Cris G Martin: Windsor Castle

Richard | Michelle | Cris | Ann | Jennifer | Theresa

I am a couple of weeks short of 55, married with two children and one grand child. As a result of my father being in the RAF, I was born near Ciaro, Egypt. I visited the pyramids whilst still in the womb! On returning to England (at six months old) I lived in Avebury and later in Chippenham. So Sundays out meant trips to the local sights – Silbury, Stonehenge, Kennet long barrow etc.

I am an electronics engineer and have worked in radar, telecommunications and rail industries. This gives me an insight into the machines in archaeological use.

As a student in 1975 I built my first metal detector (sorry Mick (curse spit)) and from then on investigated the technical aspects of artefact detection and recovery. In 1998 I put up one of the first web sites on the subject: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/crismartin/index.htm

In 1999 I built a fluxgate gradiometer – magnetometer for measuring the Earth's magnetic field anomalies.

I didn't start seriously detecting until about 1990/1 being too absorbed in the electronics side of things. But a period of unemployment gave me the time. Since then (with some help from Time Team) my historical knowledge has increased many fold and I have found many interesting things. Objects I get most 'buzz' from are personal items.

When did you first start watching Time Team?
From the beginning!

What do you enjoy most about it?
Archaeological knowledge imparted. Beating the team to identification of objects found. Tony's presentation.

Do you have a favourite moment from Time Team?
Dinnington, Manor Farm and digging the Saxon buckets.

Have you ever been on an archaeological dig before?
No.

What do you think is the most remarkable archaeological find in the world?
Difficult, very difficult... Pompei / Herculaneum.

And the UK?
The Vindolanda tablets.

If you could dig anywhere in the world where would you choose?
Royal burial ground where the Saxon 'buckets' were found.

How do you feel about taking part in the Big Royal Dig?
It's a great opportunity to get my hands dirty and join in the speculation concerning finds. I expect to learn loads from the team. I am a sponge. I particularly want to find out more about pottery as my knowledge about the subject is sadly lacking. I look forward to meeting the geophys guys as the technical aspect is of particular interest to me.