Historic Environment Information
Last updated: 05/02/2010
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In order to be able to carry out its many functions, the
Historic Environment Service has compiled an encyclopedic archive
of information on the historic environment of Cornwall and the
Isles of Scilly. From quoits to castles, barrows to blowing houses,
palstaves to pollen cores, the archive includes information on all
aspects of the past from the earliest traces of human occupation up
to our cut-off date at the end of World War II.
This archive is known as the Historic Environment Record (HER) and, in
addition to information on archaeological and historical sites and
structures, it also incorporates collections of photographs
(including aerial photos), maps, plans and surveys, and an
extensive reference library. The HER is maintained and updated in
accordance with national heritage information standards and
guidance. Information in the HER has been derived from a variety of
sources including published and unpublished books and pamphlets,
specialist journals, antiquarian authors, museum records, as well
as reports of fieldwork, surveys and excavations undertaken by the
HES and its partner organisations, and information sent in by
landowners, farmers, and members of the public.
The record can be used in a variety of ways including:
- Advancing knowledge and understanding of the historic
environment;
- Supporting management and conservation of sites and
landscapes
- Underpinning strategic policies for the protection of the
historic environment
- Supporting decision-making in local authority land-use planning
systems;
- Contributing to environmental improvement and economic
regeneration schemes;
- Contributing to education and social inclusion and;
- Encouraging the exploration, appreciation and enjoyment of the
historic environment.
The level of detail and the accuracy of the information held on
each site reflects the nature or content of the sources used to
compile the record. With over 50,000 records in the dataset it has
been possible to verify the information 'on the ground' in only a
small percentage of sites.
Consulting the HER
The HER is a public archive and HER staff encourage and welcome
consultations and enquiries. You can telephone, write or send and
email giving details of the nature and purpose of your enquiry. A
map or plan of your area of interest is often essential. You will
be asked to sign a Users Declaration Form. A charge is
normally made for the supply of information from the Record,
although this may be discounted in certain circumstances, for
example for educational or personal research. This charge is to
cover the staff time and resources required to deal with the
request.
To consult the record in person you will need to visit our
offices in Truro. We are open between the hours of 10am to 5pm,
Monday to Friday. Due to space restrictions it is advisable to
contact us in advance to book a desk.
How you can help us...
The HER will never be complete, as new finds and discoveries are
made almost every day; maintaining and updating the data is an
ongoing task. You can contribute to this process by reporting
to us any interesting finds or discoveries you make in Cornwall and
Scilly. If you find that we have provided you with
inaccurate or incomplete information, please let us know.
Registered as an archaeological organisation with the Institute
of Field Archaeologists.
To find out more please get in contact.