What is it?
The Historic Environment Record (HER) is a series of linked computer databases that hold information on known archaeological sites, finds, landscapes, buildings and other aspects of the historic environment. In addition, it contains information on past research and investigations. There are currently over 27,000 data entries within the Cumbria HER, including information for the Sedbergh and Dent areas of the Yorkshire Dales National Park but excluding the Lake District National Park as the LDNPA now maintain their own HER. The Cumbria HER is continually updated with new information provided by professional archaeologists, historians, researchers, metal detectorists and through enhancement projects grant-aided by English Heritage and other bodies.
What can be found in the HER?
The HER is a valuable source of information for anyone interested in the archaeology and history of Cumbria. Computerised details include site type, period, description of known history and condition, and sources of further information. It is linked to a Geographical Information System (GIS) which can provide information from nineteenth century Ordnance Survey maps and digitised colour vertical air photographs. Alongside this computerised data there are many paper records including reports on surveys and excavations, plans, publications and a large collection of oblique monochrome aerial photographs.
Opening Hours
The HER is normally available for consultation every weekday (excluding bank holidays and for two weeks at Christmas and the New Year) between the hours of 10am and 5pm. As space is limited, an appointment must be arranged in advance of visiting.
Fees for Academic Research:
There is no fee for consulting the HER in person for a member of the public undertaking personal or academic research. For small searches (up to 50 records) there is a charge of 20p per page. Larger searches will incur a charge of £10 for staff time in addition to the 20p per page for copied record entries (no more than 300 records to be copied for any one researcher within a period of six months).
Fees for Commercial Searches:
There is no fee for consulting the HER in person for commercial purposes. For small searches (up to 100 records), consultants will be charged a consultation fee for staff time of a minimum of £10 (inclusive of 10 copied records) plus £1 for every additional record copied thereafter. For larger searches (more than 100 records), consultants will be charged a fee for staff time of £40 per hour.
For further information about the HER or to book an appointment, please contact:
Jo Mackintosh - Historic Environment Records Officer
Cumbria County Council
County Offices
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 4RQ