Historical Names - Protecting Wales' Heritage

At First Minister's Questions yesterday, I challenged Carwyn Jones on his government's position when it comes to the removal of historical place names in Wales. Far too often, names which have a deep connection to local heritage are replaced with new names which mean nothing to local culture or history.

This is often done for marketing reasons and is especially prevalent in stately homes, castles and so on. The removal of these names is part of a concerning lack of appreciation among some investors for Wales' unique heritage.

Here is the question I asked the First Minister (and his response):

Dai Lloyd: Will the First Minister make a statement on historical Welsh place names?

Carwyn Jones: Our historic place names provide invaluable evidence about the development of our nation. It is one of the requirements of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 that Welsh Ministers create a list of historic place names that will then record this rich heritage for the future.

Dai Lloyd: Thank you very much for that response, First Minister. It’s been noted, as you’ve noted, over the past few years that there are a number of examples of historic place names on old houses, halls and farms. These historic Welsh names have all come under threat and very often some are changed to English names. Do you as a Government agree that there is potential to develop legislation where a local planning authority’s permission will be required before changing historic Welsh place names?

Carwyn Jones: That’s something that we have considered, but when we looked at it—there are more names changed from English to Welsh than from Welsh to English. As a result, in what way, therefore, would it be possible to police this through the planning regime? I’m not in favour of changing Welsh names to English names—place names, that is. Having said that, the Welsh Language Commissioner has established a panel to provide her with advice and recommendations about the way in which we can ensure that our heritage in the Welsh language is safeguarded.

The exchange can be watched in the original Welsh here. You can also watch it with a translation.