Historic Environment Record
What is the Historic Environment Record (HER)?
The Bedford Borough Historic Environment Record (BBHER) is the
most comprehensive source of information on and system for
recording archaeological sites and finds, designated sites,
historic landscapes, historic buildings and other features in the
landscape within the borough. It forms part of a network of
Historic Environment Records and Sites and Monuments Records (SMR)
across the United Kingdom.
Formerly part of the Bedfordshire County Council Historic
Environment Record, since the move to unitary in April 2009 the
borough has had its own HER. It includes a computerised index
and mapping system which can be easily searched by date, location
and types of remains, as well as hard copy, detailed information on
maps, photographs, reports, journals and other files. Much of
the information on the BBHER is now also available online via the
Heritage Gateway.
Currently, there are nearly 8,000 HER
records and we are continuing to expand and enhance the record to
include detailed information relating to all aspects of the
historic environment in line with Heritage Protection Reform.
The Bedford Borough Historic Environment Record is a public record,
and we welcome enquiries from anyone with an interest in the
borough’s past. Historic Environment Record information can
be used for research purposes, to assess development proposals, and
to manage and enhance the borough’s countryside.
If you would like information from the Historic Environment
Record, please read the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document
below so that you can let us know precisely what you want and we
can deal with your enquiry more effectively.
View HER
frequently asked questions
Services provided by others include:
Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service This
collects and preserves original historic and modern written
evidence, maps and plans for Bedfordshire, including Luton.
Millions of documents from 1166 to the present enable people to
find out about local places, buildings, trade, industry and the
historic physical and social environment. Access to the archives is
provided through a public search room.
Bedfordshire Heritage Library (new window) within
Bedford Central Library holds a variety of historic published and
printed sources for Bedfordshire, including trade directories, old
county, town and village histories, topographical works, early
journals and magazines, bound volumes of newspapers and county
maps.
Bedford Museum (new
window) deals with Bedfordshire's archaeology and social
history through their collections and public displays. They help
identify archaeological finds along with the Finds Liaison Officer
and also provide outreach and educational services.
For other sources of information, please view the document
below:
Historic
Environment Records other sources of information