Aleksandra McClain

Aleksandra McClain is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at the University of York. She specializes in medieval archaeology, particularly the study of churches, commemoration practices, and the Anglo-Norman period. She holds a BA from Yale and MA/PhD from York. As Director of Studies for the MA in Medieval Archaeology, she oversees graduate admissions and scholarships. Her research focuses on parish churches, Norman Conquest archaeology, and northern English identities.

• Education: BA (Yale), MA/PhD (York)
• Roles: Director of MA Medieval Archaeology, PGR Admissions Lead

Research interests include medieval lordship, rural landscape development, and the material relationship between religious and secular authority. She collaborates on projects like mortar dating methodologies and cross slab recordings in northern England. Key collaborations include work with Gerard Barrett (Chrono Centre) and Naomi Sykes (Exeter).

Her work on the Norman Conquest emphasizes archaeological perspectives, challenging traditional historical narratives. Projects like Torpel Manor explore medieval fortifications and settlement patterns. Supervised students research topics such as medieval moated sites, Anglo-Scottish borders, and material culture in post-Saxon England.

• Grants: Society for Medieval Archaeology, AHRC, Marc Fitch Fund
• Publications: 22 articles/chapters on medieval archaeology and Norman studies

A member of editorial boards for Medieval Archaeology and Church Archaeology, she also participates in public outreach through lectures and workshops.