TRIBUTES have been paid to a renowned County Durham archaeologist who died suddenly at the weekend aged 62.

Percival Turnbull, of Mickleton, Teesdale, was an archaeologist for more than 30 years.

The son of a miner, he was born in Coxhoe, County Durham, in 1953 and went on to study at the University of London’s Institute of Archaeology before holding a post at Durham University and working for Durham, North Yorkshire and Cumbria County Councils.

He set up the Brigantia Archaeological Practice, in Barnard Castle, in 1995 along with fellow archaeologist, Deborah Walsh and directed major excavations on several sites, mainly prehistoric and Roman.

Ms Walsh, who described Mr Turnbull not only as her business partner but “best friend” said: “He was respected all over the country and was an absolutely amazing excavator. He was very much a part of the community; he loved the area.”

He also published papers on subjects ranging from Roman erotic art to Iron Age politics and was a part-time lecturer with the University of Leeds, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries which Ms Walsh said was a “real honour”.

As well as championing the area’s prehistoric heritage, he was also a great supporter of the Labour Party and attended the Durham Miners’ Gala every year.

He also had a passion for fly fishing and was a founding member of the Tees River Trust.

He died at the weekend after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Ms Walsh added: “His death was very sudden and unexpected. He lived to share his enthusiasm for anything historical or archaeological and encourage people interested in it.”

Patricia Tricker, Secretary of the Bedale Archaeology and History Society, said the group was shocked to have lost Mr Turnbull who a founding member of the group and served as its president for several years.

“It was Percival’s first foray into teaching but his inimitable dry sense of humour and infectious passion for his subject made him a natural,” she said.

“Percival’s death was a shock and we shall miss him as a friend as well as our president.”

Friend and Reverend Professor at the Institute of Archaeology, Martin Henig, said Mr Turnbull had a “really original mind”.

“He was a very fine archaeologist,” he said. “He had very clear views that archaeology should be fun and interesting.”

He added: “He was a great man and one of the real jewels in British archaeology.”

Mr Turnbull’s funeral is expected to be held on September 5 although final arrangements are yet to be confirmed.