Audrey Williams

TEACHER, ARCHAEOLOGIST, FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF RISW

Born and brought up in Dinas Powys, Audrey Williams was a professional archaeologist who excavated famous historical sites across the UK, including the Temple of Mithras in London, the Barbican and Canterbury Roman Pavement, and sites closer to home such as Fairwood Common in Swansea and Rhosilli in Gower. She became involved with Swansea Museum and the Royal Institute of South Wales after studying English at Oxford, and between 1941 and 1944 was appointed Assistant Inspector of Ancient Monuments by the Ministry of Works and Buildings for the UK Government. Her job was to excavate archaeological sites before they were developed for defences or military installations, but despite her working every day on the Temple of Mithras site, unlike her director and colleague, Professor William Grimes, the site only features his name.