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 Monuments (SMs) open to the public. Many others are of regional or local importance.
As of June 2009 there are 4,858 records of all types, including 44 SMs and 914 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 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.