We provide archaeological advice to Worcestershire’s local planning authorities, utilities, landowners, developers and communities to support development that conserves and enhances the historic environment. We work within national and local planning policies to ensure environmental sustainability. We also support proactive management and conservation of the rural historic environment, offering advice and support to landowners, farmers and foresters.  

The Worcestershire Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Projects can be found alongside further supporting information on the Explore The Past Website.

Customer Notice Effective April 2023: New Archive Learning Programme

From April 2023, we're launching an exciting new archive learning programme based on customer feedback. For more information about this, such as adjusted opening hours and how to give feedback visit Explore the Past Customer Notice. 

Worcestershire Archive preserves and makes accessible Worcestershire's documentary heritage for current and future generations. We protect, preserve, manage, record, interpret, share and promote the historic legacy of Worcestershire.  

Our friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff provide access to archive services and resources to thousands of people each year.

We make available the records of the county’s history, connecting you with the stories of Worcestershire people and places through historical maps, parish registers, wills, photographs and much more.  We also provide advise on, and accept, deposits of locally significant collections.

To find out more and explore further please contact us, search our website and collections and visit us at The Hive.

Explore the Past archives advice and information

Explore the Past collections

Explore The Past collection services 

The HER database is the County of Worcestershire’s primary resource for archaeological and historic environment information. We hold approximately 83,000 records including archaeological sites, historic buildings, monuments, and landscape features. The HER can help you to research:

•    Your area, whether that’s a village, a particular building, or parish
•    A particular period of interest, including Roman, Medieval, and World War II
•    Industries such as lime kilns, carpet factories, and needle manufacturing
•    Historic artefacts, such as coins, pottery, plant, and animal remains

For further details on the information available, as well as details of our commercial searches, please visit the Explore the Past HER and resources page.

We're here to help you discover stories about Worcestershire's past. Our enthusiastic and experienced team offers a wide variety of resources and support, including: 

• Hands on school workshops and loan boxes
• Public events, talks, exhibitions and workshops
• Delivering and supporting community heritage projects, from oral history to archaeological fieldwork

Take a look at our website to see our upcoming public events or to find out more about how we can help you explore the past, from prehistory to the present day.

Explore the Past learning and outreach

Worcestershire Archaeology is a well-respected provider of professional archaeology and heritage services to private individuals and the development, infrastructure, and construction sector. 

Over the last 40 years, we have forged a reputation for delivering projects to the highest standards in a reliable, timely, and professional manner while being sensitive to our client's requirements.

Our highly experienced team are uniquely placed to deploy a wealth of regional knowledge and experience to guide our clients through the heritage-related aspects of the planning process to pre-empt and limit heritage-related financial risks. 

We undertake desk-based assessments, watching briefs, evaluations, excavations, and historic building recording. So whether you know exactly what services you require or have never commissioned an archaeologist before, our team is ready to help. 

Please look at our Explore the Past Worcestershire Archaeology website to find out more about our services and how we can help you with your archaeological needs.

Alternatively, call 01905 765908  to discuss your requirements with one of the Worcestershire Archaeology management team, who will be more than happy to assist you.