Historic Environment Record

The Norfolk Historic Environment Record maintains and provides access to:

• The county database of archaeological and built heritage
• Associated collections of unpublished reports and images
• The Norfolk Air Photo Library
• The Historic Environment Service Reference Library

It is staffed Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Email heritage@norfolk.gov.uk to:

• Discuss a query
• Request a bespoke data export
• Book an appointment to view our resources at the Archive Centre in Norwich

For an abridged version of the electronic database online, including archaeological records, articles, teaching resources and more, please visit Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Please note that the Heritage Explorer does not include the complete database. The explorer is not suitable for use within the planning system.

Requesting an Historic Environment Record search

You can request a search of the Historic Environment Record by downloading a request form and emailing the completed form to: heritage@norfolk.gov.uk.

• Historic Environment Record commercial request form (PDF, 1 MB)
• Historic Environment Record non-commercial request form (PDF, 398 KB)

There is a charge for developers and their agents, consultants and contractors to consult the Historic Environment Record for commercial purposes, or to reproduce images or digital data.  

We may waive charges for non-commercial, educational, or personal research; except where it may involve a lot of work and officer time.

• Historic Environment Record charges

Historic environment reference library

The Historic Environment Service reference library holds over 7,000 books, journals and offprints, which you can view by appointment. It is located at the Archive Centre in Norwich.

• Email heritage@norfolk.gov.uk to book an appointment 

More about the Historic Environment Record

The Norfolk Historic Environment Record (HER) is the comprehensive and definitive record of the historic environment of the county of Norfolk. It covers all historic periods from the Palaeolithic to the 20th century.

The HER provides a record of:

• Archaeological investigations
• Archaeological objects
• Earthworks and cropmarks
• Historic buildings and structures
• Historic landscapes
• Industrial remains
• 20th century military remains

The data is used for education, landscape management, local history, monument protection, planning advice and research.