Welsh Archaeological Trusts
The Welsh Archaeological Trusts are four archaeological organisations established in the mid-1970s to respond to rescue archaeology.[1] They are independent charitable trusts which together provide a uniform regional archaeology service across Wales, working closely with Welsh Government and local authorities and forming a 'tripod' of archaeology and cultural heritage institutions with Cadw and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.[2]
The Trusts maintain Historic Environment Records for their respective areas to provide archaeological advice to central government, planning authorities and other public bodies. This heritage management work is supported by Cadw, together with associated archaeological projects and conservation of sites and historic landscapes.[3]. The Welsh Archaeological Trusts also generate income from providing archaeological consulting and contracting services. They also deliver a wide range of public engagement and archaeological outreach events and activities.
The four trusts comprise:
- Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust
- Dyfed Archaeological Trust
- Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
- Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
The Welsh HERs were made statutory by the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016. This placed an obligation on Welsh Ministers to maintain the HERs, and this duty is discharged by the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts. [4]
On 1 July 2010 the four Welsh Trusts launched their online searchable HER website known as Archwilio, at the Treftadaeth Conference in Swansea. The site was launched by Alun Ffred Jones AM, Minister for Heritage, who observed “Wales is the first country in Britain that has made all its archaeological records available online”, and “Archwilio will be a tremendous asset not only for the people of Wales but also for those further afield who have an interest in the rich archaeology and cultural heritage of our country”.[5] The site contains the combined record of the four Trusts and gives the public free access to over 100,000 pieces of information about historic sites across Wales.
References
- ^ Catling, Chris (2016-04-07). "Wales in the Vanguard: Pioneering protection of the past". Current Archaeology.
- ^ Belford, Paul (2018-03-28). "Politics and Heritage: Developments in Historic Environment Policy and Practice in Wales". The Historic Environment: Policy and Practice (9). doi:10.1080/17567505.2018.1456721.
- ^ The Welsh Assembly Government
- ^ Cadw overview of the legislative framework
- ^ The Welsh Trusts launch Archwilio
External links
- Cadw overview of legislation and guidance
- Current Archaeology article about the Welsh Archaeological Trusts
- 'Archaeology in Trust' booklet celebrating 40 years of the Welsh Archaeological Trusts
- Archwilio website
- The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust website
- The Dyfed Archaeological Trust website
- The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust website
- The Gwynedd Archaeological Trust website