Maurice Willmore Barley M.A., F.S.A., F.R.Hist.S., (19 August 1909 – 23 June 1991)[1] was an English historian and archaeologist, specialising in medieval settlements and historic buildings.
Following contact with the eminent folklorist Ethel Rudkin, Barley's interest in local history intensified; his publications on the subject cover slate headstones, varieties of apple, architecture and archaeology.
He was Organising Tutor of the University College in Rural Nottinghamshire until 1962, in which year he became Senior Lecturer in the Department of Classics, and Reader in Archaeology in 1965.
[4][2] Barley retired from the university in 1974, but remained academically active, being prominent in local and national heritage bodies and trusts, and campaigning on conservation issues.
[1] Barley's research material on the Plough Monday plays, along with other papers relating to his archaeological work, is held in the archives of the University of Nottingham in its manuscripts and special collections.