Historic Environment Record (HER)

The Southampton Historic Environment Record (HER) is the main source of information on the historic environment of the modern city of Southampton. The HER was formerly known as the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR).

The HER database 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 HER includes details of all archaeological fieldwork that has taken place in the city. Information on human activity of all periods is included, from the earliest prehistoric times through to the 20th century. The database is supplemented by a library of archaeological reports, books, journals, historic maps and photographs.

Part of the HER database is now available online on the Heritage Gateway website (see link at the foot of this page).

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 may also be consulted by developers, archaeological contractors, members of the public, researchers and students.

We accept enquiries by phone, email or post. The complete HER User Guidelines (including charging policy, access policy and conditions of use) and an HER Enquiry Form are available as PDF documents at the foot of this page; all HER users must complete an enquiry form. Please note that our office is only open to visitors by prior appointment.

To contact the HER, email her@southampton.gov.uk, telephone 023 8083 2850, or send a letter to the Historic Environment Record Officer, Historic Environment Team, Planning & Sustainability, Southampton City Council, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LS.

The Southampton HER covers the area inside the city boundary. For areas beyond the city boundary, contact the Hampshire HER (the Hampshire Archaeology and Historic Buildings Record). For further information about adjacent maritime areas, contact the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology. There are links to these and other useful web sites at the foot 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 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.