His approach to archaeology had evolved from this experience. Between 1816 and 1821, he amassed a major collection of these plant fossils from the Yorkshire Coalfields and this formed the basis of a book entitled ‘Antediluvian Phytology’.

It was whilst excavating for fossils in Castor he came across the many Roman remains for which is famous for excavating and recording. He published another book called 'The Durobrivae of Antoninus', which included a series of plates recording his excavations and the objects found in them. It was for this work that he became well known.

He is buried next to the porch at St Kyneburgha Church, Castor.