The Historic Environment Record (formerly the Sites & Monuments Record)

The Historic Environment Record (HER) is the primary index about the physical remains of past human activity in West Berkshire. It changed its name from the Sites and Monuments Record to reflect a new broader scope of information content.

What is the Historic Environment Record?

The HER is a register of all known archaeological and historical sites in the unitary authority of West Berkshire.  It also includes information on fieldwork and excavations, found objects and documentary sources.  The record is growing all the time as new sites and objects are discovered and archaeological work is undertaken.  Snapshots of HER mapping can be seen by clicking on the downloads to the right.

Much of this knowledge is stored in a database linked to a computerised map.  HER resources also include books, articles and unpublished reports, aerial photographs, and historic and modern maps.  A national project, Historic Landscape Characterisation, has recently been undertaken for West Berkshire and can be accessed through the HER, showing the district's land-use history and evolution.  Further local work, Historic Environment Character Zoning, has helped to define the archaeological resource and consider its conservation.  

What kinds of sites are recorded on the Historic Environment Record?

The record covers a very wide variety of monuments, findspots, buildings and landscapes.  Some are grand and impressive, such as hillforts or mansions; others are smaller scale and more widespread, like milestones.  In some cases the sites still exist and can be seen; in others they may be visible only perhaps as cropmarks from the air, or they may have been totally destroyed - in these instances, it is particularly important to chronicle past evidence.  The HER encompasses sites dating from the earliest prehistoric settlement of the area up to modern day structures.  It now contains details of all West Berkshire's nationally designated sites (Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens and Battlefields) as well as structures and buildings of local interest.

What is the Historic Environment Record used for?

Historic Environment Records make information accessible in order to advance understanding of our man-made surroundings and inform its care and conservation. The West Berkshire HER underpins the work of the archaeology service, and contributes to decision-making on land-use planning and management. It has an educational role in promoting an appreciation of the importance of West Berkshire's heritage, and in furthering academic or personal research.  Its information is used by members of the public, community groups, developers, landowners and farmers, schools, university students – in fact anyone who wants to know more about West Berkshire's past.

Can I consult the Historic Environment Record?

The HER is a public record, managed by the archaeology service, which can be consulted.  Please read How to Make a Historic Environment Record Enquiry. 

More detail is also available about the HER resources under The Historic Environment Record - Reference Collections.