Natasha Billson - Archaeologist,
Public Historian & TV Presenter

Bridging the past and present through bold storytelling
— from excavation to broadcast

I’m Natasha Billson, an archaeologist, historian, content creator, and TV presenter with over 15 years of experience in the cultural heritage sector. I am a UKRI / AHRC–funded PhD researcher at the University of Bristol, working in collaboration with the University of Exeter and Westminster Abbey. My professional work bridges academic research, public archaeology, and digital storytelling, connecting global audiences with the material and lived realities of the past. (U.S. I Media Visa holder)

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I’m on a mission to make archaeology and history more inclusive and representative -

amplifying hidden voices, celebrating shared heritage, and engaging new audiences through powerful storytelling.

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Between 2013 and 2021, I worked as a commercial field archaeologist on major urban and rural infrastructure projects throughout the UK. Since 2021, I've shifted into public-facing archaeology, combining hands-on excavation with impactful media to connect new audiences to the past. I've also worked on archaeological projects and excavations with local teams in Barbados, Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Russia, and Ukraine.

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You may know me as the co-presenter of Channel 4's community-based archaeology show The Great British Dig with Hugh Dennis or from Relative Secrets with Jane Seymour (Acorn TV / BBC America) - an unscripted genealogy-meets-true-crime series. I also appear as an expert contributor in international documentaries, including Mysteries from Above (Cottage Life/Discovery) and Oops! I Changed This World (Curiosity Stream), as well as award-nominated series such as the Canada Screen Award-nominated Cursed Histories and Revolutions That Changed History, nominated at the Yorkton Film Festival.

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I’m the creator of Tash_Archaeo and Behind the Trowel podcast, spotlighting powerful stories from archaeologists and historians around the world. I also produce historical content for cultural heritage organisations, such as the British Museum and Visit Morocco, as well as my channels, where I share behind-the-scenes archaeology, discoveries, art, history, and cultural trips with a growing global audience.

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In 2022, I co-founded Heritage Media Group, a creative studio producing documentary, video, and social media content for museums, universities, tourism boards, and broadcasters.

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Heritage Media Group provides:

• Media training for academics, archaeologists, and museum staff. Helping team members to communicate confidently on camera and in public talks.

• Marketing strategy and social media campaigns for commercial archaeology units, museums, and tourism boards. Designed to grow audiences and increase engagement across digital platforms.

• Directing and producing excavation documentaries, educational videos, and content for heritage exhibitions and public outreach.

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​Whether I’m on camera, behind the lens, on-site, or on stage, my goal is to spark curiosity

and inspire a deeper appreciation of our shared human past, one story at a time.

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Education​:

• BSc Archaeology, Bournemouth University (2013)

• MA History, St Mary’s University, Twickenham (2024)

• PhD History of Art, University of Bristol, in collaboration with the University of Exeter and Westminster Abbey (2025-2029). Research specialisms include monastic and ecclesiastical architecture, relics, pilgrimage, cult of saints, medieval Catholicism in England, and Western Christianity. (Funded by UKRI / AHRC via SWW DTP2) 

 

My official social media accounts for @Tash_Archaeo / Behind The Trowel:

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/tash_archaeo/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tash_archaeo

( inactive - https://www.facebook.com/tasharchaeology/ )

​YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheTrowel

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/behindthetrowel

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/behindthetrowel/

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