Who are We?
Diodorus Siculus, writing in the 1st century BCE, wrote of an island called Ictis (or Iktin) on the southern coast of Britain that was a tin trading hub. It was from Ictis where tin produced in the south west of England, was carried by traders across the Mediterranean to North Africa, Greece, and the Levant.
Archaeological evidence and dating show that this trade took place in c. 1300 BCE, long before the Roman occupation of Britain, and even before Rome was founded as a city. It represents the earliest recorded examples of Britain being connected to the wider international trade networks linking the South West of Britain with the ancient world.
Although the exact location of Ictis remains debated by historians and archaeologists, it is widely associated with the tin-producing regions of the South West. Looe Island, the Isle of Wight, and St Michael’s Mount have all been put forward as possibilities. The story of Ictis reflects the deep and often overlooked heritage of the region. An ancient landscape shaped by trade, industry, settlment and centuries of human activity long before the modern world emerged.
The name Ictis Heritage Research was chosen to reflect this idea: uncovering hidden histories, reconnecting places with their past, and bringing overlooked heritage back into focus through careful and evidence-based research.
About Ictis Heritage Research
Ictis Heritage Research is an independent heritage and historical research service led by Alasdair MacIlleathain. The service specialises in genealogy, building history, and local history research, producing clear and professional reports based on archival sources, historical documents, maps, and material evidence.
The aim of Ictis Heritage Research is to make high-quality historical research accessible, understandable, and useful for individuals, communities, and heritage projects. Every research project is grounded in careful investigation and supported by reliable documentary and archival evidence.
The service is designed to help people better understand:
- their family history
- the history of buildings and places
- the development of towns and villages
- the historical significance of landscapes and communities
Services
Ictis Heritage Research provides a range of historical and heritage research services.
Genealogy Research
Family History and ancestry research using records, census data, and historical sources to trace family lines and reconstruct historical lives.
Building and Place Research
Detailed Historical research into buildings, properties, and settlements, including historic development and local context.
Local History Research
Research into the history of towns, villages, parishes, and communities using documentary sources, maps, and archival material to produce clear historical narratives and reports.
Each service produces structured, evidence-based research designed to be both academically sound and accessible to non-specialists.
Research Approach
Ictis Heritage Research follows a clear and professional research approach. All research is carefully documented and presented in a clear and readable format, ensuring that findings are transparent, reliable, and easy to understand.
Who is Ictis Heritage Research for?
The service is suitable for:
- Individuals researching family history
- Homeowners and businesses interested in the history of their property
- Local history groupds and societies
- Community heritage projects
- Researchers and students
- Organisations needing historical research
The goal is to provide professional historical research that is both accurate and accessible to a wide audience. If you are not listed above, then please still get in contact as we are excited to work with a wide range of clients!
Research Reports
All research undertaken by Ictis Heritage Research is presented in clear, structured reports that include:
- Historical analysis
- Documentary evidence
- Maps and visual material
- Timelines where appropriate
- References and sources
These reports are designed to be useful, readable, and professionally presented, making them suitable for personal use, heritage projects, commercial use, and academic reference.
Contact Ictis Heritage Research
For research enquiries, commissions, or project discussions, please visit the contact page or get in touch directly via ictisheritagereasearch@gmail.com
Ictis Heritage Research welcomes enquiries from individuals, communities, and organisations interested in historical and heritage research.
Ictis Heritage Research - Alasdair MacIlleathain 