At the last indoor meeting Chris Martin ( Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust,CPAT) gave a very interesting talk on the evolution of CPAT from its inception in 1975 to the present day. CPAT is one of four Welsh archaeological trusts, with most of its work being in the Clwyd-Powys area.
CPAT commenced for the recording of archaeological information obtained from excavations which then evolved to include all other types of archaeological data. The data was, at first, kept on paper records but then became computerised and known as the “ Historical Environmental Record”. Information for the records was obtained from a wide range of sources, including old maps, OS records, aerial photography and much more. The record itself covers many areas, including,standing stones, iron-age enclosures, Medieval castles, agricultural buildings and defence and industrial remains. More recently, not only the sites are recorded but the environment in which they are located is also recorded. Therefore information about turnpikes, strip fields and canals now appear in the record.
Chris then went on to explain the methodology of record collecting. There are two different methods used:Firstly, The registry of landscapes of outstanding and special historic interest in Wales and historic landscape characterisation. This looks at the historic content of the landscape and gives purely a narrative story. Secondly, the historic landscape aspect known as LANDMAP. This looks at the surviving historical elements in the modern landscape. It looks at different aspects within the landscape and then produces a digital map. Both of these methods were developed by Cadw, CCW (Countryside Council for Wales) and the Welsh Archaeological Trust. All the information gathered can be used to provide advice to planning authorities, farmers, landowners, and environmental organisations.
All the above was brought together by looking at the report produced on the Historic Settlements in Flintshire.