Sites and Monuments Record (SMR)
Welcome
"We cannot care for the historic environment, or direct
resources effectively, unless we understand what it is, its
condition and how it is changing. We need continuous,
thoughtful and well-targeted research to enable us to identify
significance and potential" (Power of Place, The future of the
historic environment, DCMS and English Heritage,
2000).
What is the Sites and Monuments Record?
The Bath and North East Somerset Council Sites and Monuments
Record (SMR) is a computerised database of nearly 5,000 records of
archaeological sites; monuments; landscapes; and townscapes
collected since 1974 when Avon County Council was formed. In
1996 the new Unitary authority of Bath and North East Somerset
Council took over responsibility for the management and maintenance
of the Wansdyke District and Bath City part of the County Council
SMR. The SMR was formally adopted by Bath and North East
Somerset Council in 2003.
The B&NES SMR is part of a national network of similar
records managed by local authorities. For information on
neighbouring areas contact:
What does the SMR contain?
The SMR database holds information on various attributes of a
site or find including:
- location
- description
- date
- type
- source
The database is linked to a computer mapping system known as a
GIS (Geographical Information System) which holds mapped
information about a site or find. The GIS also contains
information about specific areas of research in B&NES.
These areas of research include the following:
- historic landscape surveys for Englishcombe and the manor of
Widcombe
- historic farm surveys for Priston, Stanton Prior and Stowey
Knighton
- historic field survey for Publow
- Historic Landscape Characterisation for the former County of
Avon
- Somerset Coal Canal
-
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
- Bath City Urban Characterisation
- ancient woodland
The SMR also holds approximately 200 archaeological excavation
and survey reports covering the years 1990 to 2004 and a collection
of oblique and vertical aerial photographs dating from 1946 to the
present day.
How can I access SMR records?
We do not provide a dedicated public space for viewing the
SMR. Information can be supplied in paper form or
electronically by writing or e-mailing to the Archaeological
Officer (see contact details below).
To assist us in providing the best level of information could
you please make sure that your enquiry is clear and concise.
There are a number of different ways to search the SMR including:
Where; what and; when.
Where
-
send a paper map of the area you are interested with sufficient
information for us to locate it on our GIS.
-
define the centre of an area using a National Grid
Reference and give a radius (in metres)
-
tell us the name of a parish or settlement within B&NES you
are interested in
What
When
When can I expect a response?
Please allow 20 days
for your information to reach you. For small enquiries we
will try to send the information to you much quicker but large and
complex enquiries may take the full 20 days.
