Democratising Our Past: How Time Team Revolutionised Public History

Jakob Reid

When studying history, one fundamental question often goes unaddressed: for whom are we studying and investigating history? This question is crucial but frequently sidelined. Some argue that history is studied for personal intellectual enrichment, while others see it as a tool for advancing academic research. However, this inward-looking approach misses an essential point. History should not be pursued merely for the benefit of historians or academic circles. Instead, it must be studied to enhance popular understanding of the past. Without public engagement, history risks becoming just a chronicle of time passing, devoid of broader significance.

Public history is crucial—not merely as a token gesture for securing funding or achieving media attention, but as a genuine effort to make history accessible to a wider audience. The long-running British television programme Time Team exemplifies this approach. Created by Tim Taylor and Professor Mick Aston, Time Team aimed to democratise archaeology, making it accessible beyond the traditional confines of antiquarians and specialised societies.

The programme's success lay in its unique format and team. Time Team featured an eclectic group of experts including Professor Mick Aston, Phil Harding, Victor Ambrus, John Gater, Stuart Ainsworth, Carenza Lewis, and Helen Geake. Each brought their expertise to the show, but it was Tony Robinson's role as presenter that truly connected the audience with the archaeology. Robinson, who had previously collaborated with Aston on a trip to Greece for adult education, was drawn to the project by Aston's ability to bring the past to life. This collaboration was key in making Time Team a groundbreaking show in public history.

Time Team was designed to address local historical questions posed by ordinary people, rather than focusing on grand historical sites like castles or palaces. The show's format was simple yet effective: the team would visit a town or village, and over three days, they would investigate a question from a local resident. The process began with geophysical surveys to study the physical properties of the land. Based on these surveys, the lead archaeologist, whether Aston or occasionally Francis Pryor, would decide where to dig trenches. These trenches were then excavated, and the investigation commenced. Meanwhile, other team members delved into local archives, explored the surrounding landscape, and documented their findings visually.

Time Team managed to bring archaeology to the masses, covering a wide range of historical periods from prehistoric times to WWII. At its peak, between 2002 and 2005, the show aired 13 episodes a year on Channel 4, attracting up to 3.5 million viewers. A 2006 audience survey revealed that the core audience consisted of families and individuals over the age of 50. This broad appeal illustrated the programme's success in making history engaging and accessible to a wide demographic.

However, the show’s decline began when Channel 4 decided to target a more affluent demographic. This shift led to the departure of several key figures, including Mick Aston. Aston criticised this decision, arguing that the show’s focus should remain on archaeology rather than catering to socio-economic status. His departure marked a turning point for the programme. After his death, colleagues such as Tony Robinson and Francis Pryor praised him as a pioneering public historian, highlighting his role in making archaeology accessible to the general public.

The format change resulted in a decline in viewer numbers, dropping below a million, and by 2014, Time Teamhad ended its television run. Although the show has experienced a revival on YouTube, bringing back its iconic logo and theme, notable differences remain in its presentation and format.

In reflecting on Time Team, it is evident that the programme played a pivotal role in the evolution of public archaeology. Mick Aston and his team demonstrated that history can be both engaging and meaningful outside of traditional academic settings. The show’s success in popularising archaeology and making it accessible to a broad audience underscores the importance of public history.

Time Team illustrates a valuable lesson for historians: the focus should be on advancing popular knowledge and engagement. By making history accessible and relevant to everyone, not just academics, Time Team has shown that history is not merely an academic exercise but a shared experience that can connect people with their past. The programme’s legacy lies in its ability to make history vibrant and accessible, proving that public engagement is a critical aspect of historical study.

In conclusion, Time Team should be remembered for its significant contributions to public archaeology and its role in expanding historical understanding. Mick Aston’s vision and the show's innovative approach to engaging with the public highlight how history can be made relevant to everyone. By prioritising popular knowledge and engagement, Time Team has set a standard for how history should be communicated and appreciated, ensuring that the past remains a shared and meaningful part of our present.

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