Devon (including Torbay) HER

Last updated : 13 May 2026
Description

The Devon HER contains over 90,000 records of archaeological monuments (for example, prehistoric flint finds, hillforts and field systems, Roman roads, medieval fortifications, significant historic placenames, sites of palaeoenvironmental importance, Second World War defensive sites, etc.) as well as records of historic buildings, historic landscapes and archaeological events (excavations, archaeological assessments, geophysical surveys, etc.). The Historic Environment Record was established in 1975 as the Devon Sites and Monuments Register by the Devon Committee for Rescue Archaeology, and in 1979 Devon County Council assumed responsibility for its maintenance. It is now based at both Devon County Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority, where records are supplemented by a collection of unpublished fieldwork reports, photographs, archaeological reports, historic landscape information, unpublished notes and other records. The Devon and Dartmoor HER records information from the Palaeolithic (250,000 years ago) through to records of Cold War defensive sites from the 20th Century. It has records for the historic county of Devon including Dartmoor National Park, excluding Exmoor National Park and the unitary authorities of Plymouth and Torbay. These authorities hold their own HERs. Exeter City Council (for the central part of Exeter City) holds HER information in the Exeter Urban Archaeological Database. Dartmoor National Park shares a HER platform with Devon HER, but should be contacted separately for enquiries about HER records within Dartmoor. The HER has information taken from relevant material in published archaeological and historic sources, as well as acting as a repository for otherwise unpublished sources. Information has been collected from both primary and secondary sources: original documents, historic maps, learned society journals, antiquarian observations and excavations, aerial photographs and modern archaeological fieldwork.

Service Host organisation
Devon County Council
Local authorities covered
Devon and Torbay, with the exception of Exmoor National Park, Plymouth Unitary Authority and central Exeter. Dartmoor National Park Authority should be contacted for any queries about records or sites within Dartmoor.
Contact information
Name
Historic Environment Team
Job Title
Telephone Number
01392 382246
Email Address
[email protected]
Further information
Address
Historic Environment Team
County Hall
Exeter
Devon
EX2 4QD
Information on relevant services
Historic Environment Record
Visiting
Access arrangements
By appointment only.
Opening hours
9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday except Bank Holidays.
Visitor facilities

Library of local periodicals, monographs, books, reports and other sources; photographic collection

Information available

Records of archaeological sites, monuments and landscapes as well as some information on finds and listed buildings. Archaeological fieldwork reports, mapping and photographs. Extensive collection of aerial photographs of Devon. For important information and guidance about Devon's HER records please see HER Guidance and About HER information. Please note: the Devon Historic Environment Record is open to public consultation but an appointment must be made in advance.

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