New online hub brings Northamptonshire’s rich heritage to life
22 October 2025
A new website has been launched to give people access to Northamptonshire’s Historic Environment Record (HER) - a comprehensive digital archive featuring more than 65,000 records that chart the story of the county’s rich and varied past.
From the Palaeolithic period to the present day, the HER is a vital tool for planners, land managers, researchers, and anyone interested in local history. It brings together detailed information on archaeological sites, historic landscapes, listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and artefacts, helping to protect and celebrate Northamptonshire’s diverse historic environment.
The new online platform makes this wealth of information easily accessible through a searchable interactive map, allowing users to explore heritage assets across the county in just a few clicks.
The launch follows a successful Historic England audit carried out in August 2025, which praised the HER for its significant progress and consistently high standards. The audit reported: “Since the previous audit in 2020, which was well-rated, the Northamptonshire HER has continued to make improvements to its service and has achieved a particularly high score this year. The HER is consistently strong across all areas assessed under the current audit scheme and has clearly demonstrated its commitment to improvement.”
“This launch represents an exciting step forward in how we preserve, manage, and celebrate our county’s historic environment. Northamptonshire’s heritage is one of its greatest assets - it connects our communities, attracts visitors, and inspires pride in place. The HER website opens up that story to everyone.”Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure
The Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record is managed by West Northamptonshire Council and continues to evolve as new discoveries and insights are added. By making the information freely accessible online, the Council aims to support responsible development, enhance understanding of the county’s history, and inspire future generations to value and protect their shared heritage. Explore the database on the HER website.