Records range from isolated finds of coins or fragments of pottery to massive earthwork features covering many hectares, from the earliest prehistoric periods to industrial sites and World War II defences. Wrecks and underwater sites are recorded, as are sites with special designations such as scheduled monuments, listed buildings and registered parks and gardens.

Information comes from a variety of sources - aerial photographs, books and journals, from landowners and members of the public, as well as reports from local amateur groups and professional archaeologists.

The Dorset Historic Environment Record is maintained by Dorset County Council. Information contained in the HER underpins the work of the council's Historic Environment team in areas such as planning, historic buildings, environment schemes, management of monuments, finds identification and research.

The HER is consulted by national and local government, landowners, developers, utilities, professional and amateur archaeologists, local societies and interest groups, students, and anyone with an interest in the history and archaeology of Dorset.

• Enquiries

  The Historic Environment Record (HER) can be consulted by telephone, letter, email, or in person at County Hall, Dorchester (by appointment only).

• Information for us?

  Our records are expanding and being up-dated constantly as a result of fieldwork, research and chance finds. You can contribute to this process by reporting any discoveries or by sending us reports on your archaeology and local history projects.

• Historic Environment Record (HER) - frequently asked questions

• Dorset historic towns survey

  Dorset has a rich variety of historic towns, each with its own special character and story. The historic character of Dorset's towns is essential to their individuality, sense of place and economic well-being. Without an understanding of the historic urban environment it is all too easy for significant elements to be damaged or lost through modern development. The Dorset Historic Towns project, highly commended in the 2011 Dorset Archaeological Awards, is designed to address this concern.