Geoffrey Wainwright

Geoffrey John Wainwright, (19 September 1937 – 6 March 2017) was a British archaeologist specialising in prehistory. He was the Chief Archaeologist of English Heritage from 1989 to 1999, and visiting professor to a number of universities. He served as president of the Prehistoric Society from 1981 to 1985 and the Society of Antiquaries of London from 2007 to 2010.

Early life and education Wainwright was born on 19 September 1937 in Angle, Pembrokeshire, Wales. completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1961. He then joined the Inspectorate of Ancient Monuments in what was to become English Heritage, serving as an inspector from 1963 to 1980, a principal inspector from 1980 to 1990, and as Chief Archaeologist from 1989 to 1999.

Later life In retirement, Wainwright lived in Pontfaen, Pembrokeshire, Wales. He died at home on 6 March 2017, aged 79. His funeral was held on 20 March at the Parc Gwyn Crematorium in Narberth, Pembrokeshire. In 2006, he was awarded the Grahame Clark Medal for Prehistoric Archaeology by the British Academy.

On 2 March 1967, he was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA). In 2011, he was elected Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (FLSW). He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).

Selected works