Teachers' resources and notes
Organisations that can help and handy websites
a) The four Archaeological Trusts in Wales
A lot of the information that we have on prehistory is gathered from archaeological digs and
there are four Archaeological Trusts in Wales who have people who are happy to help with any questions that
you might have.
The four Welsh Archaeological Trusts were established in the mid-1970s to respond to the rapidly
increasing demands of rescue archaeology and to provide a uniform local archaeology service across the whole
of Wales. Based on the county areas of Clwyd-Powys, Dyfed, Glamorgan-Gwent and Gwynedd, the Trusts now provide
a broad range of archaeological and heritage services in their respective areas - from the maintenance of Historic
Environment Records and the provision of archaeological management advice and educational services to field
survey, excavation and heritage interpretation. The four Trusts are independent limited companies with charitable
status, employing professional archaeological staff with a wide range of expertise, and receiving financial
support from both national and local government, commercial contract work and even private donation.
These are the areas covered by the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts
Contact details:
Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust
41 Broad Street, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7RR
tel: 01938 553670 01938 553670
fax: 01938 552179
E-mail: trust@cpat.org.uk
www.cpat.org.uk
Dyfed Archaeological Trust
The Shire Hall, Carmarthen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthen, SA19 6AF
tel: 01558 823121 01558 823121
fax: 01558 823133
E-mail: info@dyfedarchaeology.org.uk
www.dyfedarchaeology.org.uk
Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Heathfield House, Heathfield, Swansea, SA1 6EL
tel: 01792 655208 01792 655208
fax: 01792 474469
E-mail: enquiries@ggat.org.uk
www.ggat.org.uk
Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
Craig Beuno, Garth Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2RT
tel: 01248 352535 01248 352535
fax: 01248 370925
E-mail: gat@heneb.co.uk
www.heneb.co.uk
b) Archwilio
Archwilio is the online access system to the Historic Environment Records (HERs) of Wales.
The system has been developed through a partnership of the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts to provide wider
public access to this valuable resource. The HER covers all aspects of human activity in the landscape from
early prehistory to the twentieth century without prejudice. Details of well- and lesser-known sites can be
found, in addition to records generated by archaeological projects undertaken in the area. If you are interested
in researching your local area, or finding out more about a particular historical period, this is a good place
to start.
The four regional historic environment records are compiled and maintained by the four Welsh
Archaeological Trusts (WATs) and aim to provide a comprehensive catalogue of archaeological and historical sites
and finds of all periods throughout Wales. Currently, about 100,000 individual entries are held by the four
regional records, which are continually up-dated and expanded as new information becomes available. The HERs
fulfil a wide variety of functions including assisting in the positive management and presentation of the historic
landscape, planning control, and as a source for input to local history, conservation and tourism projects.
Website - www.archwilio.org.uk
c) How we can be archaeologists in our school.
Exploration Tywi! (part of the Tywi a River Through Time project) was an investigation by the
community into the origins and history of the valley. A programme of activities, led by Dyfed Archaeological
Trust, took schools, local interest groups and members of the public on a journey of archaeological and geological
discovery.
Click on the following links to learn how to create archaeological projects in your school.
www.dyfedarchaeology.org.uk/tywi/howto.pdf
- English
www.dyfedarchaeology.org.uk/tywi/whowto.pdf
- Cymraeg
d) Research Framework for the Archaeology of Wales
Website - www.archaeoleg.org.uk
e) County Museums
Your local County Museum can always be relied upon to help with any project you have in school.
Many offer tours and school visits on request. South West Wales museums have come together to create a website
called Medwyn’s Museums to make booking visits and gathering information a lot easier for schools.
Website - www.medwynsmuseums.co.uk
f) National Museum Cardiff
The Archaeology gallery Origins: In Search of Early Wales traces life in Wales from the earliest
humans 230,000 years ago. The theme of the gallery is to look at who are our ancestors, and how different they
are from us. They also look at what has changed and what has caused these changes.
Website - www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/origins
g) National Museums in Wales
Wales has many National Museums and details of all of them can be found on the following website.
Website - www.museumwales.ac.uk
Old maps can be sourced from the Archaeological Trusts or Archives Service of your area alternatively
on-line.
Website - http://www.old-maps.co.uk
h) CADW
Cadw is a Welsh word which means 'to keep'. Cadw is the Welsh Government's historic environment division.
Their aims are to protect and sustain, encourage community engagement and improve access to the historic environment
of Wales. This includes historic buildings, ancient monuments, historic parks, gardens and landscapes, and underwater
archaeology. If you are looking for a place to visit or an event you can also go to www.cadwevents.co.uk
Website - www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
i) The National Parks of Wales
There are three National Parks in Wales covering an area of 4122 sq km. This represents approximately
20% of the land area of Wales. Snowdonia was designated in 1951 followed by Pembrokeshire Coast in 1952 and
Brecon Beacons in 1957.
Each National Park has an Education Department for schools.
Website - www.nationalparks.gov.uk/wanpa/wanpa-about_wanpa/wanpa-nationalparkswales.htm
j) Young Archaeologist Club
Here you can pick up tips from other young archaeologists and feel part of a club. There are
also good information sheets and ideas here too.
Website - www.britarch.ac.uk/yac/
k) The National Grid for Learning Cymru (NGfL Cymru)
This website is managed by the WJEC on behalf of the Welsh Government and from 1 June 2007
NGfL Cymru has been given an enhanced remit to develop its library of interactive resources for teachers and
learners at all levels.
It consists of nearly 3,000 high quality downloadable educational resources that support all Key Stages of the
Curriculum, from Early Years to Post 16. Many of the resources are interactive, and all have been produced by
practising teachers.
Website - www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk
l) BBC Schools
This website is an excellent resource for teaching in the classroom.
Website - www.bbc.co.uk/wales/learning
m) Culturenet Cymru
This organisation is based at The National Library of Wales and works in conjunction with both
its members and community groups to develop a range of exciting and innovative projects. Their aim is to use
online resources to increase awareness of, and improve access for all to, the culture and history of Wales.
They create and develop a series of bilingual (Welsh and English) projects that advance knowledge
and generate interest in the heritage and culture of Wales as well as working with museums, archives and libraries
throughout Wales in order to digitize thousands of items relating to the heritage and culture of Wales. They
also work with local community groups in order to build new skills and enable community digitization projects.
Website - www.culturenetcymru.com
n) Showme
This is a website that is part of Culture24. It is both educational and entertaining and a
good website for teachers interested in the Arts and History.
Website – www.show.me.uk
o) The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
The Royal Commission has a leading national role in developing and promoting understanding
of the archaeological, built and maritime heritage of Wales, as the originator, curator and supplier of authoritative
information for individual, corporate and governmental decision makers, researchers, and the general public.
The Royal Commission is based in Aberystwyth.
The Royal Commission holds a unique collection of photographs, maps, images, publications and reports within
its archive, The National Monuments Record of Wales, which can be consulted on the online database Coflein or
by making an enquiry to the Reader Services section.
Website - www.rcahmw.gov.uk
www.coflein.gov.uk
p) People’s Collection
People’s Collection Wales is a place to discover and learn, contribute your own content
and share the story of your Wales with the world.
Website - www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk
www.peoplescollection.co.uk/Collection/823-re-creating-life-in-early-wales
q) Gathering the Jewels
This site features over 30,000 images of objects, books, letters, aerial photographs and other
items from museums, archives and libraries throughout Wales.
Website - www.gtj.org.uk
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