Ancient monuments and archaeology
What is a Scheduled Ancient Monument?
A scheduled ancient monument is a nationally important historic structure or archaeological site, either above or below ground which has been given legal protection by being placed on a ‘list’ or schedule.
What is the Schedule?
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport currently maintains the schedule, which is required by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Under this Act Scheduled Monument Consent is required for any works to a designated monument.
Works to a monument are classed as demolishing, damaging, removing, repairing, altering, adding to, flooding or tipping material onto the monument or site. Permission to do any of the above works must be sought from the Secretary of State prior to works starting.
The Schedule is available for inspection at the National Monuments Record, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2GZ. For further information please contact Enquiries and Research Services on 01793 414600.
The Schedule is currently not available online, however information about Scheduled Ancient Monuments can be viewed on the Historic Environment Record (see What is the Historic Environment Record? below).
Where are the Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the district?
There are a wide range of Scheduled Ancient Monuments across the district ranging from cup and ring markings on rocks on Ilkley Moor to stone circles on Rombalds Moor. Currently there are 194 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the Bradford district.
West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory Service holds the information regarding Scheduled Ancient Monuments around the district on the Historic Environment Record (HER) for West Yorkshire. This includes records of all archaeological remains and monuments and is available, with appointment for public consultation.
What is the Historic Environment Record?
The Historic Environment Record (HER) comprises of:
- Information on all known archaeological sites in West Yorkshire
- Information on historic buildings, World Heritage Sites, historic parks and gardens, battlefields and some conservation areas
- Aerial photograph collection
- Comprehensive collection of historic maps
- Over 25,000 colour transparencies
- Library of archaeological material