About the HER

The Portsmouth Historic Environment Record (HER) is the primary source of information about the historic environment of the City of Portsmouth. It is one of over 80 HERs in England maintained by Local Authorities that record data about archaeology and the built environment for their local area.

Originally known as a Sites and Monuments Record (SMR), the Portsmouth HER was established around the late-1960s by archaeologists working for Portsmouth Museums Service. The original SMR recorded archaeological remains, finds, historic monuments and a small number of buildings using paper maps and index cards. The name was later changed to Historic Environment Record as it now contains information about the broader historic environment of the city.

The paper records were computerised in the early-2000s and the HER now consists of a database linked to digital mapping. The HER is managed and maintained by an Historic Environment Record Officer based within Portsmouth City Council's Museums Service.

The database contains information about remains from the prehistoric period to the present day. Whilst the HER can never be a definitive record, the database is constantly being updated and enhanced as new information becomes available.

The HER has been compiled using a variety of sources, such as archaeological reports, publications, historic documents and maps.

It includes information about:

• Stray finds e.g. archaeological artefacts found while out walking
• Archaeological sites, features and investigations
• Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered Parks and Gardens
• Buildings recorded on The City of Portsmouth Local List of Buildings
• Non-designated historic buildings
• Parks and gardens
• Monuments and memorials
• Historic sites known from documentary sources

The HER is maintained for public benefit and is available for everyone to use to find out more about the heritage of their local area.

HER data is used to inform planning decisions and is consulted by planners, developers and archaeologists working on a variety of projects in the city, including housing and coastal defence. It is also used for academic and personal research projects and by anyone interested in Portsmouth's historic environment.

The Portsmouth Heritage Explorer is the best way to consult the HER for general interest. If you have a more in-depth, academic or commercial enquiry please contact the HER to request a full search. Please see our Access and Charging Policy for further information. 

If you would like to find out more about HERs and why they matter Historic England have released two introductory films.