Norfolk Heritage Explorer

The Norfolk Historic Environment Record is an archive of everything we know about Norfolk’s archaeology. We are always trying to find out more. Occasionally we make a mistake or information we have been given may be inaccurate. If you would like to tell us more about Norfolk’s archaeology or send us some additional information on one of our records, this short “How to” guide will let you know how to get in touch. We cannot always guarantee to incorporate your information but we will do our best to investigate your comments.

Step 1 – find out if the site or find is already recorded

We have an ever-growing database of sites and finds from Norfolk. Please check whether we have already recorded your information by searching the Norfolk Heritage Explorer website. The best way of doing this is by running a map search for the location of the site, building or find from the homepage. If you don’t know exactly where the find or site was, you could do a parish search or a keyword search.

Step 2 – record the NHER number

If the site, building or find has been recorded, but you would like to correct or add information please take a note of the NHER number. This is the unique identifying number for this particular record and will help us to process your comments more quickly. 

Step 3 – get in touch

Let us know about your information. You can get in touch by email, telephone or mail. We will need to know the NHER number and your corrected or additional information along with your contact details. If the site has not yet been recorded we will need to know an 8-figure grid reference, nearest village name, details of the find, finder and your contact details. If you are not sure how to read a grid reference you can follow the guidelines on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website.

You can email the Norfolk Historic Environment Record by clicking the link here: heritage@norfolk.gov.uk

Alternatively:

Telephone: 01362 869 282

Fax: 01362 860 951

Address: Norfolk Historic Environment Record

             Union House

             Gressenhall

             Dereham

             NR20 4DR

Step 4 – what happens next

We aim to acknowledge receipt of your comments within three working days.

We may need to check and validate the information you have sent us, which might involve a site visit, checking other sources of information (such as maps or aerial photographs) or asking you for further information.  Depending upon the nature of the information and the amount of investigation work required, this might take a few days, weeks or sometimes even months.

Once any checking has been done, we will let you know the outcome.

Please note that not all of the information we hold is available on the Norfolk Heritage Explorer website, so the website may or may not refer to the information that you have sent us.  The website is updated every three to six months, so if your information is added it may take a while to appear online.

Since the early 1930s what is now the Norfolk Historic Environment Record has relied upon members of the public discovering archaeological sites or finds, and reporting these to the Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service, so please help us to enhance and improve our record of Norfolk’s fascinating past.

The growth and improvement of the Norfolk Historic Environment Record is dependent on the good will and interest of its users. We look forward to hearing your comments and working together to make the database a more accurate record of Norfolk’s fascinating past.