Colchester archaeologist recognised with MBE for Roman digs

Philip Crummy, 78, was the director and principal archaeologist at Colchester Archaeological Trust from 1971 to 2023.

He has dedicated his career to putting Roman Colchester, known as Camulodunum, on the map.

The trust’s work has seen Colchester’s archaeology make international news on multiple occasions, from Philip’s successful fundraising campaign to buy land containing the remains of the city’s Roman Circus to the discovery of the stunning Fenwick Treasure, a hoard of Roman jewellery dating from the time of Colchester’s destruction at the hands of Boudica’s Iceni army.

Dedicated - Philip lead many important digs throughout his years as Director at Colchester Archaeological Trust (Image: Philip Crummy)

Philip led excavations, managed communications with the community, and worked with the local council to ensure the public display of the archaeological treasures.

He said: “As an archaeologist, you find these things and it’s fantastic and very exciting sometimes—it's hard work, and it’s very rewarding.

“This work is meaningful and has value, and there’s a lot of interest in heritage in the country and in Colchester particularly.

“These discoveries will make a difference to Colchester; I just hope that the more things that are discovered, the more people in Colchester will like it and appreciate it.”

History - Some incredible stamps of Roman history have been found in Colchester during Philip's time (Image: Philip Crummy)Philip is from Edinburgh and was studying maths and physics at St Andrews University when his friend met an English archaeologist in the pub and invited him on a dig in Oxfordshire.

He spent the whole summer on the dig, and the following year worked as a supervisor on another dig.

Philip then saw an advert for 80 archaeologists wanted for a dig in Colchester, and not long after joining he was leading it.

News - Philip's work has been recognised for its importance (Image: Philip Crummy) He said: “I’ve got a lot of enthusiasm for archaeology and history.

“I hope the things we have uncovered will add to the town and give the town pride. That is what drives us to do these things.

“I count myself very lucky to be in a position that I could do this, and I’m thrilled the work of the trust is being recognised—thrilled and very pleased.”