Frances graduated in 2003 from Newcastle University with a 2:1 in Ancient History and Archaeology, before working for Headland Archaeology Ltd on the Waterford City bypass in the Republic of Ireland for 6 months. Following this, she worked for Tyne and Wear Archaeological Team for a month before joining North Pennines Archaeology in October 2005. Alongside her regular duties as an all-round field archaeologist, Frances is a talented finds illustrator and also operates as an Environmental Analysis assistant.