Based
at the North Lincolnshire Museum, the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) is a
record of all the known archaeological sites, monuments and findspots in the
region.
There is
a wide variety of sites from prehistoric times up to the present day. Nationally
important sites include Gainsthorpe Deserted Medieval Village and Thornton Abbey.
Both of these are Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) open to the public. Many
others are of regional or local importance.
As
of May 2008 there are 4,425 records of all types, including 44 SAMs and 915
listed buildings. The records are updated as new information becomes available
and new records continue to be added. We are always pleased to receive information
from the public relating to archaeological and historic sites and finds. Full
details of each each site are held on paper record sheets and may include photographs,
reports and scale drawings. Summary data is held in a computer database, which
may be searched on a number of fields such as site type or period. The SMR's
Geographic Information System (GIS) can show the position of the sites on an
electronic map.
The SMR
provides planning advice, both to the council and to developers or their consultants.
All planning applications are checked against the SMR and recommendations for
archaeological investigations on proposed development sites are made in line
with government guidelines. Other works by the water, gas and electricity bodies
are also monitored, and advice on the management of archaeological sites is
given for energy crop schemes and Environmental Stewardship schemes.
The
SMR is also widely used by students and other bona fide researchers. Please
note that visitors to the SMR must arrange an appointment, as space is limited.
If you have an enquiry, or would like to arrange an appointment, please contact
Alison Williams or Mike Hemblade on 01724 843533 or by email at alison.williams@northlincs.gov.uk
or mike.hemblade@northlincs.gov.uk.