| Local
authority archaeologists are responsible for maintaining a register
of all the known archaeological sites in their area, known as
either Historic Environment Records (HERs) or Sites and Monuments
Records (SMRs (or in some historic towns as Urban Archaeological
Databases (UADs)). The name of HERs being adopted by many authorities
as it is felt to better reflect the increasing breadth of information
which they record about the historic environment. |
|
Only a small proportion of these sites are protected as Scheduled
Ancient Monuments or Listed as being of national importance,
but many others merit protection for their regional or local
importance. |
| HERs/SMRs
are the major source of information for understanding the local
historic environment. The inclusion of a site on an HER/SMR
gives it formal recognition in the planning process, and local
planning authorities take account of this in drawing up development
plans and reaching planning decisions. They also provide the
basis for the formulation of management policies and provide
a valuable resource for research and education. |
| |
|
Consulting
the Records
Local
HERs/SMRs can be consulted by contacting the relevant local
authority historic environment service. Some HERs/SMRs
are also accessible on-line, either through their own websites
(see individual listings) and also through the sites listed
below, although for more detailed information and advice,
contact the individual HER/SMR.
|
|
Wales:
CARN
is being developed as the public entry-point to the Extended
National Database for Wales, a national information resource
for archaeology and architecture compiled by archaeological
organisations across Wales and which includes records the
four Welsh Archaeological Trust and the Royal Commission´s
National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW). Further information
from NMRW is available through Coflein
Scotland:
Several Scottish SMRs can be accessed through Pastmap,
which also provides access to national records including Listed
Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, National Monuments
Record of Scotland and Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes.
England:
Some HERs are available online, and can be accessed via Heritage
Gateway, which also enables cross
searching with a number of national databases, and provides
contact details for all HERs. Archaeology
Data Service also has links to a wide range of reports
on Interventions, databases and other collections.
|
| |
| National
Monuments Records |
|
The national
records of England, Scotland and Wales curate a wide range
of information and archive collections relating to the historic
environment of their respective countries and make them available
to the public.
National
Monuments Record (England, English Heritage), National
Monuments Record of Wales (RCAHMW), National
Monuments Record of Scotland (RCAHMS):
|
|
| Development
of HERs |
| Principally
through its HER
Committee ALGAO works with national agencies to work to
improve the structure, content and development of local HERs
and to improve access to these records. In order to fulfil their
responsibilities compatibility between local and national records,
and the ability to retrieve consistent data of standard quality
from all SMRs/HERs are essential goals. |
| |
