A graduate of the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where he obtained a BA (Hons) in archaeology, John has worked as a professional archaeologist for nearly 30 years, becoming a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA) in 1987. A highly experienced fieldwork director and post-excavation researcher, John spent much of his early career working in historic urban environments, where he gained considerable expertise in the excavation of highly complex archaeology, including internationally significant waterlogged deposits.

John is vastly experienced in the excavation, recording and interpretation of multi-period archaeological remains, though his principal research interests lie in the archaeology of the Roman army and the development of urbanism in Britain. Since joining OA North in 2001, he has established a reputation as a leading expert on the Roman period in northern England, and has developed a strong track record of post-excavation analysis and publication. John has authored a wide range of archaeological reports, including substantial monographs presenting the results of large-scale urban excavations he directed at Winchester and Carlisle.