A new Historic Environment Record (HER) website heralded ‘An Aladdin’s cave for archaeologists, researchers and students’ has been launched by Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC).
The new website, https://her.nottinghamshire.gov.uk, provides access to an extensive database of heritage sites, earthworks, historic buildings, and archaeological finds that make up the rich and varied historic environment of our county.
Features from the 25,000 data entries range from single chance finds, such as Roman coins, to large sites such as W II airfields. The site contains records of designated heritage assets including listed buildings, scheduled monuments and registered parks and gardens, as well as undesignated ones, such as other historic buildings and structures, archaeological sites and historic landscapes.
Thousands of records are waiting to be discovered, including one of Nottinghamshire’s smallest Roman forts at Scaftworth and a brand-new high-resolution laser scan of Sherwood Forest.
There are quite a few entries relating to Ruddington, too, such as the War Memorial and the various framework knitters’ cottages and workshops dotted around the village. And did you know there used to be a windmill on Loughborough Road and a Georgian ice house in Manor Park?
Using the search tools and mapping window, visitors to the website are encouraged to explore the range of sources available. This includes George Sanderson’s 1835 Map of The Country Twenty Miles Around Mansfield, along with aerial satellite map, OS map, and two high-resolution lidar models.
Surveys and excavation reports, plans, publications and collection of air and ground photographs are also online to explore.
Mark Walker, the County Council’s Interim Service Director for Place and Communities said: “The Historic Environment Record website is an Aladdin’s cave for archaeologists, researchers, students, schools and local groups wanting to find out more about the history of their local area.
“The website will be regularly updated with news on exciting archaeological and historic building projects taking place in the county along with discoveries, photos, volunteer opportunities, and stories that help to connect people to the place where they live.”
“We hope people are inspired to find out more and enjoy delving into the fascinating history of our wonderful county. “
The website is not a replacement for official planning or commercial searches. These must still be conducted through the Nottinghamshire Historic Environment Record office.