Southampton HER
Last updated : 09 June 2026
Description
The Southampton Historic Environment Record (HER) is the main source of information on the historic environment of the modern city of Southampton. It is maintained by Southampton City Council. The database includes records of archaeological sites, find spots, monuments and historic buildings. It also includes information on designations such as nationally and locally listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation areas and historic parks and gardens. In particular, the database contains details of all archaeological investigations that have taken place in the city, from the first work by antiquaries in 1798 to the development-led excavations and watching briefs of today. Information on human activity of all periods is included, from the earliest prehistoric times through to the 20th century. The database contains some information about archaeological finds; however finds in Southampton's archaeological collections are recorded in separate museums databases, including the online Archaeology Object Database. The database is supplemented by a library of archaeological reports, books, journals, historic maps and photographs. The function of the Southampton HER is to provide information and advice to underpin the planning process, and to students and others for research and general interest. Office visits to consult the paper library can be arranged by prior appointment. The Southampton HER is not a complete record and some data is not yet available online. For further information and important guidance on the use of the Southampton HER, please Southampton HER Heritage Gateway Guidance Notes. Note: Data derived from Heritage Gateway will not be acceptable for any use associated with development proposals and other planning matters. © Southampton City Council
Service Host organisation
Southampton City Council
Local authorities covered
Southampton City Council LPA
Contact information
- Name
- Ingrid Peckham
- Job Title
- Planning Archaeologist/HER Officer
- Telephone Number
- 07393 143772
- Email Address
- [email protected]
Further information
- Address
-
Historic Environment Record Officer, Planning & Economic Development, Southampton City Council
Civic Centre, Civic Centre Road
Southampton
SO14 7LY
- Important information for users of Heritage Gateway data
- https://www.southampton.gov.uk/media/n1jg4ijp/her-user-guidelines-charging_revised2026.pdf
Visiting
- Opening hours
- Normal Office Hours - Monday to Friday BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
- Visitor facilities
-
Visitor desk; photocopying; library of fieldwork reports, national and local journals, monographs, historic maps and other sources.
- Information available
-
The Southampton HER covers the area inside the boundary of the City of Southampton. It consists of records for archaeological sites and findspots, and for historic sites and buildings. It also includes designations such as scheduled monuments, nationally and locally listed buildings, conservation areas, registered parks and gardens and historic ships. The records are held in a computer database linked to a digital mapping system. We also hold paper sources such as archaeological reports, journals, historic maps and photographs. Simple enquiries may be made by e-mail, post or phone. For more complex enquiries, and for all commercial enquiries, please complete and submit an HER Enquiry Form, a blank copy of which can be found on the Southampton HER web page (URL above), along with user guidelines. HER information is now usually supplied in digital format although paper records can be supplied. If necessary, an office visit can then be arranged to consult paper sources; in some cases we may require an office visit. OFFICE VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Our office has wheelchair access, although full disabled access is limited; however we will do our utmost to meet your requirements. We charge for providing HER data to answer commercial enquiries; details of charges can be found on our website. Otherwise, information is provided free of charge. HER data may be supplied subject to licence agreement.