iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

I’m doing #archink / #inktober a little differently this year. A little more slowly. Starting with making the materials. Here’s how I make my ink:

040

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I’m mostly at peace with having left Norfolk, but every now and then the dam breaks and I get a wave of my youth crashing over me. For good and ill.* You have a terrific ability to capture the sense of a place. *In this case, Fat Pauly’s circa 2001. Less said the better.

120

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Starting to enjoy field sketching again, making oak gall inks and reed pens, listening to birds and scratching away in a sketchbook. Learning to live with imperfect results. Feels cathartic.

Photo of a Page from a sketchbook: scruffy ink 3-panel sketch of a bridge, with a list of birds heard whilst sketching. Text reads:

Diglis Bridge 28.9.26
18:54-19:17
RH 26
Carrión crow • Jackdaw• Robin • Wren• Dunnock• Sparrow Kingfisher Magpie Blackbird Mallard• Cetti’s Warbler. Chiffchaff Starling Two Pipistrelles on the walk back. Sweet smell of Himalayan balsam.

161

Reposted by Rob Hedge

Dr Laura Varnam @drlauravarnam.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

SO excited about the forthcoming essays that we have coming out in this special issue!!! 😄 They make a brilliant case for reading, writing, & living *creatively* in the humanities 🥳

081

Reposted by Rob Hedge

Sarah May @sarahmay1.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

We've decided to start a discussion series. Lunchtimes once a month, to remember why we 'do heritage' all welcome, please share with students and networks.

Poster for a discussion series. Text reads:

ButCH/*

Bureau for the Contemporary & Historic

Bureau Bites!

JOIN US AT THE BUREAU FOR A MONTHLY LUNCHTIME BITE

13.15-14.00

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/353204848682706?p=kTQLxkqUay7odEGmUi

Meeting ID: 353 204 848 682 706

Passcode: 72My9df2

Start your week with us in the Bureau for our new series, Bureau Bites. These informal, 45min online gatherings are open to all, whether you're a postgraduate student, a heritage manager or a senior consultant. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn account where we'll post a link to a short text (30 min read) the week before we meet. We understand how dynamic, energetic and enterprising (ie busy) we all are so please join the conversation even you haven't been able to make time to read and reflect in advance. Readings will be a mix of websites, blogs, reports, excerpts from academic papers.

The aim is to reconnect us with our communities of practice and to create space for the kind of thinking we might not be able to do on the daily grind. We invite participants to start a light-touch reflective journal to help document these conversations, which you may find useful in your work.

These gatherings also mark the start of ButCH's journey towards being a business partnership and launch of our redesigned website https://37looestreet.org/home/butch/

Monday, 12 October: Does heritage really matter?

Monday, 9 November: When loss is more!

Monday, 7 December: Beyond engagement? Art, heritage and placemaking

Monday, 11 January: Strategies, frameworks and plans why have them?

Monday, 8 February: Nothing ages faster than the future

Monday, 8 March: Place, land and more-than-human interve

Monday, 5 April: 'No, I don't want to do workshops with NEETs! Beyond instrumentalising heritage

Monday, 10 May: Not another toolkit! Working with creative approaches to unblock cross-sector heritage research, management and policy

42819

Reposted by Rob Hedge

em horne @em-ehx.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Extended deadline for the Institute for Names studies sponsored Medieval Onomastics panels at Leeds IMC 2027 @imc-leeds.bsky.social #IMC27 ! Get your abstracts in to Tristan and Rachel ASAP, but no later than the 25th September. Please share with colleagues, students, friends, enemies etc

056

Reposted by Rob Hedge

The Green Runners @thegreenrunners.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Rob ran a great race and wants to get more life from his daps. We provided a few pointers in reply to his post. Check out the YouTube videos we shared for great advice. #HowWeKitUp

072

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Brilliant, thank you! I’ll give it a go.

110

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

But my trusty old Topos took a bit of punishment. In need a bit of patching-up. Any tips for repair, @thegreenrunners.bsky.social?

Photograph of a running shoe with a large split in the fabric upper, close to where it meets the sole.

110

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

And genius of Worcester Physiotherapy Clinic to offer post-race free sports massage. Much appreciated!

Photograph of gazebo under which therapists are performing sports massage

120

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Props to the event photographers for capturing the very moment my soul left my body, at 9.5k facing one final incline with nothing in the tank…

Photograph of a runner with a 1000-yard stare, facing the daunting prospect of one more gentle slope

100

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Really enjoyed yesterday’s Worcester City Runs 10k; brilliant to run through the heart of the city, great crowds and atmosphere despite the weather: muggy then soggy! Bagged a PB despite less than optimal prep. 😬🏃‍♂️

Photo of three runners mid-race on a riverside path.

Photo of a runner in blue kit crossing the finish line, just behind a shirtless man who turns to high-five? Hug? Wave? 🤷

Photo of a runner - a middle-aged white man in blue running kit and a purple jacket - with a medal round their neck, ringing a PB bell in the rain

120

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Wrapping up the series and the summer watching England vs Ireland at New Road. And proudly cheering on our little club’s own emerging star, Charis Pavely #cricket 🏏

010

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Terrific animation by Imogen Taylor!

031

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

New theory on drivers for Icelandic deforestation just dropped: medieval Norse desire for endogenous Cricket bat production, coupled with high breakage rates due to the inherent unsuitability of native birchwood. 🏏🗃️

0135

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Like the old wounds that open up for scurvy sufferers. The closure of wounds requires constant renewal and regrowth. Under stress, and absent the Vit C vital for collagen, scars unravel. Just as under stress, the scars within the soil re-emerge, and their effects are seen on the surface.

030

Reposted by Rob Hedge

Cat Rees @catrees.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

PhD thesis submitted at the end of last month and now feeling weirdly flat and restless. Sharing a little zine I made at the end of the project as a nod to hopefully doing more creative things in archaeology soon! Last few pages to follow

7355

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Congratulations, and the zine is brilliant! Look forward to seeing more.

110

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

And props to the ICC for the genius Hello Kitty Cricket Club collaboration. Some bargains to be had in the tournament shop right now… 🏏

A man standing in front of a brick wall wearing navy cap and shorts, and a grey t-shirt with ‘Hello Kitty Cricket Club’ design

010

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Celebrating a Richa Ghosh boundary in the Hollies. 🏏 My 6yo daughter spent ages out by the food trucks trying to copy Babette de Leede’s ramp shot. Representation matters.

110

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Now the dust is settling on the Women’s T20 #cricket World Cup… it’s been terrific. Took family to Edgbaston to see Bangladesh vs Netherlands and India vs Pakistan. Just incredible for the children to feel the atmosphere, the noise, the joy. To see women’s sport lift the roof. 🏏

Photograph of two adults and two children standing in front of Edgbaston cricket stadium. The children wear purple foam fingers.

Photograph of play between Bangladesh and Netherlands in Women’s T20 cricket World Cup: Dutch batter Sterre Kalis steers the ball backward of square.

Photograph of India supporters at Edgbaston for India vs Pakistan women’s cricket match, 14 June 2026

Photograph of India supporters at Edgbaston for India vs Pakistan cricket match, 14 June 2026

130

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

The deadline for the MSRG John Hurst Memorial Prize is fast approaching! Open to any current/recent postgraduate students. Submit abstract by 30th June. £200 prize for best paper; presenters eligible for travel bursary. Details/forms at: medieval-settlement.com/grant.../dis... 🏛️🗃️🏺 #medievalsky

Medieval
Settlement
Research Group M.S.R.c.
John Hurst Memorial Prize
Open to all postgraduate students
Present a 15-minute paper on any theme related to medieval landscape and settlement in the British Isles or Europe To be delivered at the MSRGWinter Seminar, December 5th 2026
in person or online
The author of the winning paper recieves £200 and can submit a short article based on their paper for inclusion in our journal, Medieval Settlement Research.
Image by Rob Hedge. Inspired by MS. Bodl. 264, fol. 109v
Current postgraduate students (or those within 1 year of completion) of landscape archaeology, history, geography and other cognate subject areas, whose research relates to medieval rural landscapes and settlements, are warmly encouraged to apply Applicants should complete the regulations and application forms with an abstract (max 500 words), to be returned to the Hon. Secretary: secretarymsrg@gmail.com
The closing date for abstracts is 30th June 2026. Up to four shortlisted speakers will be invited to present either in person or online on 5th December 2026. Finalists are eligible to apply for a bursary to offset travel expenses. Full details can be found at:
https://medieval-settlement.com/grants-awards/dissertation-award/

021

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

If you’d like to take a minute out of your Friday afternoon, here’s a time-lapse video in which I colour my live sketches from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists conference in Edinburgh this week. (🔈 for commentary) #archaeology #illustration

070

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

On my way back after a fine CIfA archaeology conference in Edinburgh. And yes, I’ve been scribbling - will get my illustrations coloured and posted soon… 🏺🏛️🗃️

Selfie of a man in purple running top and green cap on top of a large hill, with Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth in the background.

1110

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Anyway, age is just a number, right?* And here’s Hassaan and I, having just snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. *the state of my knees the following day very much suggests that this is wishful thinking

Photograph of two cricketers dressed in grass-stained whites standing side-by-side against the backdrop of a cricket pitch.

120

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

As we walked out to field, my teammate asked: “When did you last play?” “2009”, I reply. “Oh,” she says, “I was 4.” “I wasn’t even born” pipes up another… 😬 🏏

141

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

I suppose it was inevitable… after scoring, then coaching, I played my first game of competitive cricket in 17 years yesterday. The less said about my bowling the better… but I did manage 42no and a last-wicket 50 partnership to win. And I felt the joy of being out in the middle on a glorious day. 🏏

Photograph of a cricketer in whites playing a shot on the front foot, with the wicketkeeper standing up to the stumps. In the background is a fence topped with flowering hawthorn

260

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

A little time-lapse video, colouring my live conference sketches from the weekend’s Medieval Settlement Research Group Spring conference in Lincoln. #medievalsky 🏺🏛️🗃️ #sketchbook #illustration #skystorians (🔈for commentary)

2285

Reposted by Rob Hedge

Enricharch @enricharch.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Don't forget to come and see us today between 12-4! We have #OSL and #Pollen data which gives us a tremendous record of #Medieval farming! Sheen village hall SK17 0ES ///soap.social.cosmic

233

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Only so many cliches I could fit in!

010

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

A cartoon to illustrate Ellen Durbin's excellent Diggers' Forum article on the awkward disconnect, raised by @sarahmay1.bsky.social, between the impact of archaeology and the impact on archaeologists. There'll be more from me in future issues of British Archaeology. 🏺

1206

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Thanks Dan, much appreciated! Been a hermit of late; trying to get back to posting more stuff.

000

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Enjoying that ‘first page of a new sketchbook’ feeling. Bishop’s Palace, St Davids, Pembrokeshire.

Photograph of a sketchbook page with a pencil and ink sketch of a ruined medieval building.

1120

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Porth Mawr. 11/04/2026 North #Pembrokeshire #surfing 🌊🏄‍♂️

A windswept 3-legged dog on the beach watches the surf with a stick in her mouth

Photo: Two surfers in black wetsuit, hats, gloves and boots carry swallow-tail surfboards across the beach.

Goofy-footed Surfer on swallow-tail board making the most of mushy side-shore conditions, with rocks in the background

Goofy-footed surfer floats the lip of a mushy wave at Porth Mawr

020

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Restorative Pembrokeshire Easter weekend with familiar faces. Not pictured (because they were too quick), the first swallows. One on Friday 3rd, then two pairs on Sunday 5th above Aberfelin, Trefin.

Photograph of a sunlit sea against dark cliffs

Photograph of Ynys-Fach, coastline near Porthgain with steep cliffs; with the hills of Strumble Head in background

Photograph of Carreg Samson, Neolithic burial chamber at Longhouse, Abercastell

Photograph of a scruffy wiry-haired dog on the beach at Solva.

181

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Not felt like there’s been much to celebrate of late, but today as the mist cleared and the sun appeared, I shaved 18 seconds off my #Parkrun PB.

Photograph of a tired-looking man in purple sports kit standing next to a sign saying ‘Worcester Pitchcroft Parkrun PB Bell’, underneath which is a brass cowbell.

0100

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

I’ve a pair of Hoka Bondi 8s that went well over 1200km as a daily road shoe. Sole is well worn but the upper is still near perfect; and they’re still a serviceable backup shoe.

110

Reposted by Rob Hedge

Dr Hélène Maloigne @hmaloigne.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

🏺🗃️ The #Historians of #Archaeology group website launches soon! historiansofarchaeology.wordpress.com We welcome submissions for the blog from everyone working on any aspect of the history of archaeology (excavations, object provenance, community, popular histories, histories of science...) 1/2

1129

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Yes, camels are cool, but I’m waiting for the palaeogenomics of the walking rock blanket…

Screenshot detail of a Gen-AI image showing what appears to be a blanket flowing out of a pile of rocks, standing on two bird-like legs clad in teeny shoes.

120

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

I loved that comics workshop from John and Hannah, it was my first experience of dipping my toe into comics and archaeology! I was inspired to do a summary of TAG-as-comic on the train home… and 7+ years later I’m still dabbling!

Photograph of a sketchbook page showing an illustrated summary of sessions at the TAG DEVA conference 2018

Photograph of a comic strip in zine format telling the story produced by the author in 2025

2115

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

She looks as if butter wouldn’t melt, but she can be quite a demanding manager. Complains at me if I’m taking too long over breakfast, drags me out to the office, demands frequent hospitality at her local cafe, and simply *insists* on a shower and blow-dry after muddy walks…

Photograph of a 3-legged Irish terrier supervising work on an archaeological excavation.

Photograph of a 3-legged Irish terrier reclining on a dog bed in her favourite cafe

120

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

#Parkrun at Worcester Woods this morning, with Millie’s customary post-run scamper through Nunnery Wood. My journey up there probably follows the route once taken by medieval nuns of Worcester’s Whiston nunnery on the Tything, who farmed the land and after whom it’s named.

Selfie of a man in a blue coat and glasses, crouching next to a scruffy dog, on a woodland path

1100

Reposted by Rob Hedge

Kiran Mehta @kiranmehta.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

A nice surprise this morning: my article on prison reform from below is out! I believe it’s open access but let me know if you can’t get a copy and would like one. academic.oup.com/histres/adva...

academic.oup.com

Prison reform from below: London, c.1780–1830*

Abstract. This article explores the history of the English prison reform movement from ‘below’ – that is, from the perspective of prison inmates. By highli

24128

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Cheers Tess. I’ve been remiss of late in advertising, but some of my illustrations are available on sustainable clothing and gifts. And if you’d like a design in a different colour/garment, give me a shout. Tomorrow is last day for 1st class Christmas postage 👍 incurablearchaeologist.teemill.com

incurablearchaeologist.teemill.com

Home

Archaeological and historical-themed sustainable clothing and gifts. Designed by archaeologist and illustrator Rob Hedge, delivered by Teemill.

010

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

It is - and there’s still time to nab yourself a sustainably-produced Cirencester Cockerel T-shirt in time for Christmas! 😉 🏺🏛️ incurablearchaeologist.teemill.com/search/?sear...

incurablearchaeologist.teemill.com

Home

Archaeological and historical-themed sustainable clothing and gifts. Designed by archaeologist and illustrator Rob Hedge, delivered by Teemill.

020

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

By strange coincidence, I’m wearing my Cirencester Roman Cockerel T-shirt today! I love Tess’s chocolate version. Any other representations out there? 🏺🏛️

Selfie of a man standing against a wooden wall and bookshelves, wearing a black T-shirt with the image of a Roman copper alloy statuette of a cockerel, with coloured enamel inlay on its wings and chest

041

Rob Hedge @robhedge.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Completed my ECB Level 2 Core Coach qualification yesterday! 🎉 A great course: participants from current 1st class / England U19 pros all the way down to parent volunteers. Pride slightly tempered by aches in muscles I’d forgotten I even had, after yesterday’s pace bowling session. 🏏😬🤕 #cricket

Selfie of a bespectacled man in sports kit in a sports hall, next to a black banner that reads ‘Worcestershire Cricket Foundation #CricketForAll

030

Reposted by Rob Hedge

Tom Fairfax @tcfairfax.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

I had a great time giving this talk yesterday! And it's already available to watch in YouTube! Huge thanks to @insuhi.bsky.social for having me!

0127

Reposted by Rob Hedge

Grace Owen @graceowen.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Just sharing this again - a piece in @uk.theconversation.com that Alex Brown and I wrote about peasants and the surprising amount of 'sick leave' they were given in the middle ages #medievalsky #history #medieval theconversation.com/medieval-pea...

theconversation.com

Medieval peasants enjoyed a surprising range of sick, annual and bereavement leave benefits

Some peasants were entitled to up to a year and a day of leave if they were sick.

073