About Me
WHERE WORDS WORKWhere Passion for the Past takes Flight!
My Story
I am Dr. Rachel Swallow FSA, also known as The Queen of Lost Castles.
The name Swallowtail reflects both the precision of a medieval swallowtail arrowhead, and the graceful flight of a swallow – just as my work combines focused research with a deep passion for history. With about 30 years of experience in academic and commercial archaeology, history, and heritage, I specialise in fortifications and landscapes from the prehistoric to medieval periods.
As a university lecturer, Research Fellow, and independent archaeological consultant, I have worked on a wide range of projects, combining academic rigour with practical, commercial experience.
My work is grounded in a passion for revealing hidden histories, whether through original research, expert writing, or public engagement. I am known for my innovative ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking and clarity of communication, and I have led numerous talks, tours, and lectures, for both academic, and community audiences.
So, how can I help you?
Expert Research and Interpretation: I have a strong working knowledge of sourcing and interpreting primary sources, and I am skilled at utilising key secondary sources, always able to return to the fundamentals for interpretative projects. With a cross-period, interdisciplinary research approach, and with expertise in ancient and modern languages (Medieval and Classical Latin, Anglo-Norman French, French, German, Spanish, Italian), I offer interpretative insights and small-scale specialised translations for national and international heritage professionals.
Tailored Solutions: I offer bespoke research providing targeted insights for specific aspects of your projects.
Academic and Commercial Expertise: With years of lecturing and research experience, and having a deep understanding of the archaeology industry, I work seamlessly across the academic, commercial and heritage fields.
Clear Communication: Whether it’s writing, copyediting, or engaging public talks, I make complex ideas accessible and impactful.
Heritage Interpretation: I provide specialised heritage interpretation services, bridging the gap between the past and present, to engage contemporary audiences with historical landscapes and archaeology.
From leading archaeological tours, to publishing peer-reviewed journals, my work has earned both national and international recognition.
Passionate, precise, and dedicated to uncovering the stories of our past, I bring a fresh perspective to every project.
See all my published articles and books at academia.edu
Contact me to discuss your requirements!
