A Short History of the Historic England Archive
We hold major collections of national importance, covering archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Our collections include photographs, drawings, plans and documents.
Did you know: over a million of our records can be searched online.
Our Archive includes records from many different organisations, which we have inherited or acquired.
Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England
Founded in 1908, the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME) aimed to compile an inventory of ancient and historical monuments in England. We hold research notes, photographs and drawings covering many of England's historic buildings.
Images from RCHME
Please click on the gallery images to enlarge.
The National Buildings Record
Set up in 1941 the National Buildings Record (NBR) collected photographs and other records of buildings and sites at risk during and after the Second World War.
Images from the NBR
Please click on the gallery images to enlarge.
National Library of Aerial Photographs
We hold the records of the former National Library of Aerial Photographs, which include over two million vertical aerial photographs taken by the RAF and Ordnance Survey.
English Heritage
We hold records created by English Heritage, including photographs, plans and drawings of the sites in the care of the organisation.
Archive Customer Services
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Email
[email protected]
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Address
The Engine House,
Fire Fly Avenue,
Swindon,
SN2 2EH
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Phone number
01793 414600
