[2] Morley attended Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, before graduating from the University of Southampton with a Master's degree in theoretical physics and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics.

He taught mathematics at Harrow County School for Boys from 1966 to 1969[3] before switching to archaeology, eventually spending thirty years in the profession.

[2] His first role in archaeology was as Assistant Inspector of Ancient Monuments in the Ministry of Public Building and Works.

[3] Morley declined an offer to be nominated for a fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of London early in his career.

[1] Morley was married to Judith, a graduate of Durham University, with whom he lived in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.