Historic Environment Record (HER)
(Also known as: Sites and Monuments Record (SMR))
The Southampton Historic Environment Record (HER) is the main source of information on the historic environment of the modern city of Southampton. It includes records of archaeological sites, find spots, monuments and historic buildings. It also includes information on designations such as nationally and locally listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation areas and historic parks and gardens. The HER may be consulted by developers, archaeological contractors, members of the public, researchers and students, and is now available online on the Heritage Gateway website. (The HER was formerly known as the Sites and Monuments Record or SMR.)
Contact Details:
Address: Historic Environment Record Officer,
Historic Environment Team,
Planning & Sustainability,
Southampton City Council,
Civic Centre,
Southampton
Postcode: SO14 7LS
Telephone: 023 8083 2850
Email: her@southampton.gov.uk
Fax: 023 8083 2607
Details of service:
The Southampton Historic Environment Record (HER) is the main source of information on the historic environment of the modern city of Southampton. The HER includes records of archaeological sites, find spots, monuments and historic buildings. It also includes information on designations such as nationally and locally listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation areas and historic parks and gardens. In particular, the database contains details of all archaeological investigations that have taken place in the city, from the first work by antiquaries in 1798 to the development-led excavations and watching briefs of today. Information on human activity of all periods is included, from the earliest prehistoric times through to the 20th century. The HER database is supplemented by a library of archaeological reports, books, journals, historic maps and photographs. The HER was formerly known as the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR).
The main function of the HER is to provide information and advice to the council's Historic Environment Team and to developers and archaeological contractors involved in the planning process. The HER is also used by members of the public, students and academic researchers.
Part of the HER is now available online on the Heritage Gateway website (see link to right of this page), and further information will be added in the coming months.
The HER may also be consulted directly. We accept enquiries by phone, email, fax or by post. Data is normally supplied by email as digital PDF files. In certain circumstances we can supply digital data in other formats, or paper printouts. If necessary, you can then arrange an office visit to consult the reference library or discuss your enquiry in detail with a member of staff; in some cases we may require you to visit the office. The office is open during normal office hours, but please make an appointment before visiting to avoid disappointment. Unfortunately disabled access to our office is limited, although we will arrange suitable alternative accommodation and will do our utmost to meet your requirements. There is currently no charge for providing information held in the Southampton HER, although the information may be subject to a licence agreement.
The Southampton HER covers the area inside the city boundary. For information about areas beyond the city boundary, please consult the Hampshire HER, known as the Hampshire Archaeology and Historic Buildings Record. For further information about adjacent maritime areas, consult the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology. There are links to these and other useful web sites to the right of this page.
The Southampton HER contains some information about archaeological finds, however for full details about finds in Southampton's archaeological collections, please consult the separate Archaeology Object Database. Information about other archaeological services provided by Southampton City Council is available on the Archaeology page. Two important historic maps can be found on the Historic Maps of Southampton page.
The following pages include links to documents containing information derived from the Historic Environment Record.
Scheduled Monuments
For information about the care and upkeep of Southampton's Scheduled Monuments and about Scheduled Monument Consent.
Listed Buildings
For advice and guidance on proposals for the repair, alteration, extension, redevelopment or demolition of listed buildings within the city boundary.
Locally Listed Buildings
For advice and guidance on buildings included on the list of locally important buildings of architectural or historic interest (the Local List).
Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest
For information about Southampton's parks and gardens of special historic interest.
Last updated: 20 April 2009
