We hold an outstanding range of photographs, plans and drawings in our public archive, covering the historic environment of England. We also publish books and periodicals on a wide variety of subjects to help you understand, value, care for and enjoy your historic environment.
Browse thousands of historic and modern photos from the Historic England Archive.
Aerial view of Tewkesbury town and abbey surrounded by floodwater from the River Avon and River Severn, 2018. Staff picks selected by Katy Groves, Cataloguing Officer.
Our collection of aerial photographs contains over 6 million images, covering the whole of England.
Discover photos of English cities, towns and villages from the Architectural Red Box Collection.
Choose an amazing photo or art work from our archive, pick a product, then place your order.
Harold Wingham Collection
Described as “one of the unsung heroes” of aerial photography, Harold Wingham created photographs of outstanding quality and interest.
John Laing Photographic Collection
The John Laing collection provides a unique insight into the origins of iconic British buildings and the human effort that went into building them.
Early Photographic Prints
A diverse collection of 22,000 prints showing architecture, people, industry and landscapes from the 1850s to the latter part of the 20th century.
Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
4,000 quirky and emotive images of 1930s and 1940s British health care before the NHS.
USAAF Collection
Over 20,000 photographic prints taken by US Army Air Forces reconnaissance aircraft in England during the Second World War.
Other Highlights of the Archive Collections
Many more extraordinary collections await in the Historic England Archive.
Search our wide range of publications including books, periodicals and guidance documents.
Visit our publishing partner Liverpool University Press to buy books or enquire about publishing with Historic England.
The Historic England series of 30 local history books about towns and areas the length and breadth of England is available from Amberley Publishing.
Search, Copying and Licensing Services
We offer a range of free and paid-for enquiry services to help you search our Archive.
Historic England Library
Use our library in Swindon for your research.
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