Actor Tony Robinson opposes closure of University of Sheffield’s Department of Archaeology

The closure of University of Sheffield's Department of Archaeology is tantamount to a nationwide attack on the whole discipline, said former Blackadder star Tony Robinson.
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The actor, comedian and TV host is the latest to object to the controversial closure of the globally recognised department.

In a tweet, he wrote: "Sheffield Uni is threatening to abolish its Archaeology Department.

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"This means not just losing a distinguished centre of excellence, it's part of a nationwide attack on the whole discipline - the county's warden of its history and heritage.

University of Sheffield's Department of Archaeology is facing an indefinite closure following an institutional review.University of Sheffield's Department of Archaeology is facing an indefinite closure following an institutional review.
University of Sheffield's Department of Archaeology is facing an indefinite closure following an institutional review.

"Please lobby hard against this cut."

On Tuesday, the university's Executive Board proposed to shut down the department despite protests and growing numbers in an online petition calling for the department to be retained following an institutional review.

A protest also took place in the city on Tuesday and concerns have been raised globally about the loss of the world renowned department.

The decision, however, was rejected unanimously by the staff, who vowed to keep fighting for the survival of the department.

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According to the staff and students who are affected by the change, which will see the rest of them be made redundant, the decision is not yet final until it is elaborated by the university senate next month.

They said the be considered by the University Senate on June 23 before a final decision is taken by the University Council on July 12.

The online petition has so far garnered more than 36,000 signatures and it is expected to grow until the final decision is made.