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National Monuments Record
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The National Monuments Record (NMR) is the public archive of English Heritage, located in Swindon. It holds an archive of over 10 million historic photographs, plans, drawings, reports, records and publications covering England's archaeology, architecture, social and local history.
The NMR was established as the National Buildings Record under the inspiration of Walter Godfrey, its first Director, in the 1930s. Its collections arise from a number of sources, including the work of national institutions concerned with the buildings and archaeology of England, and from collections acquired from others.
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Encyclopedia
The National Monuments Record (NMR) is the public archive of English Heritage, located in Swindon. It holds an archive of over 10 million historic photographs, plans, drawings, reports, records and publications covering England's archaeology, architecture, social and local history.
The NMR was established as the National Buildings Record under the inspiration of Walter Godfrey, its first Director, in the 1930s. Its collections arise from a number of sources, including the work of national institutions concerned with the buildings and archaeology of England, and from collections acquired from others. The scope and content of the material is very wide-ranging. Holdings include modern and historic photography, including coverage of the whole of England in aerial photographs, information on most known archaeological sites and listed buildings, and a specialist reference library. Although photographs form the largest proportion of the NMR’s holdings, collections also include plans of historic houses, reports, correspondence and digital files. All of this material is available for public viewing and a substantial number of images from the NMR are now available online (see below).
Aerial photography
The NMR holds the largest public archive of aerial photographs within England, organised as two distinct collections - oblique and vertical - each acquired from different sources. More than 680,000 oblique (taken at an angle to the ground) aerial photographs of locations throughout England are available on open access in the NMR search rooms. The NMR also holds more than two million vertical (bird's-eye view) aerial photographs, covering the whole of England, including near-complete coverage taken by the RAF in 1946-48. These are available via a search request from the NMR's Enquiry and Research Service team.
Online resources
The quickest and easiest way to view the collections is via the website, where you'll find more detailed information about what's on offer and links to the online resources.
The three main online resources are:
– view historic images of England from the 1850s to the present day. Many aspects of England's industrial heritage, architecture and archaeology, as well as some social history, are caught on film
- discover over 300,000 contemporary photographs of England’s historic buildings and monuments.
- access to over 400,000 records on England’s archaeological sites (including maritime sites) and architecture. With links to historic and modern maps and aerial photographs where available.
Enquiry and research services
The NMR offers a remote enquiry service providing a comprehensive search for information on areas of interest.
Search requests are handled free of charge provided they fall within standard search criteria (for example, a single building per enquiry). To request a more detailed search, such as a thematic search, the NMR will advise details of services and relevant fees.
Personal visitors to the NMR
For access to the wider archive, not just the material available online you can call, write or visit the National Monuments Record at their offices in Swindon, Wiltshire. You can visit without an appointment, although it’s recommended that you contact them in advance so they can help you make the most of your visit.
Reference library
In addition to accessing the collections, visitors to the NMR can also make use of the reference library. It includes the entire collection of Country Life and Architects Journal magazines going back to the 19th century, both of which feature plans and photographs of thousands of homes, country estates, commercial and civic buildings.
External links
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