Rob Webley

Dr Rob Webley is an archaeologist affiliated with the University of Reading, specializing in medieval and post-medieval material culture. He holds roles such as Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) for multiple UK counties and was a Project Officer on the 'PASt Explorers' initiative (2014–2019), training volunteers for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). His research focuses on metal artefacts, particularly religious and equestrian objects, and explores continental connections through small finds. He completed a PhD at the University of York examining metalwork across the Norman Conquest period and served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) on the University of Exeter’s 'Warhorse' project.

• Education: BA (Durham University), MA/PhD (University of York)

His research interests include early-medieval archaeology, material culture analysis, and the application of metal-detecting data to archaeological inquiry. Recent work has examined horse equipment evolution, pilgrim badge iconography, and the diffusion patterns of medieval copper-alloy buckles. He contributes to academic governance as a member of the Finds Research Group committee and editor of Somerset Archaeology and Natural History.

Key publications (2019–2022) focus on methodological approaches to interpreting material culture, with a thematic emphasis on mobility, identity, and cross-continental connections. His projects like the 'Medieval Ritual Landscape (MeRit)' initiative highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding medieval landscapes through artefact distribution.