About Ian Mortimer

Ian Mortimer was born in Petts Wood (Kent) in 1967. He won a scholarship to Eastbourne College (Sussex) and later read for a B.A. degree in history at the University of Exeter (1989), a M.A. degree in archive studies at University College London (1993), and the degrees of Ph.D. and D.Litt. at the University of Exeter (2004, 2011). Between 1991 and 2003 he worked for a succession of archive and historical research organisations, including Devon Record Office, the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts and the universities of Exeter and Reading. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in 1998, and was awarded the Alexander Prize (2004) for his work on the social history of medicine.

He is one of the most innovative historians working today, pushing the boundaries of both literary form and historical methodology. He also is a keen advocate of the public importance of history, at national level and in the community. Present and past public roles include:

• Secretary-of-State appointee to Dartmoor National Park Authority (2003-7, 2009-present);
• Member of the Lord Chancellor's Forum on Historical Manuscripts and Academic Research (2011-present);
• Member of the Fabric Advisory Committee of Exeter Cathedral (2011-present);
• President of Moretonhampstead History Society (2012-present; Chairman 2005-10; Secretary 2010-12);
• Joint Hon. President of the Mortimer History Society (2009-present);
• Project Leader of the Friends of Devon's Archives 'Eighteenth Century Communities' (2004-7).

He lives on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor (Devon) with his wife Sophie and their three children. Hobbies include visiting historical sites and writing songs, poetry and fiction. Further information is available in an autobiographical note, written in 2008, what's new?' and interviews.