Brean Down, Goldcliff and Redwick. Discoveries at these sites include several Mesolithic settlements and human and animal footprints, and many Bronze Age and Iron Age buildings and wood structures such as trackways and fish traps. Current fieldwork projects include the Peterstone palaeochannels project in the Severn Estuary (with Dr Alex Brown), investigations at various experimental archaeology sites including Butser Ancient Farm and St Fagans, National History Museum Wales as part of the Developing Experimental Approaches in Archaeology Project. He is also involved in a project on in situ monitoring of wetland sites in the Somerset Levels and a cave excavation at Taforalt, Morocco (with Prof Nick Barton, Oxford).

His publications include:

• The Mesolithic in Western Britain 2007. York: Council for British Archaeology Research Report 149
• Late Quaternary Environmental Change (with M.J.C. Walker). Second edition 2005. Harlow: Pearson / Prentice Hall
• Prehistoric Intertidal Archaeology in the Welsh Estuary 2000 (with Astrid Caseldine and Heike Neumann).
• The Experimental Earthwork Project 1960-1992. 1996 ( with Peter Fowler and Simon Hillson) York: Council for British Archaeology Research Report 100
• Past and Present Soil Erosion 1992 (edited with John Boardman). Oxford: Oxbow Monograph 22.
• Brean Down Excavations 1983-87. 1990. London: English Heritage Archaeological Report 15
• Wilsford Shaft excavations 1960-62. 1989 (with Paul Ashbee and Edwina Proudfoot). London: English Heritage Archaeological Report 11

Publications:

Y

Jump to: 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2000 | 1996 | 1992

Number of items: 39.

2020

• Bell, M., Black, S., Maslin, S. and Toms, P. (2020) Multi-method solutions to the problem of dating early trackways and associated colluvial sequences. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 32. 102359. ISSN 2352-409X doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102359
• Bell, M. (2020) Making ones way in the world: the footprints and trackways of prehistoric people. Oxbow Books, Oxford, pp304. ISBN 9781789254020

2019

• Taylor, V. K. and Bell, M. (2019) Land molluscs. In: Barton, R. N. E., Bouzouggar, A., Collcutt, S. and Humphrey, L. (eds.) Cemeteries and Sedentism in the Later Stone Age of North West Africa: Excavations at Grotte des Pigeons, Taforalt, Morocco. Romisch-Germsanisches Zentralmuseum, Mainz, pp. 207-235. ISBN 9783884673126
• Webber, H., Heyd, V., Horton, M., Bell, M., Matthews, W. and Chadburn, A. (2019) Precision farming and archaeology. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 11 (2). pp. 727-734. ISSN 1866-9565 doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-017-0564-8

2018

• Bell, M. (2018) Coastal archaeology in western Britain: Charles Thomas and other inspirations. In: Jones, A. M. and Quinnell, H. (eds.) An Intellectual Adventurer in Archaeology: Reflections on the Work of Charles Thomas. Archaeopress, Oxford, pp. 207-214.

2017

• Taylor, V. K. and Bell, M. (2017) Land mollusc middens. In: Allen, M. J. (ed.) Molluscs in Archaeology. Studying Scientific Archaeology (3). Oxbow, Oxford, pp. 195-212. ISBN 9781785706080
• Barr, K. and Bell, M. (2017) Neolithic and Bronze Age ungulate footprint-tracks of the Severn Estuary: species, age, identification and interpretation of husbandry practices. Environmental Archaeology: the Journal of Human Palaeoecology, 22 (1). pp. 1-14. ISSN 1461-4103 doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/14614103.2016.1222691

2016

• Bell, M., Brunning, R., Batchelor, R., Hill, T., Wilkinson, K., Banerjea, R., Young, D., Morandi, l., Brown, A., Carson, S., Maslin, S., Jones, L. and Foster, J., Bell, M., ed. (2016) The Mesolithic of the wetland/dryland edge in the Somerset Levels. Historic England Reference 6624. Project Report. Historic England
• Leary, J., Clarke, A. and Bell, M. (2016) Valley of the Henges: exploring Neolithic landscapes in the Pewsey Vale. Current Archaeology, 316. pp. 28-34. ISSN 0011-3212

2015

• Banerjea, R. Y., Fulford, M., Bell, M., Clarke, A. and Matthews, W. (2015) Using experimental archaeology and micromorphology to reconstruct timber-framed buildings from Roman Silchester: a new approach. Antiquity, 89 (347). pp. 1174-1188. ISSN 0003-598X doi: https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2015.108
• Banerjea, R. Y., Bell, M. G., Matthews, W. and Brown, A. D. (2015) Applications of micromorphology to understanding activity areas and site formation processes in experimental hut floors. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 7 (1). pp. 89-112. ISSN 1866-9565 doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-013-0160-5

2014

• Bell, M. (2014) Experimental archaeology at the crossroads: a contribution to interpretation or evidence of 'xeroxing'. In: Chapman, B. and Wylie, A. (eds.) Material Evidence: Learning from Archaeological Practice. Routledge, London, pp. 42-58. ISBN 9780415837453
• Bell, M. and Butler, C. (2014) The Long Man of Wilmington: an interim report on a giant conundrum. In: Allen, M. J. (ed.) Eastbourne: aspects of archaeology, history and heritage. Eastbourne Natural history and Archaeological Society, Eastbourne, pp. 18-30. ISBN 9780954291860

2013

• Bell, M. (2013) The Bronze Age in the Severn Estuary. Research Report, 172. Council for British Archaeology, York. ISBN 9781902771946
• Bell, M., Warren, G., Cobb, H., Fitch, S., Long, A., Momber, G., Schulting, R. and Spikens, P. (2013) The Mesolithic. In: Ransley, J., Sturt, F., Dix, J., Adams, J. and Blue, L. (eds.) People and the Sea: A Maritime Archaeological Research Agenda for England. Research Report (171). Council for British Archaeology , York. ISBN 9781902771939

2012

• Bell, M. (2012) Intertidal survey and excavation. In: Menotti, F. and O'Sullivan, A. (eds.) Oxford Handbook of Wetland Archaeology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 457-471. ISBN 9780199573493
• Bell, M. (2012) Climate change, extreme weather events and issues of human perception. Archaeological Dialogues, 19 (01). pp. 42-46. ISSN 1478-2294 doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1380203812000050
• Jones, L. and Bell, M. (2012) In situ preservation of wetland heritage: hydrological and chemical change in the burial environment of the Somerset Levels, UK. Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 14 (1-4). pp. 115-125. ISSN 1350-5033 doi: https://doi.org/10.1179/1350503312Z.00000000010
• Bell, M. and Noble, G. (2012) Prehistoric woodland ecology. In: Jones, A. M., Pollard, J., Allen, M. J. and Gardiner, J. (eds.) Image, Memory and Monumentality: archaeological engagements with the modern world. Prehistoric Society Research Paper (4). Prehistoric Society Oxbow Books, pp. 80-92.

2011

• Taylor, V. K., Barton, R. N. E., Bell, M., Bouzouggar, A., Colcutt, S., Turner, E., Black, S. and Hogue, J. T. (2011) The Epipalaeolithic (Iberomaurusian) at Grotte des Pigeons (Taforalt), Morocco: a preliminary study of the land Mollusca. Quaternary International, 244 (1). pp. 5-14. ISSN 1040-6182

2010

• Bell, M., Broadbent, N., Poblome, J. and Brouwer-Keij, S.F., (2010) Groningen Institute of Archaeology (GIA): Assessment of research quality 2004-2009. Report. University of Groningen, Groningen. pp40. ISBN 9789036749961

2009

• Bell, M., Manning, S. and Nayling, N. (2009) Dating the coastal Mesolithic of western Britain: a test of some evolutionary assumptions. In: Crombé, P., Van Strydonck, M., Sergant, J., Boudin, M. and Bats, M. (eds.) Chronology and evolution within the Mesolithic of north-west Europe: proceedings of an international meeting, Brussels, May 30th-June 1st 2007. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle, pp. 615-634. ISBN 9781443814218
• Bell, M. (2009) Experimental archaeology: changing science agendas and perceptual perspectives. In: Allen, M. J., Sharples, N. and O'Connor, T. (eds.) Land and People: Papers in Memory of John G. Evans. Oxbow, Oxford, pp. 31-45. ISBN 9781842173732

2008

• Bell, M., Allen, M. J., Smith, R.W. and Johnson, S. (2008) Molluscan and sedimentary evidence for the palaeoenvironmental history of Hambledon Hill and its surroundings. In: Mercer, R.J. and Healey, F. (eds.) Hambledon Hill, Dorset, England : excavation and survey of a Neolithic monument complex and its surrounding landscape. Vol 2. English Heritage, Swindon, pp. 412-453. ISBN 9781905624591
• Bell, M. and Brown, A. (2008) Prehistoric activity in Peterstone Great Wharf Palaeochannels: interim report on field survey 2007-8. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary, 18. pp. 85-101.
• Bell, M. and Brown, A., (2008) Southern regional review of geoarchaeology: windblown deposits. Research Department Report Series. 5-2009. Report. English Heritage, Fort Cumberland. pp93.
• Britton, K., Müldner, G. and Bell, M. (2008) Stable isotope evidence for salt-marsh grazing in the Bronze Age Severn Estuary, UK: implications for palaeodietary analysis at coastal sites. Journal of Archaeological Science, 35 (8). pp. 2111-2118. ISSN 0305-4403 doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2008.01.012

2007

• Bell, M., ed. (2007) Prehistoric coastal communities: the Mesolithic in Western Britain. Council for British Archaeology Research Report, 149. Council for British Archaeology, York, pp250. ISBN 9781902771149

2006

• Brown, A. D., Bell, M., Timpany, S. and Nayling, N. (2006) Mesolithic to Neolithic and medieval coastal environmental change: intertidal survey at Woolaston, Gloucestershire. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary, 16. pp. 67-83.
• Bell, M. and Brown, A. D. (2006) Prehistoric activity in Peterstone Great Wharf Palaeochannels: field survey 2005-6. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary, 16. pp. 85-97.

2005

• Bell, M. and Walker, M.J.C. (2005) Late Quaternary Environmental Change: physical and human perspectives. Pearson, Harlow.

2004

• Allen, J. R. L., Bell, M.G. and Scales, R.R.L. (2004) Animal and human footprint tracks in archaeology: description and significance. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary, 14. pp. 55-68.
• Bell, M. (2004) Geoarchaeology in action: studies in soil morphology and landscape evolution. Antiquity, 78 (302). pp. 955-956. ISSN 0003-598X
• Bell, M., Allen, J. R. L., Buckley, S., Dark, P. and Nayling, N. (2004) Mesolithic to Neolithic coastal environmental change: excavations at Goldcliff East, 2003 and research at Redwick. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary, 14. pp. 1-26.

2003

• Bell, M., Allen, J. R. L., Buckley, S., Dark, P. and Haslett, S.K. (2003) Mesolithic to Neolithic coastal environmental change: excavations at Goldcliff East, 2002. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary, 13. pp. 1-29.
• Macphail, R. I., Crowther, J., Acott, T. G., Bell, M. G. and Cruise, J. M. (2003) The experimental earthwork at Wareham, Dorset after 33 years: Changes to the buried LFH and Ah horizons. Journal of Archaeological Science, 30 (1). pp. 77-93. ISSN 0305-4403 doi: https://doi.org/10.1006/jasc.2002.0823

2000

• Bell, M., Caseldine, A. and Neumann, H., (2000) Prehistoric intertidal archaeology in the Welsh Severn Estuary. Research Reports. 120. Council for British Archaeology, York. ISBN 1872414117

1996

• Bell, M., Fowler, P. J. and Hillson, S., (1996) The experimental earthwork project 1960-1992. Research Reports. 100. Council for British Archaeology, York. ISBN 1872414648

1992

• Bell, M. and Boardman, J. (1992) Past and present soil erosion: archaeological and geographical perspectives. Oxbow Monographs, 22. Oxbow Books, Oxford, pp250. ISBN 9780946897469

This list was generated on Thu Sep 16 21:00:52 2021 UTC.

Qualifications:

BSc, PhD (London), FBA, FSA