This page (revision-43) was last changed on 09-Jan-2019 15:41 by Nick Boldrini

This page was created on 17-Sep-2012 11:52 by Alison Bennett

Only authorized users are allowed to rename pages.

Only authorized users are allowed to delete pages.

Page revision history

Version Date Modified Size Author Changes ... Change note
43 09-Jan-2019 15:41 16 KB Nick Boldrini to previous
42 09-Jan-2019 15:40 16 KB Nick Boldrini to previous | to last
41 09-Jan-2019 15:36 17 KB Nick Boldrini to previous | to last

Page References

Incoming links Outgoing links
SectionA.6
SectionA.6

Version management

Difference between version and

At line 9 changed one line
!Urban Archaeological Databases (UADs)
!Urban Archaeological Databases ([UADs|Glossary#UAD|target='_blank'])
At line 11 changed one line
In England records of the historic urban cores of modern towns have been developed by local government archaeology services or contracting units under an [English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] programme that involves resource identification, database development and the preparation of a management strategy. The database element of this programme is a specific type of HER, similar in content to a ‘normal' HER but generally including additional detail about stratified urban deposits. Some UAD projects enhance part of an existing HER rather than operating as a new, separate database. Once strategies for managing the urban archaeological resource have been prepared, the UAD should either be integrated into the HER for the area or maintained separately as an HER and brought up to the 1st stage HER benchmark as a minimum with an agreement with other HERs in the area as to who maintains the record for the town/city in question to avoid duplication. A map showing the towns covered by UADs is available on the [English Heritage web site|http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/research/landscapes-and-areas/characterisation/townscape-character/|target='_blank'].
In England records of the historic urban cores of modern towns were developed by local government archaeology services or contracting units under an [English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] programme that involved resource identification, database development and the preparation of a management strategy, this is now the responsibility of [Historic England|Glossary#Historic England|target='_blank']. The database element of this programme is a specific type of HER, similar in content to a ‘normal' HER but generally including additional detail about stratified urban deposits. Some UAD projects enhance part of an existing HER rather than operating as a new, separate database. Once strategies for managing the urban archaeological resource have been prepared, the UAD should either be integrated into the HER for the area or maintained separately, with an agreement with other HERs in the area as to who maintains the record for the town/city in question, to avoid duplication. Additional information on UADs is available on the [Historic England web site|https://historicengland.org.uk/research/methods/characterisation-2/urban-characterisation/|target='_blank'].
At line 17 changed one line
HERs should include information about listed and other non-listed historic buildings (for example those included in local lists, where these exist) and provide an integrated service for archaeology and the built environment in order to satisfy benchmark 2.1 of Benchmarks for Good Practice (Chitty 2002). However, many local planning authorities maintain separate Listed Buildings Records for use by their historic buildings conservation officers. These are often be paper-based records incorporating the lists published by the DCMS (England), Welsh Government through Cadw (Wales) or Historic Scotland (Scotland) and files containing conservation and monitoring reports and details of buildings at risk surveys. Ideally conservation officers will use and contribute information to their local HER.
HERs should include information about listed and other non-listed historic buildings (for example those included in local lists, where these exist) and provide an integrated service for archaeology and the built environment. However, many local planning authorities maintain separate Listed Buildings Records for use by their historic buildings conservation officers. These are often paper-based records incorporating the lists published by the DCMS (England), Welsh Government through Cadw (Wales) or Historic Environment Scotland (Scotland) and files containing conservation and monitoring reports and details of buildings at risk surveys. Ideally conservation officers will use and contribute information to their local HER.
At line 20 changed one line
Records of the natural environment (including ecology, geology, biological species) have traditionally been maintained separately from records of the historic environment. A few local authorities have brought together archaeology, buildings and the natural environment to create integrated environment teams. Some HERs record palaeoenvironmental sites as monuments. In Scotland there is the Scottish Wetlands Archaeological Database, commissioned by Historic Scotland, which is not yet incorporated into the SMRs ([http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/swad/|http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/swad/|target='_blank']).
Records of the natural environment (including ecology, geology, biological species) have traditionally been maintained separately from records of the historic environment. A few local authorities have brought together archaeology, buildings and the natural environment to create integrated environment teams. Some HERs record palaeo-environmental sites as monuments. In Scotland there is the Scottish Wetlands Archaeological Database, commissioned by Historic Scotland, which is not yet incorporated into the HERs ([http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/swad/|http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/swad/|target='_blank']).
At line 26 added 8 lines
__Local Lists__
Many local authorities create and maintain lists of local historic buildings and sites. They come in many forms and names, and can be compiled by various sources including civic societies.
Local Lists are an important part of heritage protection, and should form part of a legible and coherent hierarchy of heritage assets, supporting the idea that whilst not all heritage assets are of national interest that does not mean that they are not significant in other ways. As providers of information HERs should aim to incorporate Local Lists, but must also be aware of the potential problems associated with some of these datasets, carefully considering the value of adding poor quality lists.
See [Local Listing and HERs|Local Listing Case Study.pdf|target='_blank'] for a case study on Local Lists in Lincolnshire.
At line 27 changed one line
Museums hold collections of objects and are the primary location for archaeological archives resulting from fieldwork relating to their sphere of interest. They play a vital role in curating such archives, containing as they do ‘...all parts of the archaeological record, including the finds and digital records as well as the written, drawn and photographic documentation' (Perrin 2002). Their collection catalogues, which may or may not be computerised, hold references to objects identified in local HERs. Where possible, HERs also hold cross-references between the locations where objects were found or excavated and the catalogue number and name of the museum in which they are held, together with any associated archives.
Museums hold collections of objects and are the primary location for archaeological archives resulting from fieldwork relating to their sphere of interest. They play a vital role in curating such archives, containing as they do ‘...all parts of the archaeological record, including the finds and digital records as well as the written, drawn and photographic documentation' ([Perrin 2002|Bibliography#Perrin 2002|target='_blank']). Their collection catalogues, which may or may not be computerised, hold references to objects identified in local HERs. Where possible, HERs also hold cross-references between the locations where objects were found or excavated and the catalogue number and name of the museum in which they are held, together with any associated archives.
At line 30 changed one line
Record offices, whether county based as in England and Wales or the various unitary and joint archives in Scotland, hold documents, photographs, maps and other archives relating to their local area. Some HERs have close contacts with their local record office and some HER databases include cross-references to material held there.
Record offices, whether county based as in England and Wales or the various unitary and joint archives in Scotland, hold documents, photographs, maps and other archives relating to their local area. In Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland acts as the national repository for archaeological archives, both paper and digital. Some HERs have close contacts with their local record office and some HER databases include cross-references to material held there.
At line 34 changed one line
[ALGAO|Glossary#ALGAO UK|target='_blank'] members within England have established a network of regional groups, coincident with the government regions, for HER staff and, in some cases, for planning archaeologists. These groups provide a valuable forum for HER managers to discuss working practices, data standards and to work together on regional initiatives such as the preparation of a research framework for the region. There are no equivalent regional groups in Scotland or Wales. The Scottish SMR Forum formed in 2000 and representing [Historic Scotland|Glossary#Historic Scotland|target='_blank'], the [RCAHMS|Glossary#RCAHMS|target='_blank'], the Scottish SMRs, and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities ([COSLA|Glossary#COSLA|target='_blank']) is the focus for discussion of HER issues. The four Welsh HER Managers meet regularly to discuss similar matters to their colleagues in regional HER fora in England.
[ALGAO|Glossary#ALGAO UK|target='_blank'] members within England have established a network of regional groups, coincident with the government regions, for HER staff and, in some cases, for planning archaeologists. These groups provide a valuable forum for HER managers to discuss working practices, data standards and to work together on regional initiatives such as the preparation of a research framework for the region. There are no equivalent regional groups in Scotland or Wales. The [Scottish SMR Forum|http://smrforum-scotland.org.uk/|target='_blank'] is the focus for discussion of HER issues, and includes Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland, as well as local authority HERs and SMRs, and others. The four Welsh HER Managers meet regularly to discuss similar matters to their colleagues in regional HER fora in England.
At line 37 changed one line
[English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] has established local offices to provide a local base for ancient monuments inspectors and historic buildings advisors. Each HER is covered by a designated ancient monuments inspector who provides a first point of contact for conservation advice and information about [English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] projects and programmes. The [English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] regional offices have also established regional historic environment fora. These have a broad membership of public, voluntary and private bodies to provide a clear focus for historic environment issues, for example contributing to regional ‘State of the Historic Environment' reports. There are no regional offices of [Historic Scotland|Glossary#Historic Scotland|target='_blank'], but both the listed building and the ancient monuments inspectorate are organised on an area basis. There are no regional offices in Wales.
[Historic England|Glossary#Historic England|target='_blank'] has established local offices to provide a local base for ancient monuments inspectors and historic buildings advisors. Each HER is covered by a designated ancient monuments inspector who provides a first point of contact for conservation advice and information about Historic England projects and programmes. The Historic England regional offices have also established regional historic environment fora. These have a broad membership of public, voluntary and private bodies to provide a clear focus for historic environment issues, for example contributing to regional ‘State of the Historic Environment' reports. There are no regional offices of [Historic Scotland|Glossary#Historic Scotland|target='_blank'], but both the listed building and the ancient monuments inspectorate are organised on an area basis. There are no regional offices in Wales.
At line 44 changed one line
[English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] curates a wide range of information and archive collections relating to the historic environment and makes them available to the public. This includes the National Record of the Historic Environment ([NRHE|Glossary#NHRE|target='_blank']), a national database of monuments, buildings and maritime sites linked to a GIS system. It contains entries for over 400,000 monuments and 80,000 events. The English Heritage Archive also curates a collection of over 2.5 million air photographs, some 3 million ground photographs, 32,000 books, 300,000 maps and a growing collection of plans, architectural drawings and reports. The collections provide complete aerial coverage for England and other photographic coverage of a wide range of topics such as English towns, gardens, houses, churches and cathedrals, industrial sites and railway stations.
Historic England curates a wide range of information and archive collections relating to the historic environment and makes them available to the public. This includes the National Record of the Historic Environment ([NRHE|Glossary#NRHE|target='_blank']), a national database of monuments, buildings and maritime sites linked to a GIS system. It contains entries for over 400,000 monuments and 80,000 events. There is currently (2019) a project to devolve this information to HERs and merge the datasets, which will take place oevr the next 5 years.
At line 46 changed one line
[English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] acts as the contact point for queries concerning all designated assets on the National Heritage List for England ([NHLE|Glossary#NHLE|target='_blank']), including: [scheduled monuments|Glossary#SM|target='_blank'], [listed buildings|Glossary#Listed Buildings|target='_blank'] and sites on the registers of [parks and gardens|Glossary#Registered Parks and Gardens|target='_blank'], and [battlefields|Glossary#Registered Battlefields|target='_blank']. [English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] also issues a free licence to HERs to hold its copyrighted material.
The [Historic England Archive|https://archive.historicengland.org.uk/|target='_blank'] also curates a collection of over 2.5 million air photographs, some 3 million ground photographs, 32,000 books, 300,000 maps and a growing collection of plans, architectural drawings and reports. The collections provide complete aerial coverage for England and other photographic coverage of a wide range of topics such as English towns, gardens, houses, churches and cathedrals, industrial sites and railway stations.
At line 48 changed one line
Heritage Information Partnerships and the Data Standards Unit of [English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] offer advice to HERs and maintain controlled terminologies such as the [Thesaurus of Monument Types|Glossary#ThesaurusOfMonumentTypes|target='_blank'].
Historic England acts as the contact point for queries concerning all designated assets on the National Heritage List for England ([NHLE|Glossary#NHLE|target='_blank']), including: [scheduled monuments|Glossary#SM|target='_blank'], [listed buildings|Glossary#Listed Buildings|target='_blank'] and sites on the registers of [parks and gardens|Glossary#Registered Parks and Gardens|target='_blank'], and [battlefields|Glossary#Registered Battlefields|target='_blank']. Historic England also issues a free licence to HERs to hold its copyrighted material.
At line 58 added 4 lines
Heritage Information Partnerships and the Data Standards Unit of Historic England offer advice to HERs and maintain controlled terminologies such as the [Thesaurus of Monument Types|Glossary#ThesaurusOfMonumentTypes|target='_blank'].
Natural England manage [SHINE|Glossary#SHINE|target='_blank'] - the Selected Heritage Inventory for Natural England, a single, nationally consistent dataset of undesignated historic environment features from across England that could benefit from management within agri-environment schemes. The data is created by Local Authority Historic Environment Records (HERs), with each archaeological site assessed against a set of national selection criteria ([Natural England, 2013|Bibliography#Natural England 2013|target='_blank']). Data from each HER is merge into the national SHINE dataset which consists of over 60,000 records.
At line 51 changed one line
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland ([RCAHMS|Glossary#RCAHMS|target='_blank']) is responsible for recording, interpreting and collecting information about the built environment. The National Monuments Record for Scotland ([NMRS|Glossary#NMRS|target='_blank']) is the principal archive of collections for Scotland's archaeological, building and maritime heritage. There are several million items in the collections comprising photographs, drawings, manuscripts, aerial photographs and other visual and documentary material including digital archives.
Historic Environment Scotland ([HES|https://www.historicenvironment.scot/|target='_blank']) investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland. The National Record of the Historic Environment for Scotland is the principal archive of collections for Scotland's archaeological, building and maritime heritage. There are several million items in the collections comprising photographs, drawings, manuscripts, aerial photographs and other visual and documentary material including digital archives.
At line 54 changed one line
The National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW) holds the national collection of information about the archaeological, architectural and historical heritage of Wales and provides a public information service, drawing on both archival and published sources and benefiting from specialist advice from [RCAHMW|Glossary#RCAHMW|target='_blank'] staff. Indexes to the information, including core site data, form the RCAHMW's contribution to the developing Extended National Database for Wales.. Currently there are over 1.25 million photographs, 70,000 plans and drawings and 50,000 historic maps in the collections in addition to thousands of surveys and reports. [Coflein|Glossary#Coflein|target='_blank'] is the online interactive mapping and database for the National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW)
The National Monuments Record of Wales ([NMRW|Glossary#NMRW|target='_blank']) holds the national collection of information about the archaeological, architectural and historical heritage of Wales and provides a public information service, drawing on both archival and published sources and benefiting from specialist advice from [RCAHMW|Glossary#RCAHMW|target='_blank'] staff. Indexes to the information, including core site data, formed the RCAHMW's contribution to the [Extended National Database|Glossary#Extended National Database|target='_blank'] for Wales. Currently there are over 1.25 million photographs, 70,000 plans and drawings and 50,000 historic maps in the collections in addition to thousands of surveys and reports. [Coflein|Glossary#Coflein|target='_blank'] is the online interactive mapping and database for the National Monuments Record of Wales ([NMRW|Glossary#NMRW|target='_blank'])
At line 56 changed one line
In Wales the HERs form part of an ‘Extended National Database (END) Partnership' of heritage organisations records which includes the RCAHMW's records, [Cadw|Glossary#Cadw|target='_blank'] [SAM|Glossary#SAM|target='_blank'] Records, and the National Museums and Galleries of Wales archaeological collections. Core data from each partner's digital records are exchanged and regularly updated and made available for both internal purposes and for public access through the [Historic Wales website|http://jura.rcahms.gov.uk/NMW/start.jsp].
In Wales the information in the four Regional HERs is available through the [Archwilio web site|Glossary#Archwilio|target='_blank']. The HERs also form part of the ‘Extended National Database (END) Partnership' which includes the RCAHMW's records, [Cadw|Glossary#Cadw|target='_blank'] [SAM|Glossary#SAM|target='_blank'] and [Listed Building|Glossary#Listed Buildings|target='_blank'] Records, and the National Museum Wales' ([NMW|Glossary#NMW|target='_blank']) artefact records. Core data from each partner's digital records are made available through the [Historic Wales website|Glossary#Historic Wales|target='_blank'].
At line 59 changed one line
Within [ALGAO:UK|Glossary#ALGAO UK|target='_blank'] a network of subject committees address specific areas of interest at strategic level. The Historic Environment Records (HER) Committee informs, advises and acts for the Executive Committee and membership of ALGAO on the development and maintenance of historic environment records, the database and [GIS|Glossary#GIS] applications involved and data standards.
Within [ALGAO:UK|Glossary#ALGAO UK|target='_blank'] a network of subject committees address specific areas of interest at strategic level. The [HER Committee|https://www.algao.org.uk/subject/her|target='_blank'] informs, advises and acts for the Executive Committee and membership of ALGAO on the development and maintenance of historic environment records, the database and [GIS|Glossary#GIS] applications involved, and data standards.
At line 65 changed one line
The [HER Forum|Glossary#HER Forum|target='_blank'] exists to bring those with an interest in HERs together to exchange ideas and assist each other. It consists of an e-mail discussion list ([www.jiscmail.ac.uk/herforum|http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/herforum]), twice yearly meetings and published Historic Environment Records News now part of the [Heritage Gateway|Glossary#Heritage Gateway|target='_blank']. The HER Forum is chaired by one of its members and co-ordinated by Heritage Information Partnerships at [English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank']. Although originally set up by English Heritage for English HERs the forum has members representing Wales and Scotland as well as subscibers to the email list from other parts of the world. In Scotland the SMR Forum brings together national and local bodies with an interest in the development of HERs, and there is a separate email Scottish SMR discussion list which includes non-SMR members.
The [HER Forum|Glossary#HER Forum|target='_blank'] exists to bring those with an interest in HERs together to exchange ideas and assist each other. It consists of an e-mail discussion list ([www.jiscmail.ac.uk/herforum|http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/herforum|target='_blank']) and twice yearly meetings. The HER Forum is chaired by one of its members and co-ordinated by Heritage Information Partnerships at Historic England. Although originally set up by English Heritage (prior to responsibility for HERs being transferred to Historic England) for English HERs, the forum has members representing Wales and Scotland as well as subscribers to the email list from other parts of the world. In Scotland the SMR Forum brings together national and local bodies with an interest in the development of HERs, and there is a separate email Scottish SMR discussion list which includes non-SMR members.
At line 69 changed one line
The ADS forms part of a distributed national electronic resource established with funding from the academic community to improve the accessibility of information resources to researchers. The ADS holds metadata catalogues which provide an index to databases held by HERs, the NMRs, [English Heritage|Glossary#English Heritage|target='_blank'] and others, and also holds digital archives deposited by field archaeology units and national organisations. Information collected by the ADS is available on the internet through ARCHSearch, a search tool which identifies sources of information and, in some cases, provides a link to databases posted on the internet by organisations such as the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland ([RCAHMS|Glossary#RCAHMS|target='_blank']), some HERs and thematic projects.
The ADS forms part of a distributed national electronic resource established with funding from the academic community to improve the accessibility of information resources to researchers. The ADS holds metadata catalogues which provide an index to databases held by HERs, the NMRs, [Historic England|Glossary#Historic England|target='_blank'] and others, and also holds digital archives deposited by field archaeology units and national organisations. Information collected by the ADS is available on the internet through ARCHSearch, a search tool which identifies sources of information and, in some cases, provides a link to databases posted on the internet by organisations such as the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland ([RCAHMS|Glossary#RCAHMS|target='_blank']), some HERs and thematic projects.
At line 71 changed one line
Web site: [archaeologydataservice.ac.uk|http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk]
Web site: [archaeologydataservice.ac.uk|http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk|target='_blank']
At line 74 changed one line
Topical or thematic surveys are carried out by local studies groups, archaeology and history societies, special interest groups and national agencies. The surveys include national projects creating records of monuments of a particular period or type, for example the Defence of Britain project. The groups and societies organising these surveys hold libraries, archives, collections and increasingly databases of information that complement HER holdings. HER managers often work with these groups and societies, supplying information as well as aiming to incorporate new information and enhance their own databases at the end of the project. An on-line discussion forum, Historic Environment List For Projects and Societies, has been set up to promote co-operation and sharing of ideas/information between survey projects and special interest groups and societies involved in recording all aspects of the historic environment.
Topical or thematic surveys are carried out by local studies groups, archaeology and history societies, special interest groups and national agencies. The surveys include national projects creating records of monuments of a particular period or type, for example the Defence of Britain project. The groups and societies organising these surveys hold libraries, archives, collections and increasingly databases of information that complement HER holdings. HER managers often work with these groups and societies, supplying information as well as aiming to incorporate new information and enhance their own databases at the end of the project.
At line 76 removed one line
Web site: [http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/helps.html|http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/helps.html|target='_blank']
At line 79 changed one line
In recent years there have been several collaborative projects involving the member states of the European Union. The European Heritage Network, is looking at the policy and legislation framework for heritage conservation across Europe. A multi-lingual thesaurus is being developed for the project to support retrieval of information across the member states. Other projects are working to provide trans-national access to archives ([ARENA|Glossary#ARENA|target='_blank']) and HERs ([PLANARCH|Glossary#PLANARCH|target='_blank']).
In recent years there have been several collaborative projects involving the member states of the European Union. The European Heritage Network, is looking at the policy and legislation framework for heritage conservation across Europe. A multi-lingual thesaurus is being developed for the project to support retrieval of information across the member states. Other projects are working to provide trans-national access to archives ([ARIADNE|Glossary#ARIADNE|target='_blank']) and HERs ([PLANARCH|Glossary#PLANARCH|target='_blank']).
At line 82 changed 2 lines
*Arena: [http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/arena|http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/arena|target='_blank']
*ARIADNE: [http://ariadne-portal.dcu.gr/|http://ariadne-portal.dcu.gr/|target='_blank']
This page (revision-43) was last changed on 09-Jan-2019 15:41 by Nick BoldriniTop