Archwilio-the easy way to discover the archaeology of Wales through the records of the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts.
How you can help us
We strive to keep the HERs as up-to-date, complete and accurate as possible, but in such extensive areas with such large numbers of sites, this is no easy task. We therefore encourage everyone to help us achieve this in the following ways:
- If you have viewed data online, or if we have sent data to you and you find that the information is inaccurate, please let us know
- If you are carrying out research into any aspect of archaeology in our individual Trust areas, we would be grateful if you could let us see your results so that we can amend our records accordingly
We are also interested in finding out about new discoveries within our Trust areas. If you come across an artefact or a site that you think we may not already know of, we would be pleased to hear from you.
What is 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. We believe that the dissemination of information leading to a wider understanding of our cultural heritage and historic environment is the most effective conservation tool. Archwilio translates as to explore, examine or audit and therefore encapsulates the use of the HERs in relation to the historic environment.
The four regional historic environment records compiled and maintained by the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts (WATs) aim to provide a comprehensive catalogue of archaeological and historical sites and finds of all periods throughout Wales. They offer a unique opportunity to investigate the heritage of 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.
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.
