Welsh and Celtic Archaeology

Our research strategy in archaeology is to harness the exceptionally rich archaeological landscapes of Wales to provide a natural focus for our research analysing past societies, their settlements and material culture from the late Mesolithic to the post-medieval. Archaeological fieldwork and excavation projects have been integral to this strategy (e.g. the Meillionydd Project, Waddington and Karl; Project Eliseg, N Edwards and Robinson; Hillforts of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountains, Karl; Garreg Hylldrem and the Mawddach estuary, Robinson).

This approach also extends to our research beyond Wales, in Ireland (N Edwards), England and Scotland (Ahronson, Robinson, Waddington), Iceland and North America (Ahronson), and Austria (Karl). Collaborations and partnerships with other organisations continue to be crucial to our research – for example we have worked with the Bangor School of Computer Science on a major Welsh heritage 3D visualisation project, creating a new academic specialisation (Karl). We also work closely with other universities, e.g. Cambridge University (N Edwards), Cardiff University (Waddington), University of Chester (N Edwards, Robinson), and the University of Central Lancashire (Robinson); and heritage organisations e.g. the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales (N Edwards), Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (Karl, N Edwards, Robinson, Waddington).

Such partnerships have resulted in a significant rise in funded projects, such as Ancient Britain and the Atlantic Zone (HEFCW funded) and Atlantic Europe in the Metal Ages (AHRC), Project Eliseg (Cadw and other bodies), Meillionydd (HLF, AONB, Llŷn Landscape Partnersip, Prehistoric Society), as well as personal grants e.g. Early Medieval Inscribed Stones and Stone Sculpture (British Academy, AHRC, N Edwards). Karl’s research is also impacting considerably on Austrian archaeological heritage management and public archaeology, while N Edwards’s research on early medieval inscribed stones and stone sculpture in Wales has impacted on heritage bodies charged with their protection and display. Our fieldwork also has close community involvement, e.g. Meillionydd with Llŷn Landscape Partnership and Project Eliseg with Llangollen Museum.