The Roman Research Trust

Charity Number: 800983

Annual Expenditure: £0.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £45,392 (2024/25)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Applications by 31 January, decisions by end of April (approximately 12 weeks)
  • Grant Range: £500 - £10,000 (via Audrey Barrie Brown Memorial Fund)
  • Geographic Focus: Roman Britain (UK-wide), with preference for Wiltshire and western counties

Contact Details

Website: https://romanresearchtrust.org

Email: RHOBBS@britishmuseum.org (Richard Hobbs, contact for enquiries)

Phone: 020 7323 8294

Applications: office@romansociety.org (Secretary of the Roman Society)

Address: The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG

Overview

The Roman Research Trust (RRT) was established in 1990 as a British registered charity to support education and research in Romano-British archaeology. Originally founded around the excavation at Littlecote Roman villa and successively supported by Sir Seton Wills and Mr Peter de Savary, the Trust has since awarded over £600,000 in grants to projects advancing knowledge of all aspects of Roman Britain. The Trust operates in partnership with the Roman Society, jointly administering grants through the Audrey Barrie Brown Memorial Fund (from RRT) and the Donald Atkinson Fund (from the Roman Society). The Trust aims to utilize approximately £25,000 per annum for grants to Romano-British archaeology and running expenses. The Trust is governed by a board of expert trustees including curators, academics, and archaeologists specializing in Roman Britain.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Audrey Barrie Brown Memorial Fund (Roman Research Trust): £500 - £10,000

  • Focused on Romano-British archaeology research projects
  • Educational programmes including conferences and outreach events
  • Publications relating to Roman Britain
  • Awards restricted to Roman Britain
  • Application deadline: 31 January annually (online portal via Roman Society)

Donald Atkinson Fund (Roman Society): Up to £2,000

  • Archaeology and art history of the Roman Empire and Roman Britain
  • Not geographically restricted to British Isles
  • Joint application process with Audrey Barrie Brown Fund

Priority Areas

The Trust supports a diverse range of Romano-British archaeology projects:

  • Archaeological fieldwork: Excavations, surveys, and geophysical investigations at Roman sites across Britain (including Trimontium, Durnovaria, Durobrivae, Vindolanda, and Silchester)
  • Post-excavation analysis: Material studies, artifact analysis, environmental research, and specialist assessments from Roman sites
  • Publications: Research dissemination, scholarly publications on Roman Britain topics (including Roman glass bangles, Greek and Roman medicine)
  • Conservation: Preservation of Roman artifacts and archaeological materials (e.g., spatha swords, cart axles)
  • Educational activities: Sixth form bursaries for archaeological fieldwork, conference support, public outreach, and educational programmes
  • Digital projects: Digital media and archival projects related to Romano-British collections and research

Geographic preference for Wiltshire and neighbouring western counties, though projects anywhere in Britain are considered.

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects outside Roman Britain (for Audrey Barrie Brown Fund)
  • Applicants with unpublished legacy research (publication track record essential)
  • Multiple applications in the same year from the same applicant
  • Applicants who previously received funding but failed to submit required reports
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Julie Reynolds - Chairperson (2023-)

  • Archaeology graduate from UCL, curator at National Museum of Wales and National Trust
  • Expertise in Roman archaeology, material culture, and burial practices

Jonathan Hollow - Treasurer (2024-)

  • Cambridge and Kent universities graduate, public sector strategy professional
  • Co-author on financial publications, currently pursuing doctorate on imperial Roman economy

Dr. Adam Rogers (2025-)

  • Assistant Professor in Roman Archaeology at University of Birmingham
  • Research focus on Roman urbanism, landscapes, and settlement archaeology
  • Author of multiple books on Roman Britain

Dr. Eleanor Ghey (2021-)

  • Curator of Iron Age and Roman Coin Hoards at British Museum
  • Research on Gallo-Roman temple sites and Iron Age to Roman transition

Amanda Hart (2023-)

  • Roman Baths and Pump Room Manager
  • Museum studies specialist with expertise in archaeological collections and public engagement

Dr. David Walsh (2025-)

  • Career Development Fellow at Durham University
  • Research on Mithras cult and reception of Roman Britain

Dr. Eleri Cousins (2025-)

  • Assistant Professor at Durham University
  • Research on Roman religious sanctuaries and provincial archaeology

Dr. Tom Brindle (2024-)

  • Commercial and academic archaeology specialist
  • Expertise in Roman artifact analysis and settlement studies

Key Guidance from Leadership

The Trust emphasizes that “the results of funded research should be disseminated in a format proportionate to the significance of the findings.” The Trust explicitly states that “applicants who have a legacy of unpublished research are unlikely to receive funding” - highlighting publication track record as a critical success factor.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted jointly through the Roman Society's online portal:

  1. Download the application form from the Roman Society website: https://www.romansociety.org/Grants-Prizes/Audrey-Barrie-Brown-Memorial-Fund-Donald-Atkinson-Fund
  2. Complete the single joint application form (includes guidance and contact details)
  3. Submit electronically to the Secretary of the Roman Society at office@romansociety.org
  4. Application deadline: 31 January annually

Important restrictions:

  • Individuals may not make more than one application in any year
  • Successful applicants must submit reports; failure to do so will result in future applications being rejected
  • Applicants must demonstrate a track record of publishing their research findings

Decision Timeline

  • Application deadline: 31 January
  • Notification: End of April (approximately 12 weeks from deadline)
  • Grants distributed: Annually following approval

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, with approximately £25,000 available annually from the Roman Research Trust (plus the Donald Atkinson Fund from the Roman Society), and grants ranging from £500 to £10,000, the Trust can support between 3-20 projects per year depending on individual grant sizes. Recent funded projects suggest typical awards range from £1,000 to £5,000.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust restricts individuals from making more than one application per year. Information about reapplication following an unsuccessful application is not explicitly stated, though there is no indication of a waiting period. However, applicants who previously received funding but failed to submit required reports will not be considered for future grants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

  1. Strong publication track record: The Trust explicitly states that “applicants who have a legacy of unpublished research are unlikely to receive funding.” Demonstrate your commitment to disseminating research findings through publications proportionate to project significance.
  1. Clear Romano-British focus: All funded projects must relate to the archaeology of Roman Britain. Projects in Wiltshire and neighbouring western counties receive preference, though applications from anywhere in Britain are considered.
  1. Diverse project types succeed: The Trust funds excavations (Teffont Archaeology Project received £4,700 in 2024), post-excavation analysis (Druce Roman Villa, Calleva Atrebatum), publications (Roman glass bangles, Greek and Roman medicine), conservation (spatha sword, cart axle preservation), and educational/digital initiatives (Vindolanda digital project, sixth form bursaries).
  1. Research dissemination plans: Clearly articulate how findings will be published and shared with academic and public audiences. The Trust values advancing knowledge and public education about Roman Britain.
  1. Realistic budgets: Grants typically range from £1,000-£5,000, with the Audrey Barrie Brown Fund maximum at £10,000. Align your budget request with the scale of your project and demonstrate value for money.
  1. Compliance and reporting: Successful applicants must submit reports on funded projects. Previous grant recipients who failed to report will not receive future funding, demonstrating the Trust's emphasis on accountability.
  1. Scientific rigor: Projects funded include excavations at significant Roman sites (Trimontium, Durnovaria, Durobrivae, military sites in Scotland), specialist material studies, and environmental research - indicating preference for methodologically sound archaeological research.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Publication track record is critical - The Trust explicitly states that applicants with unpublished legacy research will not be funded; demonstrate your commitment to disseminating findings
  • Apply by 31 January for decisions by end of April - this is an annual funding cycle with a single deadline
  • Grants range from £500-£10,000 via the Audrey Barrie Brown Memorial Fund, with typical awards between £1,000-£5,000
  • Romano-British focus is essential - all projects must relate to Roman Britain, with preference for Wiltshire and western counties but UK-wide projects considered
  • Diverse project types are funded - excavation, post-excavation analysis, publications, conservation, education, and digital projects all receive support
  • Joint administration with Roman Society - applications are submitted through the Roman Society, not directly to the Trust; use the joint application form
  • Report compliance matters - failure to submit required reports from previous grants will disqualify you from future funding

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