British Archaeology magazine commented that Bradley was one of the best respected archaeologists in the field.
[2] He went on to study law at Magdalen College, Oxford, and graduated from the University of Oxford with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree; as per tradition, his BA was later promoted to a Master of Arts (MA Oxon) degree.
[2] Not wishing to enter the legal profession, he focused on archaeology, working as an amateur in the field and authoring academic papers, some of which saw publication in national journals.
[2] Without a single qualification in archaeology, aged 25 he was appointed an assistant lecturer at Reading University.
[2] On 13 January 1977, Bradley was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA).