Archaeology UK FAQ's

We are changing our public name to Archaeology UK to make it clearer who we are and what we do. Research shows that while interest in archaeology is strong, many people are unsure how organisations in the sector connect to their lives. The name Archaeology UK is more direct and easier to recognise, helping more people understand how archaeology relates to the places and communities around them. Our purpose remains the same. This change is about clarity and reach, not a change in direction.
 

Yes. We remain the same independent educational charity with the same mission, programmes and team. Our legal name will remain the Council for British Archaeology. What is changing is how we present and explain our work publicly. The new name brings our activities together more clearly and helps new audiences understand who we are.
 

This is a moment of opportunity for archaeology. Interest in heritage and place remains strong, but participation is uneven. The move to Archaeology UK helps us respond to this by making it easier for people to recognise us, understand what we do and see where they fit.
 

You will continue to receive British Archaeology six times a year and the magazine remains central to our membership offer. Readers will continue to receive the same trusted editorial content, and we will be making some small changes to strengthen design. The magazine keeps its established identity while sitting more clearly within the wider work of Archaeology UK.

Your direct debit payments will continue as normal and you don’t need to make any changes. As our legal name will remain Council for British Archaeology this is the name you will continue to see on your statements. 
 

The transition to Archaeology UK has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This investment enables us to strengthen how we communicate our work, reach more people and support the long-term resilience of the organisation.
 

The most important way to support us is to stay connected.

You can:

• maintain or start a membership
• take part in events and the Festival
• support our work through a donation
• share opportunities within your networks

The Young Archaeologists’ Club, along with our Youth Advisory Board and Young Associates Network, continues to play a central role in how Archaeology UK opens up opportunities for young people to take part. You may have already seen Young Archaeologists' Club’s refreshed look and website, launched earlier this year and developed in partnership with young people and volunteers. That work reflects the same direction as Archaeology UK, making archaeology feel more accessible, more relevant, and shaped by the people involved.
 

The Festival of Archaeology continues as one of the highlights of the year. Each year, hundreds of events happen across the UK, with over 15,000 people experiencing archaeology for the first time through the Festival. As we move to Archaeology UK you’ll see some shiny new branding for the Festival too.