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 534166, 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.