The Caerau and Ely Rediscovering Heritage Project: legacies of co-produced research

Abstract

This chapter addresses, through different perspectives, the role that shared archaeology and heritage work in the Caerau and Ely Rediscovering Heritage Project (CAER). From the beginning, the guiding principle has been to actively involve community members, groups, and heritage professionals in the co-production of archaeological and historical research. The project is focused on the Cardiff suburbs of Caerau and Ely. The knowledge, energy, and creativity of local people have been expressed through their engagement both with their local heritage and each other. It is the action of doing things together that has led to local communities having a stake both in the archaeology and the future of the area. Through enabling people to contribute in different ways, and to different intensities, the project has sought to hold the production of archaeological knowledge and social and political change in dynamic relationship.