Our History
Discover our story.
View more
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) is a leading educational charity dedicated to championing and promoting engagement in archaeology and supporting grassroots archaeologists across the UK. Established in 1944, we have a long history of championing public participation in archaeology, aiming to connect diverse communities with the heritage of our shared past.
Our mission is to inspire individuals to explore their heritage and engage with the historic environment, fostering new connections among people and the places where they live, work, learn, and grow. We champion a people-centered approach to archaeology, promoting shared heritage and innovative practices that highlight the social impact of archaeology.
We aim to enhance our position as a network organisation, connecting commercial, academic, and community groups, enhancing the public value of archaeology and supporting grassroots initiatives. By promoting a collaborative and inclusive approach, we strive to help improve the accessibility of archaeology, highlighting the issue of othering in our field, and contributing to a richer understanding of our shared past and its relevance to our present and future.
We run initiatives such as the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) for young people aged 8-16 and the annual Festival of Archaeology, encouraging exploration of the places we live and stories that surround them. Our five key areas of work encompass membership, youth engagement, events, publications and communications, and casework and advocacy.
We also publish British Archaeology magazine, an award-winning bi-monthly publication that highlights archaeological research and projects from around the UK.
You can find out more about the five key areas of our work here.
Our work extends across the UK, supported by our network of local CBA groups in Wales, England, and our sister organisation, Archaeology Scotland. Across all devolved nations, we collaborate on delivering the Festival of Archaeology and YAC to provide direct opportunities to engage with the CBA’s work, and aim to improve our representation in all areas of the UK.
Groups carry out a range of activities at a local level: providing advice and information on archaeology in the area, promoting participation, offering best practice guidance, and more.
Find out more about our Groups and Societies here.
Learn more about our values, history, and, work.
Our Values and Behaviours
Our values and behaviours define how we approach our work and pursue our mission.
View more
The CBA is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 287815) and in Scotland (No. SC041971), as well as a Company Limited by Guarantee (Registered No. 1760254). You can read our most recent constitution here. You can read our latest Annual Report and Accounts here.
Support Us
Become a member of the CBA
Attend special events featuring world leading archaeologists, receive exclusive access to member only content, benefit from discounts on high end archaeology clothing and equipment, and much more.
Help us to get more people active in archaeology
Together we can create more opportunities for people of all ages to participate in archaeology, and care and campaign for our historic environment. But we need your help.
Sign up to our newsletter
Want to find out more about what we do, how you can get involved, and how you can support us? Discover all this and more by signing up to our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox every month.
Take part in our events and activities
The CBA organises a range of events every year, with the aim of encouraging archaeology for all. These include lectures, workshops, research seminars, activity days and question and answer sessions. Through such events, the public can discover how to participate in archaeology and learn new archaeological skills.
Volunteer Positions
The CBA is at the heart of Britain’s archaeology community. Our aim is to create opportunities for everyone to partake in archaeology and ensure this fascinating field is accessible to all. We keep you up to date with what is happening in British archaeology, whether you are looking to participate in a dig, join a local archaeological society, or volunteer with us here at the CBA.
Subscribe to British Archaeology
British Archaeology is our award-winning bi-monthly publication, published by the CBA, focusing on the latest archaeology news, discoveries, and research within the UK and from British Archaeologists working overseas. With articles from the CBA team, it is a great way to get to know the work we do.