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Honorary professor and renowned British archaeologist publishes a one-of-a-kind book with the contribution of several alumni and staff at Newcastle University

Newcastle University’s honorary Professor David Breeze OBE, FSA, FRSE, HonFSAScot, Hon MIFA has released a book in response to the felling of the beloved tree in the Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall which many considered a national treasure.

21 June 2024

Newcastle University’s honorary Professor David Breeze OBE, FSA, FRSE, HonFSAScot, Hon MIFA has released a book in response to the felling of the beloved tree in the Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall which many considered a national treasure.  

David is a British archaeologist, teacher and scholar of Hadrian's Wall and has been Chair of the International Congress of Roman Frontier Studies and President of several archaeological societies in the UK. 

On the 27 September 2023, David invited 80 friends and colleagues, including several alumni and staff of Newcastle University, to write about their favourite place on Hadrian’s Wall. The result is a wide-ranging group of personal contributions about the Wall, its artefacts and records, including a new composition for the Northumbrian pipes, Mind the Gap, played at the launch. The views are presented in a visual celebration with photographs and specially commissioned line drawings, each accompanied by personal reflections. 

The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in September 2023 caused widespread shock throughout the UK. The tree has stood for centuries and is known throughout the world and has even been featured in Hollywood productions. The deliberate destruction of this iconic landmark caused an outpouring of emotion with many speaking of their sadness and shock at the tree's destruction. The story was a lead item on television, radio news, newspapers and discussed frequently on social media.  

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Nick Merriman, Chief Executive of English Heritage, writes

"I greatly welcome the publication of Hadrian's Wall in our Time. This superbly illustrated book demonstrates the affection which so many people hold for Hadrian's Wall. English Heritage has been involved in the care of this great Roman frontier for 100 years and I am delighted that we continue to play our part in its protection, presentation and interpretation."

Chris Snook, formerly of Archaeoplus Books, comments,

"this will be seen as a snapshot of the Wall and its hinterland through the eyes of the early 21st century, which will ensure that it will be an “evergreen” title."

Hadrian’s Wall in our Time is available at www.archaeopress.com (voucher code RAC-TRAC24 valid until 31/07/2024)