UWTSD Celebrates the Achievements of E.R Pritchard in Archaeology prize winner

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is proud to celebrate the remarkable journey and achievements of Isaac Law, who is graduating with a degree in Archaeology from the University’s Lampeter campus. During the ceremony Isaac was also presented with the 2024 E.R Pritchard in Archaeology prize. 

Isaac’s story is a testament to the university’s supportive environment and the enriching experiences it offers its students. Isaac, originally from Pitsea in Essex, was drawn to UWTSD for its unique blend of Archaeology with Medieval Studies, a course that perfectly aligned with his longstanding passion for the Middle Ages. “Since I was little, I have adored the Middle Ages,” Isaac shares. “My interest in Archaeology really manifested during my first year of sixth form, during the Coronavirus lockdown, while watching a lot of Time Team with my dad.”

Isaac’s decision to attend UWTSD was influenced by the university’s rural location, the hands-on excavation experiences offered as part of the course, and the active reenactment society. “Lampeter’s size and location was also a major attraction,” he explains. “I was also very keen to join the reenactment society at the university.”

Reflecting on his studies, Isaac highlights the excavation at Llanllyr as a standout experience. “I was able to experience laying trenches, excavation, cataloguing finds, surveying, and soil analysis,” he recounts. He also enjoyed working in the Roderick Bowen Library and Special Collections with medieval manuscripts and early printed books. “The smaller classes allowed for more seminar-like lectures, offering personal support from lecturers.”

Isaac’s undergraduate dissertation focused on the significance of sheep by-products to the Anglo Saxons, blending archaeological discoveries with textual sources. 

Outside the classroom, Isaac was actively involved in several student societies, including the Medieval Society, Fencing, and the Christian Union. Serving on the executive committee of these societies, he particularly cherished his time with the Medieval Society, attending reenactment shows across England and Wales.

Throughout his studies, Isaac faced challenges such as time management and social anxiety. “I began going to the library after lectures to avoid distractions and worked alongside friends to complete assignments earlier,” he explains. “With the help of my lecturers’ feedback and advice, I grew more comfortable forming conclusions and discussing ideas.”

Isaac’s time at UWTSD has been transformative both academically and personally. “I met, fell in love with, and began dating my partner, now fiancée, while studying at UWTSD Lampeter,” he shares. “Lampeter has had a lasting impact on my life. I have grown firmer in my faith, found my confidence, built friendships, fallen in love, and won a few sword fights.”

Isaac will continue his academic journey with an MA in Medieval Archaeology at the University of York. He looks forward to building on the skills he has honed at UWTSD Lampeter. “The teaching has been brilliant, and the lecturers have been really supportive,” he says. “Lampeter itself has been a great environment to study in. The rural setting is relaxing and pleasant, and the student community is friendly and welcoming.”

For more information on the Archaeology programme and other courses offered at UWTSD, please visit https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/subjects/history-and-archaeology 

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076