Project Launches to Rediscover Forgotten Pembrokeshire Coast Place Names

Bassyonni

Published: February 15, 2026 2:03 PM ET

Project Launches to Rediscover Forgotten Pembrokeshire Coast Place Names

A new initiative is set to uncover the hidden history of the Pembrokeshire Coast. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has initiated a project aimed at rediscovering forgotten place names. This effort includes everything from obscure fields to undiscovered lanes throughout the national park.

Collaboration for Rediscovery

The project is conducted in partnership with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW). It seeks to enlist community input to rediscover and document local names for the List of Historic Place Names for Wales. Tomos Jones, a community archaeologist at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential to empower local residents.

A Cultural Mosaic

Pembrokeshire’s place names are steeped in a rich tapestry of Welsh, English, Nordic, and Flemish influences. This project aims to preserve this cultural heritage while facilitating future land management initiatives. By capturing these names, the initiative hopes to prevent the loss of local history.

Community Engagement

A series of community workshops is scheduled for 2026. These workshops will provide residents the opportunity to share names that have been passed down through generations. The first workshop will take place at St Davids City Hall on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Expert Involvement

Dr. James January-McCann, the place names officer at RCAHMW, will compile the submitted names for inclusion in the national registry. Dr. January-McCann emphasized the project’s importance in exploring Pembrokeshire’s linguistic heritage and how it influences contemporary culture.

Community Outreach through the Eisteddfod

With the National Eisteddfod set to occur in Pembrokeshire this year, the project plans to leverage this event to reach a broader audience. A special talk will be organized during the festival, with support from the Eisteddfod team, to raise awareness of the initiative.