Roger James MERCER

Roger was a formative part of my early years as an archaeologist - both as student and after. He was a great influence and worked hard to inculcate archaeological theory and practice into his charges. He taught it as it is: I thought you might like to see an extract from a letter I wrote home while surveying on Arran with him in 1976.

We walk all day dragging theodolites and their tripods miles onto the moors. The wind blows you nearly over and knocks everything out of you so when you come back you are exhausted and don't feel like mapping However, the time is going very quickly, and the work is very interesting the area is lovely. The hotel is very good, very comfy and the food ok and plenty to eat which is nice'.

I think that sums up his work: no shirking of the downside, always interesting, and an appreciation that comfort is necessary. So many of us went on to make careers out of archaeology - a great tribute to his enthusiasm. He is, indeed, sadly missed.

I wish we'd met... Thanks for introducing me to Hambledon Hill. Life changer. God bless Sx

A tremendous teacher and kind warm soul.