Dr David Perkins 1938 - 2010
David Perkins, Thanet’s first full time professional archaeologist, died at Margate on Tuesday 10th of August aged 72. A local man brought up in Ramsgate, David had a passion for the history of his area, inspired by his family. After training as an artist at Margate Art School, David encountered his first archaeological dig at Lord of the Manor, Ramsgate in 1976 and volunteered to help on the same day. Progressing quickly from volunteer to full time supervisor, his career in archaeology began with the excavation of the Ozengell Anglo-Saxon cemetery. Formal qualifications through part-time study were added to his growing professional reputation. A BSc in archaeological science was followed by an MSc gained through studying Roman and Anglo-Saxon glass. David gained the respect of archaeologists around the country through excavations he directed.
The Trust for Thanet Archaeology was formed in 1988 with David serving as the first professional Director until his retirement in 2003. Notable amongst his achievements were the excavation of Iron Age sites at Dumpton and North Foreland as well as directing seasons of training excavations on the Roman Villa at Abbey Farm, Minster.
Many local people heard David speak about his discoveries or took part in digs with him. An acknowledged authority on the archaeology of Thanet by this time, David was awarded a Doctorate by the University of London in 2001 for his thesis on the prehistory of the Isle of Thanet – The Gateway Isle. Battling against the poor health that had affected him since childhood, David remained an enthusiast for Thanet’s archaeology after his retirement. His last publication on the Bronze Age round barrows of Thanet appeared in Archaeologia Cantiana this year.
Despite his growing reputation and long list of published work, David Perkins remained an ordinary man, pleased to share his knowledge and encourage others to take part in his work. Concerned to keep up the link between amateur and professional archaeology, David remained the president of the Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society until his death. David leaves behind many friends and students and an unrivalled body of research on his beloved Isle of Thanet. His work is continued by the Trust for Thanet Archaeology which he worked so hard to establish as a centre for archaeological research and education.