Background
Rahtz, Philip Arthur was born on March 11, 1921 in Bristol, England. Son of Frederick John and Ethel May (Clothier) Rahtz.
Rahtz, Philip Arthur was born on March 11, 1921 in Bristol, England. Son of Frederick John and Ethel May (Clothier) Rahtz.
Master of Arts, University Bristol, 1964.
After leaving Bristol Grammar School, he became an accountant before serving with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. This friendship sparked a personal interest in archaeology and a professional career, which began with the excavations at Chew Valley Lake (north Somerset) in 1953. He has also excavated at Bordesley Abbey.
Rahtz later ran summer school excavations for the University of Birmingham.
In 2003 he was awarded the Frend Medal for his outstanding contribution to the archaeology of the early Christian Church. In February 2013, a one-day conference was held in Cheddar to celebrate his life and work in Somerset.
Served to sergeant Royal Air Force, 1941-1946. Fellow Society of Antiquaries. Member Institute Field Archaeologists (honorary).
Married Mary Hewgill Smith, September 14, 1940 (deceased May 1977). Children: Philippa, Nicholas, David, Diana, Sebastian, Matthew. Married Lorna Rosemary Watts, April 7, 1978.