John Waite

Born in Coventry, England in 1964, John Waite developed an enduring passion for history very early on in his life. Though his interests span a number of historical periods, his most recent focus has been on the early Imperial period of Ancient Rome and the Great War. As varied as his interests, John’s career path to date has provided him with a very eclectic set of experiences. Early jobs included service with the army and TA, followed by landscape gardening, archaeological illustration and building work. He then served as a police officer for over 14 years, before leaving to work in the private sector where, amongst other roles, he worked for the Law Society as a complaints handler. A return to the police service in 2016, offered John a new challenge, as he applied his previous skills in the role of a civilian investigator – a job he continues to carry out full-time today. John’s writing and research has always been at the forefront of his interests and his ultimate ambition would be to take on the role of a full-time writer. Though, in the meantime, he enjoys a number of other interests, including drawing and painting, shooting, and training his own gundogs. Previously, John was a member of a Roman re-enactment society. Not only did this inspire him to write his first books on the subject, but it also opened up further opportunities. Often appearing in full Roman attire, either military of civilian, John has addressed local history groups, schools, and universities all around the country. He has also contributed to a number of TV projects. He continues to live and work in his home city of Coventry but continues to cast an eye in the direction of Dorset, on the South Coast where, one day, he and his wife Helen, are keen to make a new home.