Obituary: Paul Evan Oldham
Very early in January 2024, news of the death of Paul Evan Oldham, a truly committed, much-respected character, who served the Kent Archaeological Society (KAS) in so many ways, was received with great sadness, bringing tributes from many quarters, extending far beyond the circle of archaeology.
Those who had been privileged in serving alongside him, and benefitting from the incisive probing approach he brought to bear on matters throughout his many years contributing to the work of the Society, would remember his profound dedication to its aims, whether they knew him as past President, Vice President, Council and Committee Member, or only latterly, as the more retiring life member still applying his efforts in different spheres to achieving many of the aspirations and goals embraced by the archaeological society of this County.
Paul Evan Oldham was born on 25th July 1944, to William Oldham, a teacher, and his wife Edith, of Barming, Maidstone. Following the death of a daughter – Paul’s only sibling – in childhood, his parents gave their devoted attention to Paul, and to his education. Studying at Maidstone Grammar School, Paul won a scholarship to Wadham College, Oxford, to read History. Apart from his time at university, Paul lived at home with his parents in Maidstone, remaining in the same modest house in Hermitage Lane after their death. Paul’s interest in archaeology commenced when he was a schoolboy, joining the Kent Archaeological Society in 1960.
After his graduation, Paul became one of the founder members of the Maidstone Area Archaeological Group (MAAG) in 1969, serving as Honorary Secretary as early as the 1970s. The Group agreed on affiliation to the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), with which Paul also became closely involved. Some years later, in 1990, as Treasurer of the CBA, he was cited as being in an ideal position to give a talk on its work, and ‘explain the role of the CBA in British archaeology as a whole and its relevance to local amateur groups.’
An active involvement in archaeology is evidenced by his name appearing amongst individuals to whom thanks for sustained support were recorded by Peter Tester in his account of the Boxley Abbey excavations of 1971-2 which appeared in the 1973 volume of Archaeologia Cantiana, lxxxviii.
Paul most decidedly did not shy away from taking on responsibility and leading roles in the service of archaeological and historical groups which he joined, or with which he formed associations. By 1971, Paul had become Honorary Membership Secretary of the KAS, and a member of Council, joining some memorable and important individuals of the era, many now known or encountered only through reading of Society records, and publications. Later, he went on to serve, [pg397]appropriately, on the Churches, Fieldwork, Finance, and Publication Committees, in addition to his full and active term as President from 1998-2005, and a seven-year term as Vice President from 2006-2013.
In his effective and progressive manner, on taking up office as KAS President in 1998, Paul set up a working party to consult widely and examine the role of the Society in preparation for the opening years of the next, twenty-first, century, with a view to making recommendations on how to increase and strengthen the Society’s contribution to the study of the history and archaeology of Kent. Characteristically, membership consultation was encouraged, together with fresh participation in several revised committees of the Society.
A current search for records of other responsible appointments yields an impressive list of positions held, including Vice President of the Royal Archaeological Institute. After twelve years as Honorary Treasurer of the Council for British Archaeology, he was elected a Vice President. Additionally, for the CBA he appears as Director, before 1991 to 1995, then again, between 1996-2000; University of Greenwich – Director, 1997-2002; Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau – Director, 2005-2008; with the concurrent occupation of Paul Evan Oldham given as Investment Manager, or Investment Adviser, whilst holding a variety of the above positions.
A Cambrian Archaeological Association Newsletter for 2011 records: ‘Finally, the Meeting concluded with a special visit arranged by our member Paul Oldham, one of the Wardens of the Rochester Bridge Trust, to the Trust’s restored medieval Bridge Chapel and council rooms.’ Wardenship of the Rochester Bridge Trust was a post Paul held over many years; he also held other more local trusteeships.
Paul enthusiastically applied himself to researching a wide variety of history-related subjects in his own time, such that he could inform, interest and entertain varied audiences through talks delivered to local, or specialist groups. He was a past Chairman of Maidstone Historical Society. It has aptly been recently stated: ‘What Paul did not know about local history was not worth knowing …’. His commitment to the wider study of history and archaeology was keenly pursued throughout his life, although he entered a career in finance. The skills and knowledge thus enhanced, equipped him well for taking on vitally useful roles within his other areas of interest and endeavour, whether in the world of local government, or through active involvement in archaeological and historical societies and groups, and numerous charitable bodies.
As an inhabitant of Barming, Maidstone, Paul’s personal dedication to representing the local community was demonstrated through becoming a Kent County Councillor, and by his long period of service on Maidstone Borough Council, which included a term as Mayor of Maidstone in 1993-4. Being particularly aware of the traditions and colourful history of the county town, he encouraged and promoted the commissioning by the Borough Council of an up-to-date volume: The History of Maidstone: the Making of a Modern County Town (by Peter Clark and Lyn Murfin), published in 1995.
Significantly, following the death of his parents, in 1995, Paul founded The William and Edith Oldham Charitable Trust in affectionate dedication to their memory. The Trust objectives demonstrate his prolonged interest in, and support for the local community and educational establishments with which Paul, and [pg398]his family, had formed earlier connections. Within the six varied objectives, the following are specified: the ‘promotion and development of the study of the archaeology and history of the Historic County of Kent’ and ‘of places and people within the Historic County of Kent’; and ‘the preservation, protection, and improvement for the public benefit of historic buildings, churches, and graveyards in the Historic County of Kent’, by way of example, and testament to Paul’s own especial areas of interest, also shared with the KAS.
Through the work of the Oldham Trust, Paul was committed to actively seeking further historical and archaeological Kent research projects, also encouraging individuals to undertake studies or publications which might benefit from financial support. Amongst assisted publications achieved are a variety of articles appearing in Archaeologia Cantiana, although due to the amount of outstanding material then available to the KAS, this extended to a full extra volume for 2014, The Oldham Family Trust Volume (Archaeologia Cantiana, CXXXIV), which reproduced a Petrie image of Barming Church, and included an appropriate preface by Paul, acknowledging sponsorship from The William and Edith Oldham Charitable Trust. Paul’s own encouragement even resulted in a production of new county monographs. The Romano-British Villa and Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Eccles, Kent (by Nick Stoodley and Stephen R. Cosh, 2021) was one such important monograph, bringing to publication results of past excavations in a new scholarly study of the excavated archaeological site at Eccles, with broader consideration of the context of the village and nearby Aylesford within the Medway Valley, including linguistic, and place name analysis.
It became evident that Paul himself would select printed archaeological volumes and journals, or financial literature, as well as a newspaper, as chosen reading material. Paul may not personally have embraced modern technologies, choosing not to use digital devices, nor to have a car, preferring to walk, or take public transport as necessary. Nevertheless, he was keen to see that the latest forms of media be used for maximising access to archaeological publications by others, including those promoted by him and his Family Trust, approving examples being made freely available on the internet.
However, as former KAS President, Paul had been prepared to participate in, and document his experience of a computer tutorial as initiation for use of the CD version, produced by the Society, of collected volumes of Archaeologia Cantiana: ‘One click produced a list of volumes from i to cxxv – just what I like – a good list of Roman numerals. After all, what could be more appropriate for an historical society than Roman numerals.’ Characteristically, this report was not devoid of humorous ‘asides’ (whilst not being afraid to admit his regret at the abandonment of ‘the familiar gothic lettering’ formerly employed for the title page). He concluded: ‘To my surprise, I had enjoyed my brief flirtation with modern technology.’ On learning that ‘I could easily print any article or illustration without having to use a photocopier, I was hooked’, with a final flourishing comment: ‘I might even have to buy a computer!’ Such an idea, though entertained, was not to come to fruition. Serving over many years as a secretary for various bodies, and up until very recently acting as Clerk, as well as Chairman, to the Willam and Edith Oldham Charitable Trust, he was obviously comfortable employing an official typed, or even hand-written form of communication, in addition to use of the landline [pg399]telephone; although for his own purposes and record keeping, apparently choosing to use pencil on paper.
Paul would enthusiastically embark on conversations, or historical accounts, sometimes peppered with irreverent comment, and the occasional merry chuckle, in recalling events, aspects of institutions, or individuals, of which he had adequate knowledge. Committed work with, and on behalf of, Maidstone Museum culminated in the suggestion of creation of a new Archaeological Gallery ‘Lives in our Landscape’ being keenly taken up by the Museum and Maidstone Borough Council, supported by The Oldham Family Trust, with contributions by others, including the KAS. Sadly, Paul did not live to see the splendid exciting resulting product but was justly recognised as ‘Champion of Maidstone Museum Foundation and Maidstone Museum’ in their Annual Report.
Over the final months, Paul stalwartly persisted in his pursuit of charitable aims and schemes, striving to ensure that innovative ambitions and visions for historical and educational projects might be expanded, and eventually brought to fruition. One uppermost expressed aim was to encourage a fresh look at Maidstone’s history and the potential for future local Kent history studies. He was acutely aware that this could be facilitated by the Trust that he founded in memory of his parents.
Throughout, Paul sought to direct attention to their names, William and Edith Oldham, rather than his own. The private manner he chose for aspects of his life, and his wish for lack of ceremony at its end, with a direct cremation, typified this sentiment, and also the man.
After suffering from cancer, and related problematic treatment, Paul Evan Oldham died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, aged 79.
Deborah Goacher
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