Northamptonshire is county committed to helping you trace your roots. Whether you are a resident or visitor there are plenty of services available to help you find your past. The County Council is also committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the county of Northamptonshire and making it accessible to those living in the county, as well as to visitors from the United Kingdom and abroad.
Northamptonshire is an area of outstanding heritage interest, in terms of its archaeology, its documentary heritage, its buildings and historic sites.
Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, Northamptonshire County Council hopes you will make use of and enjoy the county’s unique heritage.
The Archives Service
This service is responsible for preserving and making accessible the documentary heritage of the county that is stored in the Northamptonshire Record Office. It seeks to encourage use of the archives in its care for family, local, house and community history among other topics. The records it cares for include those from parishes, schools, businesses, societies, District and Borough Councils and the large landed estates. The records held date from the 11th century to current times.
The service offers an education and outreach programme and is involved in ICT developments to widen and increase access to the information about its holdings. Members of the team can offer you advice on pursuing family or local history, house or garden history among other things.
Research AdviceNorthamptonshire Archaeology
This service aims to support the preservation and understanding of Northamptonshire’s historic environment. It does this through a specialist service for archaeological investigation and related research that supports the statutory planning and development process. The field archaeology service operates on a commercial basis obtaining all its income through maintaining a portfolio of contracts with private developers and public and voluntary sector agencies.
Visit Northamptonshire Archaeology WebsiteHistoric Environment Record
The Council is responsible, through its HER or Sites and Monuments Record (SMR), for maintaining a detailed and systematic record of the county’s historic environment. It is the main source of information on archaeological sites, historic buildings and landscapes in the county. Details of the wide range of sites, landscapes and buildings are maintained on a constantly growing database along with a wide range of supporting information and archive material. The SMR is used to manage our heritage and to inform conservation and planning advice for the county.
Heritage Assets
The Council has a responsibility for preserving and giving access to over twenty County Heritage Sites. Among these are seven dovecotes, various stocks and four scheduled ancient monuments, including two earthwork castles and a medieval moated site. These are a vital part of our historic environment and the council needs to ensure that they are properly maintained and interpreted in such a way that you can enjoy and appreciate them.
More Information on the County Heritage SitesPortable Antiquities Scheme
The Council is part of a national scheme for the voluntary recording of archaeological finds, the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Every year, members of the public discover thousands of archaeological artefacts ranging from prehistoric axe-heads to medieval coinage. Such fascinating discoveries are made by people digging their garden, out walking the dog and often by people searching with metal-detectors. The Portable Antiquities Scheme is designed to offer members of the public a chance to have their finds identified and archaeologically recorded by a Finds Liaison Officer. Every archaeological find that is recorded can, in some way, add to our knowledge of the past and help us appreciate how the landscape has been used and developed over time.
More Information on the Portable Antiquities SchemeContact details
Northants Archaeology, 2 Bolton House, Wootton Hall Park, Northampton NN4 8BE
Northamptonshire Archives Service, Wootton Hall Park, Northampton NN4 8BQ
Northamptonshire SMR and Heritage Assets, County Hall, Northampton NN1 1AX
Northamptonshire Portable Antiquities Scheme, County Hall, Northampton NN1 1AX
