Raksha Dave

Raksha Dave is a field archaeologist, public archaeologist, author and broadcaster, and the current President of the Council for British Archaeology.

A graduate of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, Dave began her career on research excavations in the UK, Puerto Rico and Texas before establishing herself as a commercial field archaeologist in London. She worked on some of the capital’s most significant multi-period sites, alongside international research projects including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Çatalhöyük in Turkey.

Her expertise spans from prehistory to the Second World War and incorporates contemporary archaeology. In 2003, she joined Channel 4’s flagship archaeology series "Time Team," becoming a familiar face on the program for a decade until its final episode in 2013. During this time, she excavated more than 100 sites, including Westminster Abbey, Holyrood Palace and the D-Day defences in Normandy.

Dave has presented history and archaeology programmes to international audiences for over twenty years. Her broadcast credits include "Time Team," and more recently Sandi Toksvig’s "Hidden Wonders," "Digging for Britain," "Digging Up Britain’s Past" and "The Great Plague." In 2021, she was invited to become a BAFTA member in recognition of her contribution to specialist factual broadcasting. She continues to play an active role within the industry, regularly serving as a jury member for film and television awards in the documentary and presenting categories.

In 2023, Dave published her debut children’s archaeology book, "Lessons from Our Ancestors" to widespread acclaim. The book was shortlisted for four literary awards and went on to win the Discover category at the British Book Awards 2024 – becoming the first archaeology title to receive the coveted ‘nibbie’. Her second children’s book, "The Archaeologists’ Discoveries," is forthcoming.

Alongside broadcasting and research, Dave is a passionate advocate for public archaeology, community engagement and inclusive heritage practice. She works with cultural organizations to broaden participation, embed storytelling into their work, and connect heritage with wider and more diverse audiences.