Obituary: John Steane, Influential Archaeologist and Educator, Dies at 92

John Steane, a prominent figure in archaeology and education, passed away at the age of 92. His career was significantly shaped by a 1976 job advertisement in The Guardian, which led him to become the field officer at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock. Previously a school history teacher, John’s passion for archaeology flourished in this new role, ultimately leading him to serve as the county archaeologist for Oxfordshire for two decades. He was known for his vigorous defense of the local landscape, earning the nickname “the Steaneroller” among colleagues. Throughout his career, John recorded and interpreted over 90 historical buildings in response to planning applications. He was a founding member of both the Oxfordshire Buildings Record and the Oxfordshire Buildings Trust, and in 1972, he was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. His contributions to the field included numerous publications, fine pen-and-ink drawings, and significant books such as *Oxfordshire* (1996) and *The Archaeology of Power* (2001). He also taught at the Oxford University Department of Continuing Education, inspiring many students. Born in Balham, London, John was the son of an army captain and a clerk. He studied history at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was influenced by his tutor, WG Hoskins. John married Nina Carroll in 1954, and they had three children. After Nina's passing in 1990, John found companionship with a neighbor, marrying her in 1991. His legacy endures through his contributions to archaeology and education.