CELG(4) HIS 10
Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee
Inquiry into the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Policy
Response from Ian Thompson
To whom it may concern,
I write as a family history researcher in Wales, having used the
National Library in Aberystwyth, Archives in Caernarfon, Dolgellau,
Bangor and Llangefni, and with a keen interest in the social
and economic history of Wales.
It has struck me in the course of over 25 years' interest in Wales
that the potential for unlocking the resources available for
research - and the benefit in terms of jobs and tourism that might
result - have not been realised.
There is, of course, in this, a balance to be struck in putting
appreciable content online versus everything which might detract
from users seeking the original record and visiting the place of
interest to them. I would cite as one example the archives of
Bangor University which hold a considerable amount of information
not available in the National Library or anywhere else but which is
only available to researchers on site.
I would contrast that with the Archifdy in Caernarfon which has
considerable document-level information online on its own website
and Access to Archives (a2a.org.uk), or the National Library's
digitisation and online projects.
The balance to be struck is what "taster" can be put on line to aid
a family historian (or interest a member of the public) versus
ensuring they visit? What interesting information is hidden
in the 18th century minister's day book in Bangor Archives relating
to house fires and local subscriptions or sending a local lady to
hospital in Chester to have a mastectomy for cancer?
I have had 10 holidays in Bangor, Caernarfon and Aberystwyth with
predominantly the aim of visiting the local archives and
libraries. I am sure that the archived treasures of Wales -
as well documented in "Gathering the Jewels" can be expanded.
As part of my research into houses and communities, the RCAHMW has
been a wonderful resource. Its work in recording ancient
monuments and buildings is remarkable. If it is merged
with Cadw, they must retain their identities. Their roles are
very complementary, however, and a new umbrella could be very
invigorating to the work of both.
I remain,
Ian Thompson