About the Archive
Preserving the deep history of the British Isles through documentation and research.
Our Mission
The British Megalithic Archive is the main digital repository for archaeological research on Neolithic Britain. We work to preserve, document, and share the extraordinary heritage of megalithic monuments across Britain.
A Living Archive
Founded in 2018 by the University of Edinburgh, Historic England, and Cadw, the Archive is the biggest coordinated effort to document Britain's megalithic heritage. We combine archaeology, astronomy, engineering, and digital methods to create records for both researchers and the public.
We believe these ancient monuments belong to everyone. By making our research free online, we give more people access to knowledge about our shared prehistoric past and help future generations learn from these achievements.
We do more than just document. We work on current challenges facing megalithic sites, like climate change, visitor pressure, and development threats. Partnering with heritage groups across Britain and Ireland, we help inform conservation and landscape management.
Core Values & Principles
Academic Excellence
Every Archive entry is reviewed by leading Neolithic archaeology specialists to ensure accuracy and strong methodology.
Our Editorial Board has members from major universities across Britain and Ireland, linking established research with new approaches.
Open Access
We think publicly-funded research should be free. The Archive uses Creative Commons licensing, so educators, researchers, and the public can use our materials without cost.
Our commitment to open access includes sharing how we collect data, to be transparent and let others check our work.
Digital Preservation
Megalithic monuments face threats from weathering, vandalism, and environmental change. Our digital records are a permanent archive of details that could be lost.
We use multiple storage systems and update our formats to make sure this digital heritage stays accessible as technology changes in the decades and centuries ahead.
Our Research Team
Leading experts in Neolithic archaeology, archaeo-astronomy, and digital heritage preservation.
Dr Eleanor Vance
Lead Archaeologist & Director
Eleanor specializes in