Cotswold Archaeology Ltd
Analysis
Cotswold Archaeology Ltd is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Cirencester. It was registered in January 1991, 35 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, arts/culture/heritage/science and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 02362531). It says it provides services, provides advocacy/advice/information and sponsors or undertakes research.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Cotswold Archaeology Ltd reported income of £39.2m and spending of £37.5m, spending 96% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income grew from £19.1m to £39.2m (+105%), an average of +20% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2022, when income rose by 32%. Over the whole period it spent 93% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Cotswold Archaeology Ltd sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Limited (£39.1m), St Edward's School (£41.1m) and The Faraday Institution (£33.3m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 99% and investments 1.2%. Charitable activities took 98% of spending and raising funds 0.0%. Reserves of £18.4m would cover about 6 months of spending at that rate. It employed 343 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 0.1%
- Charitable activities 99%
- Investments 1.2%
In the charity's own words
We achieve our Object by creating knowledge which accrues from archaeological and heritage investigations and other research. Through our research we make the past relevant, interesting and enjoyable to a broad spectrum of beneficiaries. Developing knowledge of the past amongst stakeholders increases community cohesion and identity, and furthers an overall appreciation of the world we live in
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Limited | Birmingham | £39.1m |
| St Edward's School | Oxford | £41.1m |
| The Faraday Institution | Didcot | £33.3m |
| Sadler's Wells Trust Limited | London | £43.3m |