Background
Dobson was born in Hartlepool in 1931, studied in Stockton before attending the University of Durham in 1949 to read modern history.
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Brian Dobson
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He studied under Eric Birley and is a member of the so-called "Durham School" of archaeology. He fell under the influence of Eric Birley, who later supervisd his Doctor of Philosophy on the role of primipilares in the Roman Army.
Career
His specialisms were Hadrian"s Wall and the Roman Army. He was a Reader Emeritus of Durham University. In 1960 Dobson began working as a lecturer in archaeology in the Department of Extra Mural Studies, teaching in the adult education department - a post in which he remained until retirement in 1990.
He worked closely with David Breeze (chief inspector of ancient monuments for historic Scotland and visiting professor at Durham University since 1994) on their joint studies in aspects of Hadrian"s Wall and produced one of the most influential texts on the subject, still in print today.
He undertook a series of excavations in Corbridge in the 1960s and 1970s, and provided an eyewitness account of the discovery of the Corbridge Hoard. Dobson served as president of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle and of the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland.
What gave him particular pleasure was his membership of the Vindolanda Trust from 1996 to 2011. In 1971, he founded the in order to promote the study of the Wall and its environs.
He remained the patron of the society from its conception until his death in 2012.
To mark his 70th birthday, in 2002, the society presented him with a collation of papers from current and former students and colleagues.
Membership
He was also a member of several local trusts, including those of Chesters, Corbridge and Maryport museums.
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Born
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Died
July 19, 2012 (aged 80) -
Nationality
United Kingdom