author
J. Romilly (John Romilly) Allen
1847–1907
An engineer by training who became a leading archaeologist, he helped shape the study of prehistoric Britain and early Christian art. His work on Celtic and pre-Norman monuments made him an important guide to the visual history of Britain and Scotland.
1 Audiobook
Celtic art in Pagan and Christian times
by J. Romilly (John Romilly) Allen
About the author
Born in London on June 9, 1847, he was educated at King's College School, Rugby, and King's College London. He began his career in engineering, working on dock and railway projects, before turning more fully toward archaeology and antiquarian research.
He became especially known for studying prehistoric remains and the art and monuments of early medieval Britain. His published work included important research on Celtic art and, with Joseph Anderson, The Early Christian Monuments of Scotland, a major survey of carved stones and related material.
He died in London on July 5, 1907. Although better known today within specialist circles, his careful fieldwork and descriptive writing helped preserve knowledge of many early British and Scottish monuments for later scholars.