Portsmouth Museum and Records Archaeology Collection

The Archaeology collection has primarily been collected in the last 50-60 years from an area within a 15 mile radius of Portsmouth Guildhall.
The bulk of the collection is formed by a number of major archaeological archives which are the result of research and development led projects.

There is also material from small projects and stray finds, donated by professional and amateur archaeologists and interested members of the public.

Important archives held in the collection include: Oyster Street, Bevis Grave Saxon cemetery, Rowlands Castle Pottery Kiln and the Palaeolithic site at Red Barns. Material within the collection includes: flint, pottery, ceramic building material, glass, leather, metalwork, wood, animal and human bone.
The date of the artefacts ranges from the Lower Palaeolithic through to the Post Medieval period.

Historic Buildings, Sites and Monuments Record

Portsmouth City Museum and Records Office is also the home of the Portsmouth Historic Buildings, Sites and Monuments Record.
This is a record of known archaeological sites, finds and historic buildings within the City of Portsmouth.

Currently it is held on paper maps (1:10,560) and a card index.

Enquiries from all areas of the community are welcome; from students undertaking research, members of the public examining their local history, and professional organisations such as developers and archaeologists making use of the data for commercial purposes

Portsmouth Museums and Records Service maintains copyright on all information provided.

The HBSMR can be viewed, by appointment only, from Monday – Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm.
The Archaeology Officer can undertake some small enquiries but a charge will be made.

For further information or to book an appointment to view the HBSMR please contact the Archaeology Officer.