A NEW online resource that has already recorded nearly 350,000 historic place names in Wales is being launched by economy secretary Ken Skates.
The List of Historic Place Names of Wales aims to promote Wales’ rich legacy of place names through the ages and encourage their modern day use.
The statutory list is the first of its kind in the UK.
The online list pulls together place names gathered from a variety of historical sources, and provides insights into the archaeology and history of Wales and reflects how place names have evolved over centuries of Welsh life.
Economy secretary Mr Skates said: “Wales’ historic place names are an important part of our history and culture, which is why the Welsh Government included the requirement for a statutory list in its Historic Environment (Wales) Act.
“With ongoing support from the Welsh Government, the list will continue to expand to record the rich legacy of our nation’s historic place names.
“It will help to emphasise their value to our heritage and encourage individuals and public bodies to keep these precious names alive.”
Dr Eurwyn Wiliam, chairman of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, compiled the list on behalf of the Welsh Government.
He added: “The study of these names reveals the legacies of past environments, battles and agricultural revolutions.”
For more information about the online Welsh Government initiative, visit https://historicplacenames.rcahmw.gov.uk
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