Augustus Pitt Rivers, often referred to as the “father of British archaeology,” was an English army officer and archaeologist who made significant contributions to the field. With a deep interest in ethnology and archaeology, he introduced innovative methodologies and revolutionized the display of archaeological and ethnological collections. Born into a wealthy family in Yorkshire, he initially pursued a career in the army and served in the Grenadier Guards. However, his overseas postings sparked his passion for archaeology and ethnology, influenced by the evolutionary writings of Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer. Inheriting vast estates with numerous archaeological sites, he conducted meticulous excavations after retiring from the military. His work established him as the first scientific archaeologist in Britain.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In April
- Also Known As: Lieutenant General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers
- Died At Age: 73
- Ethnologists
- Archaeologists
- Died on: May 4, 1900
- Place of death: Rushmore, England
Childhood & Early Life
Augustus Henry Lane-Fox was born on 14 April 1827 in Yorkshire. He came from an upper-class family, with prominent uncles such as George Douglas, 17th Earl of Morton, George Lane-Fox, and Sackville Lane-Fox. The details of his early education are unclear, but it is believed that he was educated at home by private tutors, learning subjects like Latin and Greek. He briefly attended the Royal Military College at Sandhurst.
Career
In 1845, Augustus Pitt Rivers joined the Grenadier Guards as an ensign, marking the beginning of his 32-year military career. He bought most of his ranks during his time in the army. In 1850, he purchased a promotion to Captain and was later promoted to the brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel for his distinguished service during the Crimean War. He played a significant role in testing rifled weapons and instructing the 2nd Battalion of the Grenadier Guards in the use of the new Minié rifle. He also helped establish the School of Musketry at Hythe in Kent and became its principal instructor. In 1857, he bought the rank of lieutenant-colonel and was promoted to colonel in 1867. He retired from the army in 1882 with the honorary rank of Lt General.
During his time overseas, Pitt Rivers developed an interest in archaeology and ethnology. He became a noted scientist and was elected to various prestigious societies. In 1880, he inherited an estate in Cranborne Chase, which allowed him to further explore his passion for archaeology. He conducted meticulous excavations and became known for his scientific approach to archaeology. He collected and catalogued all artifacts, not just the beautiful or unique ones, making him the first scientific archaeologist to work in Britain.
Inspector of Ancient Monuments
After the passing of the Ancient Monuments Act in 1882, Pitt Rivers became Britain’s first Inspector of Ancient Monuments. He was responsible for cataloguing archaeological sites and protecting them from destruction. However, his work was limited by the constraints of the law. In 1884, he was appointed as the High Sheriff of Dorset.
Personal Life & Legacy
In February 1853, Pitt Rivers married Alice Stanley, daughter of politician Edward Stanley and women’s education campaigner Henrietta Stanley. They had nine children together and remained married for 47 years until Pitt Rivers’ death in 1900. He had always advocated for cremation, even when it was illegal in England. Following his wishes, his body was cremated after his death.
Pitt Rivers’ contributions to archaeology and his meticulous approach to excavations have left a lasting legacy in the field.