C268/2022/2023 - Cadw - Historic Welsh Names Research

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service working for an accessible and well protected historic environment for Wales, is seeking to commission research to obtain a better understanding on the changes around Welsh-language place names.In conjunction with the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 Division, Cadw is exploring how to better safeguard Welsh language and historic place names. Welsh-language place names are an essential part of Wales’s heritage and make a significant contribution to the distinctive character of communities throughout the country. They provide insights into the linguistic, social, and historical changes that have shaped Wales, forming a rich legacy for present and future generations. Welsh place names are often descriptive of the conditions at the time of naming and may refer to topography, associations with important people or past events or periods that impact the area, providing vital information about land use, the archaeology, and the history of Wales. Historic Welsh-language names are particularly important to the visual and aural character of communities, and the special need to value and retain the rich legacy of our Welsh place names is recognised. However, there is a widely held perception that this place name heritage is under threat in particular parts of Wales.