We are an archaeological contractor based in Exeter, offering all aspects of archaeological consultancy and services throughout the South West, including Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
Our archaeology firm has a proven track record of delivering a dedicated and highly professional heritage consultancy service to both public and private sector clients. Our aim is to ensure that all archaeological conditions are fulfilled, whilst ensuring both the least possible delay to project schedules and minimising costs to the clients.
We are also committed to providing training and support for both local community based archaeological projects and broader research led investigations.
To enquire about the archaeological services and heritage consultancy we can offer please get in touch.
Meet our team
Marc Steinmetzer BA Hons MCIfA
Marc set up Oakford Archaeology in 2011 after the closure of Exeter Archaeology. He has worked in the archaeology sector since graduating from the University of Reading in 1999 and has extensive experience interacting with national and local organisations on projects throughout the South West and South of England. In recent years he has completed a wide range of projects, from the excavation and publication of the Roman kiln site at St David’s and the community excavation of a moated medieval manor house at North Hall on Dartmoor, to undertaking building recording on Staddons and Bell House, two incredible medieval survivals, as well as staged programmes of work at Milton and Forde Abbeys in Dorset. For the last five years he has been the heritage lead at Halswell House, Somerset, a Grade I Listed stately home and Grade II* Listed parkland. The work by Oakford Archaeology has involved several phases of evaluation, excavation, watching brief and historic building recording. The project is ongoing and will ultimately be published as a monograph.
Lucy Browne BA Hons
Lucy graduated from the University of Wales (Lampeter) with a BA in History, followed by a post-graduate teaching qualification. She subsequently graduated from the Institute of Heraldic Genealogical Studies (IHGS), achieving the Higher Certificate in Genealogy and the Diploma in Genealogy, the IHGS professional qualification. Prior to working as a self-employed genealogist and documentary researcher Lucy worked for 12 years in the Westcountry Studies Library in Exeter, and latterly in the Devon Heritage Centre. She is our specialist documentary historian, with an unrivalled knowledge of documentary, cartographic and historical source material for the South West and Devon in particular, contributing historical documentation to client reports and publications.
Dr Richard Parker BA Hons PhD
Richard has been an archaeologist for over 30 years, initially for Exeter Archaeology, and since 2010 as a freelance building’s consultant and illustrator. In that time he has recorded a wide range of historic buildings, mainly in the South West of England, as well as producing interpretation and reconstruction drawings. Richard has extensive experience of medieval and post-medieval period buildings and monument archaeology and frequently delivers lectures, talks, tours and conference presentations for the public and for specialist audiences.
Elisabeth Patkai BA Hons
Elisabeth graduated from the University of Reading in 2010, joining Exeter Archaeology shortly before its closure in 2011. Having worked on the archaeological circuit she started with Oakford Archaeology in February 2019 and is our senior illustrator with responsibility for producing graphics for client reports and publications. In addition to this Elisabeth has also been working as a project archaeologist and been involved with desk-based assessments, heritage statements, evaluations, watching briefs and historic building recording.
Michael Wootton BA Hons
We are committed to training the next generation of skilled archaeologists by providing practical training to undergraduates. After completing his undergraduate degree course at Exeter University and working part-time with us since March 2018 Mike is now a full-time member of staff and involved with all aspects of our work.