The Historic Environment Record
The primary source of information about the
historic environment in Northumberland is the Historic Environment
Record (HER). It is a database that contains more than 22,000
records with information about archaeological and historic remains
as diverse as prehistoric settlements and Hadrian's Wall to
historic gardens and the defences of World War II. Some of the
monuments, landscapes and buildings are designated sites. They
include: Scheduled
Monuments, Listed
Buildings, Registered
Parks and Gardens, Registered
Battlefields, and World
Heritage Site.
Uses of the Historic Environment Record
The HER brings together information about the
archaeology, historic buildings and historic landscapes of the
County. The HER originally developed as a planning control tool to
identify where archaeological and historic remains are likely to be
affected by development. Although this is still probably the most
frequent use of the HER, its remit has expanded to include land-use
planning and conservation initiatives, as well as research,
tourism, education and local history projects. It is therefore
an important starting point for conservation, fieldwork and
research into the historic environment and also informs local
communities about the history and archaeology of their area.
Where to find archaeological information
The Northumberland Historic Environment Record
is held at County Hall in Morpeth. You can get information from the
HER in a number of different ways, such as by letter, email, fax or
telephone, or make an appointment to visit in person. We also have
a shortened version of the Historic Environment Record available on
the Keys to the Past website
together with maps and photographs, or in full on
the Archaeology Data Service
website which was last updated in October 2003.
How do I make an enquiry?
Unless you have a very simple query, it
helps if you can write it down. However, you are very welcome to
telephone or email first if you need some general advice on how to
proceed with your enquiry. Your query should be as specific as
possible and include the reason for your request and what you
intend to use the information for. Please always include a
telephone number or email address in case we need to clarify
anything. Commercial enquiries should include a purchase order
number if appropriate. A reply will normally be sent within five
working days. For more information please see our Access
and Charging Policy.
Send your enquiry to our email address
archaeology@northumberland.gov.uk,
telephone 01670 622656, or write to Northumberland Conservation at
the address above.
Other sources of archaeological information
Keys to the Past is a Heritage
Lottery Fund grant-aided project run jointly by Northumberland and
Durham County Councils providing web access to a complete record of
the archaeology of our two counties. It is supplemented by
a glossary, parish histories and background information
about the archaeology and history of the region. Please note that archaeological contractors are
advised not to use Keys to the Past as their main source, please
email archaeology@northumberland.gov.uk
for more
information.
Past Perfect is a New
Opportunities Fund grant-aided project run jointly by
Northumberland and Durham County Councils providing web access to
seven very different archaeological sites. Using virtual reality
and interactive technology, with 3D reconstructions, you can
navigate around reconstructions of the sites, learning about their
history, how they were discovered and how archaeologists interpret
the finds that they discover. A CD-ROM version is also available.
Visit the website at http://www.pastperfect.org.uk/
Related web pages
Heritage Gateway,
here you can search across
national and local records of England's historic sites
and buildings.
The Northumberland
Communities website contains a range of learning resource
material that reflects Northumberland’s heritage, providing a base
for studying the County’s history. The website provides a starting
point for understanding the development of communities in
Northumberland. It also seeks to illustrate the range of sources
for family and local history research that are available via
Northumberland Archives Service.
Contact us
Contact the HER on 01670 622656 or email
archaeology@northumberland.gov.uk
