Researching, promoting and protecting Welsh toponyms – Challenges and possible solutions

A new methodology reveals a hidden palimpsest of Welsh toponyms since 1284, uncovering previously concealed histories and narratives within the protected landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. This research demonstrates that place names in Wales are under threat from social and economic changes, leading to the erosion of traditional toponyms by tourists, walkers, and climbers who often replace them with non-Welsh names. The Welsh Place Name Society (WPNS) has played a pivotal role in advocating for legal protection of place names but faced limitations during the consultation stage of the Historic Environment Bill 2016. Despite lacking legal standing, standardized spellings provided by the Office of The Commissioner for Welsh serve as useful references. This study highlights the critical need to preserve and promote Welsh toponyms through collaborative efforts between organizations and local communities.

Parry, R. (2023). Researching, promoting and protecting Welsh toponyms – Challenges and possible solutions. Onoma, 58, 125–146. https://doi.org/10.34158/onoma.58/2023/8