Historic Environment Record
Bedford Borough Historic Environment Record is the most complete
source of information on archaeological sites and finds, historic
landscapes, and historic buildings within the borough.
The record is growing all the time and currently contains nearly
10000 entries covering information relating to:
- Standing monuments and earthworks, such as the remains of
castles
- Chance finds, such as scatters of flint or pottery as well as
metal detecting find spots including information from the Portable
Antiquities Scheme
- Details of previous archaeological investigations, ranging from
the 19th century excavations to modern surveys
- Cropmarks identified from aerial photographs which can indicate
the presence of buried archaeological remains
- Documentary evidence, such as historic buildings shown on early
maps
- Scheduled monuments
- Listed Buildings
- Conservation Areas
- Non-listed historic buildings
- Registered Parks and Gardens
In addition to this the reference library contains both
published and unpublished reports and photographs including:
- Unpublished fieldwork
reports
- Bedfordshire Archaeological Journal
- Parish Surveys
- Aerial Photographs, both oblique
and vertical taken from the 1940’s onwards
Access to the Historic Environment Record is by appointment
only, office hours are 10.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 16.00 weekdays, we
are based in Borough Hall. Consulting the Historic Environment
Record is free of charge for research, educational, or general
interest enquires. To book an appointment, discuss a remote
enquiry or for further information and advice please contact
one of the Council’s Historic Environment Team:
geoff.saunders@bedford.gov.uk,
Tel: 01234 718561 (Archaeological Officer)
vanessa.clarke@bedford.gov.uk,
Tel: 01234 718560 (Senior Archaeological Officer)
For commercially based enquires there is a charge for using the
Historic Environment Record. The latest Archaeology Charging
Schedule including fees for use of the HER can be found on the
Do I need planning permission?' page
We strongly recommend that all chance discoveries of
archaeological artefacts within Bedford Borough are reported
through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS).
Julian Watters is the PAS officer for our area and he can be
contacted at:
julian.watters@stalbans.gov.uk,
Tel: 01727 751826
Historic Environment Countryside Advice to Landowners and
Farmers
The landscape of Bedford Borough is the product of thousands of
years of human activity and is rich in sites of archaeological and
historic interest. In many cases it is these sites themselves that
contain the only surviving information about early human settlement
and land use. Archaeological remains are often a vulnerable
resource therefore careful management is essential to ensure that
our heritage survives in a good condition for the benefit of future
generations.
Landowners and Farmers can take positive steps to prevent damage
to archaeological sites through the
Environmental Stewardship Scheme. This scheme can offer
payments for protecting cropmarks and other archaeological sites
through reverting arable farmland to pasture or through the
operation of minimum tillage of arable land. Payments are also
offered for the management, conservation, and maintenance of other
features of historic interest such as historic field systems and
boundaries, earthworks, and traditional farm buildings.
We can help you identify sites of interest on your farm and
provide advice on the management options which may be available to
you through Environmental Stewardship.
We will also offer advice on English Woodland Grant Schemes so
as to help avoid conflict between the historic environment and new
woodland planting proposals.
Please contact one of the Council’s Historic Environment Team
for further information on this topic:
geoff.saunders@bedford.gov.uk,
Tel: 01234 718561 (Archaeological Officer)
vanessa.clarke@bedford.gov.uk,
Tel: 01234 718560 (Senior Archaeological Officer)
