Search
Use our simple free-text search box to search monuments, events and designations in the Dorset Historic Environment Record. If you know the HER number for the
Search - Dorset Heritage Explorer
Advanced search
To make a more complex search, for example by parish, period, monument type or find type, use the advanced search.
Map search
Explore archaeological sites and finds using the interactive map.
Map tools
Search
Find a place on the map using a placename, postcode or grid reference.
Map layers
Choose the HER information you want to display. More than one layer can be displayed at a time. The layers always appear on the map in the order listed so, if you want to see a layer more clearly, it may help to turn off overlapping layers. HER map layers to choose from include:
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Monuments
Monuments are the main HER record. Every historic building, archaeological feature or find recorded in the HER has a Monument record in the HER database. Each Monument has a unique reference number with the prefix MDO or MWX. Monument records consist of description and interpretation, with links to records for Events, Sources, Designations.
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Events
Event records describe archaeological activities such as excavation, field survey, historic building recording or interpretation of sources such as aerial photographs. Each Event record has a unique reference number with the prefix EDO or EWX. Many of the events recorded in the HER have happened as part of the planning process; others come from community projects, HER enhancement, thematic research or individual research.
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Designations
Designation records describe buildings, areas and monuments that have been designated as being of national or local importance. Each Designation record has a unique reference number with the prefix DDO or DWX.
Base layers
Choose the background on which you want to display HER layers. There are four base layers to choose from:
- Aerial photography
- Lidar DTM 1m
- Ordnance Survey
- Ordnance Survey 6 inch to the mile maps (1888-1913)
Layers can be made more or less opaque using the slider at the bottom of the list. You can also choose another base layer for a comparison layer.
Information
Hover the information tool over a polygon on the map and a brief description appears in a pop-up box. If you click on the polygon a link to a fuller record appears in the box on the left of the map. If there are overlapping polygons a list of links will appear here. Click on a link to see more detailed information.
Tools
Print the map or create a link to share it.
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