Kris Poole Zooarchaeology
Pre- and mid-excavation advice
Guidance can be given on sampling and recovery of animal remains, to inform project designs. I also provide advice during the course of excavations, such as cases where extensive or unusual bone deposits are discovered.
Assessments and Final Reports
I undertake identification, analysis and reporting of animal bone assemblages, of any size, from across the UK. My reports conform to best practice guidelines, including those of Historic England and CIfA. Examples of projects I have worked on can be found here.
Publication-level reports
My work has been published in international and local journals, and in edited volumes. These include bone reports, as well as papers on topics as varied as falconry, horse meat consumption, medieval cats and place-names. A list of selected publications can be found here.
About me
I am a zooarchaeologist with over 20 years’ experience, both within the commercial and academic sectors. My first involvement in commercial zooarchaeology took place following my BA Archaeology at the University of Southampton. An MA Osteoarchaeology at the same institution followed, after which I worked as a Zooarchaeologist for Oxford Archaeology, before starting my PhD at the University of Nottingham. Since then, I have undertaken freelance zooarchaeological work for a number of clients, as well as posts as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Nottingham, and Lecturer in Zooarchaeology at the University of Sheffield. Between 2016 and early 2025, I worked at York Archaeology, including as a Post-Excavation Manager.
I have reported on animal bone assemblages from across the UK, on both urban and rural sites, and dating from the Mesolithic to modern periods. My knowledge of British archaeology and the key research questions for different regions and time periods. This means that I can quickly identify the significance of a bone assemblage and its potential, in order to provide key insights into your site.
Contact me
Interested in knowing more, or would you like me to produce a quote for your animal bone assemblage? If so, please provide further information and I will be in touch shortly.