Mike Pitts
@pittsmike.bsky.social
Award-winning writer/broadcaster
Editor British Archaeology magazine 2003–23
Editor Society of Antiquaries of London e-newsletter 2015–20
President Sussex Archaeological Society https://mikepitts.wordpress.com/
Editor British Archaeology magazine 2003–23
Editor Society of Antiquaries of London e-newsletter 2015–20
President Sussex Archaeological Society https://mikepitts.wordpress.com/
For anyone looking for my book and finding it out of stock on Amazon, it is in print and will be back soon!
amazon.co.uk/Digging-Rich...
amazon.co.uk/Digging-Rich...
November 1, 2025 at 12:19 PM
For anyone looking for my book and finding it out of stock on Amazon, it is in print and will be back soon!
amazon.co.uk/Digging-Rich...
amazon.co.uk/Digging-Rich...
The grave's correct location had been proposed before, here by David Baldwin in 1986. John Ashdown Hill played a key role in convincing Philippa & archaeologists that, if found, remains could be identified as the king's. The film glosses over that, but sadly John is not here to put his case 15/15
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 AM
The grave's correct location had been proposed before, here by David Baldwin in 1986. John Ashdown Hill played a key role in convincing Philippa & archaeologists that, if found, remains could be identified as the king's. The film glosses over that, but sadly John is not here to put his case 15/15
I could go on. But what really matters is the film’s false portrayal of archaeology & science.
The Lost King jumps from discovery to reburial, bypassing years of collaborative academic research (& works to Leicester cathedral & a judicial review) as if none of that happened or mattered 10/15
The Lost King jumps from discovery to reburial, bypassing years of collaborative academic research (& works to Leicester cathedral & a judicial review) as if none of that happened or mattered 10/15
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 AM
I could go on. But what really matters is the film’s false portrayal of archaeology & science.
The Lost King jumps from discovery to reburial, bypassing years of collaborative academic research (& works to Leicester cathedral & a judicial review) as if none of that happened or mattered 10/15
The Lost King jumps from discovery to reburial, bypassing years of collaborative academic research (& works to Leicester cathedral & a judicial review) as if none of that happened or mattered 10/15
Langley lacked the university’s resources to put her side of the story: the film gave her the means?
During & after the dig she was a world media star, in the press, on TV, lecturing, selling books. If she didn’t like what others said, media listened – & she demanded changes behind the scenes 9/15
During & after the dig she was a world media star, in the press, on TV, lecturing, selling books. If she didn’t like what others said, media listened – & she demanded changes behind the scenes 9/15
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Langley lacked the university’s resources to put her side of the story: the film gave her the means?
During & after the dig she was a world media star, in the press, on TV, lecturing, selling books. If she didn’t like what others said, media listened – & she demanded changes behind the scenes 9/15
During & after the dig she was a world media star, in the press, on TV, lecturing, selling books. If she didn’t like what others said, media listened – & she demanded changes behind the scenes 9/15
Langley was “the client” (a key moment in the film)?
Philippa initiated the project & was in effect a consultant, one of several key team members. It was the University of Leicester’s excavation (professional expertise, most costs, permits, staff, strategy, legal & academic responsibilities) 8/15
Philippa initiated the project & was in effect a consultant, one of several key team members. It was the University of Leicester’s excavation (professional expertise, most costs, permits, staff, strategy, legal & academic responsibilities) 8/15
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Langley was “the client” (a key moment in the film)?
Philippa initiated the project & was in effect a consultant, one of several key team members. It was the University of Leicester’s excavation (professional expertise, most costs, permits, staff, strategy, legal & academic responsibilities) 8/15
Philippa initiated the project & was in effect a consultant, one of several key team members. It was the University of Leicester’s excavation (professional expertise, most costs, permits, staff, strategy, legal & academic responsibilities) 8/15
… where that grave lay in the friary, suggesting from the location that it being the king’s was a possibility, occurred later, on the very day it was excavated. That was Mathew Morris’s unprompted decision, the field director 7/15
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 AM
… where that grave lay in the friary, suggesting from the location that it being the king’s was a possibility, occurred later, on the very day it was excavated. That was Mathew Morris’s unprompted decision, the field director 7/15
Langley raised funds to ensure the project survived?
Her insistence on a GPR survey, despite being advised that it would be no use (it was no use) cost money & lost a significant would-be sponsor at a critical time 4/15
Her insistence on a GPR survey, despite being advised that it would be no use (it was no use) cost money & lost a significant would-be sponsor at a critical time 4/15
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Langley raised funds to ensure the project survived?
Her insistence on a GPR survey, despite being advised that it would be no use (it was no use) cost money & lost a significant would-be sponsor at a critical time 4/15
Her insistence on a GPR survey, despite being advised that it would be no use (it was no use) cost money & lost a significant would-be sponsor at a critical time 4/15
Almost everything Coogan & the film say about the car park dig is false.
Langley was scorned by Leicester University because she was an amateur?
Leicester archaeologists famously work with their local community, running projects almost entirely staffed by amateur archaeologists 2/15
Langley was scorned by Leicester University because she was an amateur?
Leicester archaeologists famously work with their local community, running projects almost entirely staffed by amateur archaeologists 2/15
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Almost everything Coogan & the film say about the car park dig is false.
Langley was scorned by Leicester University because she was an amateur?
Leicester archaeologists famously work with their local community, running projects almost entirely staffed by amateur archaeologists 2/15
Langley was scorned by Leicester University because she was an amateur?
Leicester archaeologists famously work with their local community, running projects almost entirely staffed by amateur archaeologists 2/15
Updated thread on The Lost King film:
I’m digging over old ground but I have to challenge Steve Coogan's line. He claims it’s all true (as has Philippa Langley): Langley will be celebrated for her achievement, Richard Taylor & his personal gripes will be forgotten
So what’s the real story? 1/15
I’m digging over old ground but I have to challenge Steve Coogan's line. He claims it’s all true (as has Philippa Langley): Langley will be celebrated for her achievement, Richard Taylor & his personal gripes will be forgotten
So what’s the real story? 1/15
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Updated thread on The Lost King film:
I’m digging over old ground but I have to challenge Steve Coogan's line. He claims it’s all true (as has Philippa Langley): Langley will be celebrated for her achievement, Richard Taylor & his personal gripes will be forgotten
So what’s the real story? 1/15
I’m digging over old ground but I have to challenge Steve Coogan's line. He claims it’s all true (as has Philippa Langley): Langley will be celebrated for her achievement, Richard Taylor & his personal gripes will be forgotten
So what’s the real story? 1/15
At the British Geological Survey yesterday, surprised to find mined flints from #Sussex (Blackpatch, Church Hill), a Mesolithic tranchet axe from Rankine and some eoliths from Kent
October 28, 2025 at 6:45 PM
At the British Geological Survey yesterday, surprised to find mined flints from #Sussex (Blackpatch, Church Hill), a Mesolithic tranchet axe from Rankine and some eoliths from Kent
“Bold & convincing revision of Rapa Nui’s history”
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Detailed, intelligent, humane” LITERARY REVIEW
“Gripping” SPECTATOR
“Revelatory… fascinating… wholly convincing”
MAIL ON SUNDAY
“Striking… stunning unraveling of many layers of hidden history” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY * review
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Detailed, intelligent, humane” LITERARY REVIEW
“Gripping” SPECTATOR
“Revelatory… fascinating… wholly convincing”
MAIL ON SUNDAY
“Striking… stunning unraveling of many layers of hidden history” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY * review
October 20, 2025 at 4:42 PM
“Bold & convincing revision of Rapa Nui’s history”
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Detailed, intelligent, humane” LITERARY REVIEW
“Gripping” SPECTATOR
“Revelatory… fascinating… wholly convincing”
MAIL ON SUNDAY
“Striking… stunning unraveling of many layers of hidden history” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY * review
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Detailed, intelligent, humane” LITERARY REVIEW
“Gripping” SPECTATOR
“Revelatory… fascinating… wholly convincing”
MAIL ON SUNDAY
“Striking… stunning unraveling of many layers of hidden history” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY * review
Out January 2026 US & Canada
“A bold & convincing revision of Rapa Nui’s history”
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Detailed, intelligent, humane… salutary corrective
to centuries of Western prejudice & fantasy”
LITERARY REVIEW
“A gripping story” SPECTATOR
“Revelatory… fascinating… wholly convincing”
MAIL ON SUNDAY
“A bold & convincing revision of Rapa Nui’s history”
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Detailed, intelligent, humane… salutary corrective
to centuries of Western prejudice & fantasy”
LITERARY REVIEW
“A gripping story” SPECTATOR
“Revelatory… fascinating… wholly convincing”
MAIL ON SUNDAY
October 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Out January 2026 US & Canada
“A bold & convincing revision of Rapa Nui’s history”
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Detailed, intelligent, humane… salutary corrective
to centuries of Western prejudice & fantasy”
LITERARY REVIEW
“A gripping story” SPECTATOR
“Revelatory… fascinating… wholly convincing”
MAIL ON SUNDAY
“A bold & convincing revision of Rapa Nui’s history”
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“Detailed, intelligent, humane… salutary corrective
to centuries of Western prejudice & fantasy”
LITERARY REVIEW
“A gripping story” SPECTATOR
“Revelatory… fascinating… wholly convincing”
MAIL ON SUNDAY
Very sad to hear of the passing of Andy Jones, outstanding regional fieldworker, principal archaeologist with the Cornwall Archaeological Unit for 30+ years. He wrote often for me in British Archaeology, not least on the exceptional Whitehorse Hill bronze age burial
kernowgoth.org/in-memoriam/...
kernowgoth.org/in-memoriam/...
October 1, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Very sad to hear of the passing of Andy Jones, outstanding regional fieldworker, principal archaeologist with the Cornwall Archaeological Unit for 30+ years. He wrote often for me in British Archaeology, not least on the exceptional Whitehorse Hill bronze age burial
kernowgoth.org/in-memoriam/...
kernowgoth.org/in-memoriam/...
Meanwhile in Oxford the Schwarzman Centre opens, an Arts & Humanities focus that if half its claims come true will transform the university’s cultural experience. A timely highlighting of the UK’s powerful creative industries by Irene Tracey. Spring in my step today!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4kR...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4kR...
September 30, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Meanwhile in Oxford the Schwarzman Centre opens, an Arts & Humanities focus that if half its claims come true will transform the university’s cultural experience. A timely highlighting of the UK’s powerful creative industries by Irene Tracey. Spring in my step today!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4kR...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4kR...
BM 2026! Alice Christophe-curated Hawai’i show “shaped with Native Hawaiian knowledge-bearers”, features Hawai’i-UK links - Kamehameha I’s gifts to George III (feathered cloak lent by our King), Kamehameha II & Kamāmalu in London in 1824 (& ?giving this 2.7m kiʻi to George IV) etc. Wonderful things!
September 30, 2025 at 8:54 AM
BM 2026! Alice Christophe-curated Hawai’i show “shaped with Native Hawaiian knowledge-bearers”, features Hawai’i-UK links - Kamehameha I’s gifts to George III (feathered cloak lent by our King), Kamehameha II & Kamāmalu in London in 1824 (& ?giving this 2.7m kiʻi to George IV) etc. Wonderful things!
STATUES! It’s said there are 1,000 on Rapa Nui. The real total is nearer 600, others are carvings in the rock. But 600! And the scale! Impressed by Hoa Hakananai’a in the British Museum? Here it is to the same scale as one dug out by Heyerdahl. How? WHY? Find out in Island at the Edge of the World!
September 25, 2025 at 9:19 AM
STATUES! It’s said there are 1,000 on Rapa Nui. The real total is nearer 600, others are carvings in the rock. But 600! And the scale! Impressed by Hoa Hakananai’a in the British Museum? Here it is to the same scale as one dug out by Heyerdahl. How? WHY? Find out in Island at the Edge of the World!
The 1786 French expedition to Easter Island brought a gardener who described productive soils, fields & cultivated trees. Why was this ignored by modern theories of starvation, war & collapse? Finding the answers allowed me to think anew about the Polynesian adventurers who discovered Rapa Nui
September 24, 2025 at 8:56 AM
The 1786 French expedition to Easter Island brought a gardener who described productive soils, fields & cultivated trees. Why was this ignored by modern theories of starvation, war & collapse? Finding the answers allowed me to think anew about the Polynesian adventurers who discovered Rapa Nui
My book has controversial claims. Rapa Nui archaeology needs rethinking. Legendary histories still have a grip: they should be ditched as sources. This will not endear me to everyone! Doing fieldwork, Dale Simpson was asked: “Why conduct more research? Your answers are already in the oral tradition”
September 23, 2025 at 1:23 PM
My book has controversial claims. Rapa Nui archaeology needs rethinking. Legendary histories still have a grip: they should be ditched as sources. This will not endear me to everyone! Doing fieldwork, Dale Simpson was asked: “Why conduct more research? Your answers are already in the oral tradition”
Thank you Spectator! (Except for the last fatally incorrect paragraph). Island at the Edge of the World is in shops now
www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Edge-...
www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Edge-...
September 19, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Thank you Spectator! (Except for the last fatally incorrect paragraph). Island at the Edge of the World is in shops now
www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Edge-...
www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Edge-...
Meanwhile back at Stonehenge!
September 18, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Meanwhile back at Stonehenge!
I'm talking about Easter Island's extraordinary story tonight at the Gloucester History Festival. This extract from my book expresses an underlying theme that feels more widely relevant (with one of my photos). Hope to see you there!
www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/events/forgo...
www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/events/forgo...
September 17, 2025 at 8:55 AM
I'm talking about Easter Island's extraordinary story tonight at the Gloucester History Festival. This extract from my book expresses an underlying theme that feels more widely relevant (with one of my photos). Hope to see you there!
www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/events/forgo...
www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/events/forgo...
You can read my take on this script in Island at the Edge of the World (hint: it was part of a deeply theatrical expression and celebration of island identity when that appeared to be challenged)
September 15, 2025 at 12:06 PM
You can read my take on this script in Island at the Edge of the World (hint: it was part of a deeply theatrical expression and celebration of island identity when that appeared to be challenged)
And look where that just came in!
September 15, 2025 at 11:45 AM
And look where that just came in!
The value & wisdom of recording gravestones. I photographed this slab last week (first photo) & in 2008. Without the latter, we would not know that the Rev Thomas Meyler had been master of Marlborough's Royal Free Grmmar [sic] School. Was the engraver his pupil?
September 8, 2025 at 4:07 PM
The value & wisdom of recording gravestones. I photographed this slab last week (first photo) & in 2008. Without the latter, we would not know that the Rev Thomas Meyler had been master of Marlborough's Royal Free Grmmar [sic] School. Was the engraver his pupil?
Look what you can find now in the lovely White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough! Island at the Edge of the World, described by Patrick Wilcken in the Literary Review as a "detailed, intelligent, humane work", in which I give "a salutary corrective to centuries of Western prejudice and fantasy"
September 7, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Look what you can find now in the lovely White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough! Island at the Edge of the World, described by Patrick Wilcken in the Literary Review as a "detailed, intelligent, humane work", in which I give "a salutary corrective to centuries of Western prejudice and fantasy"