Ask Sir Tony Robinson - Q&A Submission

How did you ever resist asking Mick If he had “a cunning plan”??

David Donald

My question for Tony would be, you had such an easy rapport with Mick Aston where, to me it seemed like you had obviously had many long conversations about various archaeological subjects. What is your most memorable conversation on an archaeological subject with Mick?

Martin Barfield

Just watched the episode and it was great, but too short! My hope for a new program would be for Sir Tony to do a retrospective/final recap of the completed Sutton Hoo Boat !

Rob Federle

What was the find or situation which triggered your own musing of immortality, of leaving a record?

Forrest B. Boothe

Sir Tony Have you ever come across anything in a dig that has reminded you of a scene or period in Blackadder.

Phil

Sir Tony

Phil

Sir Tony, You were always brilliant at asking the questions that the audience might have. As the series progressed and you learnt ever more about archaeology, how did you manage to keep asking the laymen's questions? Greetings from a Dutch fan!

Yvette Hoitink

Sir Tony, How big a part of your year did you zoom around with Time Team, when you were filming? 9-10 weekends or...? Kindly, Pia from Copenhagen Fan of TT in may years, ; way back when I was touring as a musician, I always enjoyed watching it half asleep in som more or less dodgy hotelbed.

Pia Fredfeldt

Tony, I've just been watching some early and later TTs, and I'm really stuck by the intelligence and appropriateness of your questions to the crew. Over twenty years, your knowledge obviously expanded dramatically, and yet your questions all seem natural, fresh, not assuming specialist knowledge: they're the questions an intelligent layperson would ask. My question is how scripted were they, versus off the cuff? (I should add I have a professional interest, I often interview specialists, and while I prepare thoroughly, I do definitely work hard to ask the questions in a way a listener would want them asked, so I think there's a middle way, rather than being one or the other). And finally, so jealous of your career, loved your performance of Odysseus!

Michael Taylor

How did you and Mick Aston meet? How long after that did the idea of Time Team arise? Was it easy to get a TV company to take it on initially? For those of us who remember when it started, it always seemed such a jump on a different direction for Tony. Now we see it the start of his career as a presenter and personality. Did he dream this would happen when he and Mick were planning the first episodes?

Alison Emslie-Smith

In S1E3, Much Wenlock, I think Phil asks you where he can dig and you say, "I've got permissions here." That was one time when I felt you acted like a producer, like one of the bosses. Were you a de facto producer? How did you shape the programs besides presenting and writing voiceover narrative?

Elizabeth Neill

When you see Raksha and Alive presenting did you ever think TT would leave legacy of presenters?

Emi Lewis

Where in the UK would you have liked Time Team to have gone to and explored, but never were able to make it to for whatever reason?

Philip Christiansen

What's the question you wish someone will ask you, but haven't?

Janette

Not relating to a special, but I would like to know, re the episode titled 'the Celtic Spring', just how much it annoyed you and everyone else, to realise that there were genuine artifacts ( like the Le Tene sword ), for example, that had had their context destroyed ?

Rowena Sweeney

Sir Tony, What lasting "Gift(s)" did all the years of knowing & learning from Mick Aston leave on you & how has it influenced your passion for history and archaeology? Which is so evident in your presenting style... Hello from Canada!

Brett

Thanks for your contribution to TT! What is your biggest unanswered question from the archaeology you encountered?

Pauline Purcell

Swedish fans here: my father wonder, what is the most interesting piece of new technical equipment that you have used on the show?

Erik Persson

Sir Tony, Do you like me, have moments where you come across something in your travels where if it wasn't for Mick or any of the Time Team members you wouldn't have given it a second glance or thought? It could be a landscape or structure. For example, a church next to a manor in a village and now knowing that it was a family church before becoming part of the community.

Robert Tyler

As impartial and respected Time Team presenter how much did you have to adjudicate in ‘robust’ disagreements during the filming? And can you settle for me the big question of what’s the correct order when faced with a scone, jam first or cream first?

Alan

After all these years of watching TT - I’d love to ask something terribly clever - but actually - I really want to hear about the most memorable drinking session at the end of a days digging ?

Shona Twining

Thanks for all of the TT memories. Which TT dig location would you like to see revisited by TT?

Jen Swan

Firstly..thank you for all of the TT memories! My question is..as someone who started out as an actor and has had an amazing career as one…how does presenting differ from acting?

Mark Freestone

Sir Tony, Time Team has helped us understand our past and informed our present and enriched our future. How have these discoveries informed your past, present and future and what has been the biggest contributing factor for you?

Ann J

Wich dig hade the biggest impact on your understanding of archaeology, and why?

Annika Wangerud

Other TT Patreons always come up with such great questions, so I'm guaranteed a front-row seat to a wonderful Q&A (with Sir Tony Robinson of all people 🤩) that I know will leave me thinking "I wish I'd asked that..." This is going to be so good!

Patricia Amero

No question, just wanted to say thank you Tony for making us viewers feel like part of the adventure. You have a unique style of talking to the viewer instead of at them. Instead of making us feel like we were attending a lecture, you make us feel like we were having a conversation with a friend, like we're there with you. I think it's why you're one of the most loved people in Britain today. Thank you Tony.

Robert Boudreau

I also felt your role in the original time team was to represent "everyman" non-professional archeological viewer. Did you see your role that way?

Bonnie Wardle

How much of your presentation is pre-written, even if only a few hours in advance, and how much is ad-lib on the fly. It seems like there must be a lot of pressure to get it just right.

Bonnie Wardle

This is really a follow up to Roger Lundgren's question. Which came first - finding yourself in historical comedy and developing an interest in history from that or did you already have an interest in history that led you to working in historical programmes whether comedy or factual?

Linda Evans

Sir Tony, thank you for educating my wife, my father, my father in law & myself with all things time team. Which dig stays with you for a emotional/personal reason?

Liam Rayner

What site made the most impression on you? Why? Do you have a Fav time in history you wouldn’t mind living in instead of your current life?

Nancy Stinson

One of the more frenzied dimensions of Time Team were the several live broadcast digs that took place. Were you responsible for suggesting that the show verged on madness during those shoots and that the practice should be curtailed? David Shields

David S Shields

I cant imagine how much fun you guys had together, what's the funniest time you remember together?

Kim Sandak

Sir Tony, in the light of your career in history based comedy and then hosting TT, as well as your more recent history based shows, what is your interest in history? Do you have a favorite time period to explore?

Roger Lundgren

In the ten years after Time Team you must have heard many stories from people on how Time Team has affected their lives. Which one left the biggest impression on you?

Konstantin F. Prinz

Robert Wise

Original Time Team was wildly successful … and then some. In your perspective, what were the most significant factors about Time Team that contributed to that success? I ask because it seems to me there is a serious lack of humor and comedy in the new Time Team format,.

Robert Wise

What do you think of the new format for Time Team?

Gregory Greg

I would also like to know if there is a site he would like to revisit. Or do a follow up of in terms of what happened to the fids or the sites? I remember the neolithic landscape discovered in an early episode at Finlaggen, has anything further been done or discovered?

Jayne Copping

I recently read that, since the beginnings of modern archaeology in the early 20th century, women have made significant contributions to preserving and understanding our cultural heritage, although many of them were undervalued or had their work attributed to male colleagues. However, I am now aware that, today, about half of archaeologists are women. What attributes do you think women today bring to archaeology compared with their male counterparts?

Chrina Jarvis

Q: Communication that is engaging and exciting was and is the key to Time Team’s success and your particular style uniquely delivered complex archaeology to a broad audience. With new generations coming through who consume information in a different way, what do you think may or may not be the key challenges in adapting communication style to potential new and younger audiences? Thank you.

Simon Piggott

Is there a site you would like to revisit with the advanced tech the team uses now?

Sarah B

What enticement/inducement lead you to be the Time Team presenter?

David Dryburgh

G'day from Sydney Aus. Would you agree the global patreon response to support TT. Is testimony to the combination of Mick's legacy of taking archaeology to the people and that of the wider collection of contributors past and present, in galvanising the multi disciplines of archaeology and presenting them with passion, humour and the bare facts so brilliantly.

Peter Hawker

Hi Tony. Is there any location of an event that's happened in your lifetime that you would like to excavate?

James D Speckart

In a few episodes of TT, you are filmed digging, and even lifting some artifacts. How much experience had you had with archeology before hosting TT? Had you volunteered on digs prior to hosting, or were those occasions just shots for the show?

Chris Mathews

Time Team has made many amazing discoveries. Is there one particular discovery that stands out to you as the most interesting, unusual, or special?

Linda Stewart

Time Team focused a lot on pre-historic Britian, Roman Britian, Medieval Britian, and then some forays into 17th-18th Century, which period, including any not listed, was your favorite for Time Team to explore?

Robert Henry Illston

From a presenting standpoint what was the most technically challenging part of hosting Time Team as opposed to all the other history focused series?

Jill Desruisseau

Many of the time team archaeologists have a favourite period/area of speciality? Do you have a period that most interests you? If so, why?

David Boon

It’s interesting that several Time Team members went on to work in television production or presenting (Alice Roberts, Jenni Butterworth, Katie Hirst, etc.). As a presenter yourself, and so knowledgeable about the steps required to make a successful show, how did the Time Team experience inform the career paths of these archeologists moving from the trenches to TV?

Andrew Calderwood

You were a great presenter. Did you ever ask questions you knew the answer to but the audience might not know?

Pamela A. Parsels

Tony did you ever think when you first agreed to present Time Team that it would bring you as much house hold fame if not more than from your acting roles like baldric or the sheriff.

Martin Gibbs

I am a science educator and my background is in geophysics. As a non expert, what did you find the most frustrating thing in dealing with experts in their fields? I wonder sometimes if the jargon can be a barrier to understanding. Did you ever find this a problem as common terms sometimes have different meanings in a particular discipline.

Mary-Helen Armour

I was going to ask whether you've ever found evidence of Percy's purest Green, but instead I'll ask: Have you ever caused or witnessed a cockup on a dig that then required a cunning plan to rectify which we the TV audience never got to see? It's great to see you back with the Team, Sir Tony. Cheers! :)

Matt Wirkkala

It's been said before there were scripts. Initially the academics thought they could do it all in one take without scripts but soon found that unworkable, so they had to script it a little.

Martin Gibbs

Was there ever a time when your acting career and Time Team commitments created scheduling conflicts? If so, were there any gigs you regret missing out on because of Time Team?

Leitchy

Was there ever a script or hastily drawn notes or was it entirely off the cuff?

Tim Yen

What were the pros and cons of working as a smaller group at the beginning of Time Team in the 90s as compared to the larger enterprise it became in the 2010s?

Susan Alexander

As a young man what was the incentive to be a presenter? Did you always want to be one ? or did it just happen. You are very good at it and very enjoyable to watch.

Richard Kaskeski

Do *you* think archaeology is storytelling with science, or science with storytelling? And what do you think the professionals you've worked with would say?

Matthew Adams

Time Team has visited Wales a total of 13 times, of those 13 occasions which was your personal highlight and which did you wish would disappear from the archives completely?

Harry Hayfield

What would you most like to find on a dig?

Hunt

What was the oddest or spookiest experience that you’ve had at a TT location?

Michael Louk

If you could come to the USA, what site would you most likely to see investigated?

Cindy Masek

What was the most emotional moment you recall during a dig?

Dennis Wert

When Time Team started, did you ever consider that it would have such a devoted worldwide audience all these years later, and what do you think the legacy is of an archaeological program in the age of social media and instant gratification?

Adam F.

Two related questions... Which sites would you have loved to have had one or two more days on? Are there any sites that Time Team worked on previously that you would like to go back to today with more advanced technology?

Joanne Kellam

IF... Satan appeared offering to free all souls he held if you picked one of the brilliant, acclaimed, beloved shows you have gifted us, the show that you would most regret losing, to be erased from human memory as if never existing. Would Time Team be safe?

Squeaky Wheel

What was a memorable comment from Mick Aston that has stuck with you all this time?

Shane Elliott

I have always wondered how much of the "drama" and Tony's interactions with the archeologists was for TV or genuine. Sometimes Tony would come across as a task master versus just the presenter. Amazed at Tony's longevity from long haired presenter to the older distinguished "Sir" of today. Thanks!

Brian Perry

Was there any finds that totally left you gobsmacked?

CLRogue

What dig was the most frustrating for you as a presenter when you were trying to be enthusiastic and upbeat about it?

Guy LEstrange

What were the biggest frustrations between respecting archaeological process & delivering a viable TV programme? How did you strike a balance if parties disagree?

James

What is your opinion on metal detectorists in archaeology?

Guy LEstrange

Many of the people who have appeared on Time Team over the years have been experts or held a specific interest in a particular period of history. Is there any period of history when it comes to British archaeology that you have a particular affinity for.

Richard Lowe-Jackson

If you weren't Tony Robinson with your skills of communication, but still wanted to be part of Time Team which particular discipline within archaeology would you be drawn to and why?

Richard Lowe-Jackson

Will you be traveling outside of Europe for any of the Specials? Or, if you're not, can you tell us where you'd possibly like to go, outside of Europe, to do a dig?

Pauline Guest

What / how did your perspective on the whole archeology process changed for you over the course of your time as the presenter? Gus is great, and i have every confidence that he'll really grow into the role, But what unconventional? piece of advice would you have for him, based on how you grew as a presenter over the course of your run?

John Anderson

I guess other may have asked a similar question. You played Baldrick a historical character. Did that pique your interest in finding out more about history through archaeology or were you already interested in finding out about the past? I ask because it seemed to me that as the series went on and developed you began to ask deeper and searching questions.

Peter Carter

If you live outside a big city in the countryside, have you had any archaeologists dig your property?

Candance Reaves

What is your favourity dig

sue capps

What was it about your work with Time Team that made you search for further opportunities in history documentaries / series?

CCZ

Tony, describe the moment when you first realized that Time Team had become a hit in the UK. Had you expected that it would? Do you now feel defined by it, and how has it changed your career in entertainment generally?

Jon Colcord

Since you started working on Time Team, which innovation (technical or otherwise) has been the most impacting to the field or Archaeology, in your opinion? What new or upcoming innovation are you the most excited about?

Tony Wilson

What was the best wind-up that you did on Phil?

Gary Cottington

You, Mick, and the Time Team have dedicated a great deal of your life to bringing the challenging subject of archaeology to many people in an entertaining but also faithful and real way. Given how much technology and the way we consume technology has changed, what new challenges and opportunities exist for the future of programs, such as Time Team, that wish to stand on your shoulders and bring the joys and challenges of science to all people?

Ben Rush

Given the research that goes into potential digs how did the Welsh Dig where nearly everything was faked get the go ahead?

ian barlow

I like Boddingtons or Bass

Jeremy Glave

What was Your Goto Beer/Drink to order once the work was Done and the Pub called for the Team

Jeremy Glave

What would be Baldrick's favourite site and what cunning plan would he use to investigate it?

Chris Best

You acted as a proxy for all of us watching, asking the questions we might want answers to. Did you rehearse the Q&As? How often did you know the answers but ask anyway for our benefit?

Alyce Gershenson

With the physical objects that get dug up on Time Team it's easier to visualize the times past, is there something non-tangible that left a long lasting impression with you?

Frank Weggelaar

What was your fondest / best memory [other that private / personal] of working with Mick Aston? If I could squeeze in a cheeky second one, it would be ditto, for Phil Harding.

Mike Darby

Over the long span of Time Team how did your understanding of archaeology and your expectations change?

Dorothy Africa

If you could be transported back in time for a few hours, where would you go and what would you see?

Jed Cowdell

What was the funniest moment on/off camera whilst filming?

Laura Hoare

Was finding that gold coin the best ever find on Time Team, or is there another one which you hold dearest

stuart sutcliffe

What three day exploratory digs (top 1-5) would Tony like to do with an EU partner? Given UK weather, it would optimize the three days if in dryer climes.

Ann H