Overview

Staffordshire has a diverse range of historic landscapes, buildings, settlements, archaeological sites and monuments which reflect the county's own distinct character. The historic environment provides a sense of identity and belonging for its communities, is a valuable resource for education and enjoyment and can also be seen as a force for regeneration in Staffordshire.

Our Historic Environment Service is responsible for providing advice and guidance on the management and conservation of Staffordshire's archaeology, its historic buildings and its historic landscape. It is also responsible for the management and development of the Historic Environment Record.

SCC County Archaeology Standard

We have produced our County Archaeology Standard to help guide applicants, consultants, and contractors on how to engage with us and the archaeological process, and to set a minimum standard for typical archaeological projects carried out in the county of Staffordshire. This includes information about our fees and charges and Model Briefs for the most common non-intrusive and intrusive archaeological activities, which set the minimum standard required for such projects carried out in the county.

Research

The service also undertakes and commissions research projects to help further our understanding of Staffordshire's historic environment.

This research is then used to enhance the Historic Environment Record as well as allowing us to produce guidance and assessment documents to support the planning process and the advice we provide in general.

Such research and guidance includes our Extensive Urban Survey project, a series of historic environment assessments which cover 7 out of Staffordshire's 8 Districts and our own Historic Structures and Areas: Practical Conservation and Design guidance document.