Historic England
Historic England Periods
Periods and centuries used in Historic England datasets.
Anglo Saxon
Migration period
Early Anglo-Saxon
The first part of the period which saw the arrival of Anglo-Saxon culture (circa 410 CE to 660 CE).
EAS
Late Anglo-Saxon
The final part of the Anglo-Saxon period which began with the reign of Edward the ELder and ended with the Norman Conquest(circa 899 CE to 1066 CE).
LAS
Middle Anglo-Saxon
Middle Anglo Saxon
Mid Anglo Saxon
Mid Anglo-Saxon
The middle part of the Anglo-Saxon period which saw the development of the Seven Kingdoms - the Heptarchy (circa 660 CE to 899 CE).
MAS
Anglo-Saxon
Both a political and cultural term: applied to the distinctive culture and artistic styles that evolved from the merging of native traditions with those of Germanic tribes who had migrated from northern Europe.
Pre-Conquest
Early Mediaeval
Dark Age
Viking
Defined as the period of initial settlement following on from a period of Viking (raiding) activities and initial contact.
VIK
Early Medieval
This dates from the breakdown of Roman rule in Britain (c. 410) to the Norman invasion in 1066 and is to be used for monuments of post Roman, Saxon and Viking date.
First Century
Early First Century
Early 1st Century
The first third of the 1st Centuryof the common era. (1 CE to 32 CE).
EC01
Late First Century
Late 1st Century
The final third of the 1st Century. (67 CE to 100 CE).
LC01
Mid First Century
Mid 1st Century
The second third of the 1st Century of the common era (33 CE to 66 CE).
MC01
1st Century
Tenth Century
Early Tenth Century
Early 10th Century
The first third of the 10th Century of the common era (901 CE to 932 CE).
EC10
Late Tenth Century
Late 10th Century
The final third of the 10th Century of the common era (967 CE to 1000 CE).
LC10
Mid Tenth Century
Mid 10th Century
The second third of the 10th Century of the common era (933 CE to 966 CE).
MC10
10th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 10th Century of the common era (901 CE to 1000 CE).
C10
Eleventh Century
Early Eleventh Century
Early 11th Century
The first third of the 11th Century of the common era (1001 CE to 1032 CE).
EC11
Late Eleventh Century
Late 11th Century
The final third of the 11th Century of the common era (1067 CE to 1100 CE).
LC11
Mid Eleventh Century
Mid 11th Century
The second third of the 11th Century of the common era (1033 CE to 1066 CE).
MC11
11th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 11th Century of the common era (1001 CE to 1100 CE).
C11
Twelfth Century
Early Twelfth Century
Early 12th Century
The first third of the 12th Century of the common era (1101 CE to 1132 CE).
EC12
Late Twelfth Century
Late 12th Century
The final third of the 12th Century of the common era (1167 CE to 1200 CE).
LC12
Mid Twelfth Century
Mid 12th Century
The second third of the 12th Century of the common era (1133 CE to 1166 CE).
MC12
12th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 12th Century of the common era (1101 CE to 1200 CE).
C12
Thirteenth Century
Early Thirteenth Century
Early 13th Century
The first third of the 13th Century of the common era (1201 CE to 1232 CE).
EC13
Late Thirteenth Century
Late 13th Century
The final third of the 13th Century of the common era (1267 CE to 1300 CE).
LC13
Mid Thirteenth Century
Mid 13th Century
The second third of the 13th Century of the common era (1233 CE to 1266 CE).
MC13
13th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 13th Century of the common era (1201 CE to 1300 CE).
C13
Fourteenth Century
Early Fourteenth Century
Early 14th Century
The first third of the 14th Century of the common era (1301 CE to 1332 CE).
EC14
Late Fourteenth Century
Late 14th Century
The final third of the 14th Century of the common era (1367 CE to 1400 CE).
LC14
Mid Fourteenth Century
Mid 14th Century
The second third of the 14th Century of the common era (1333 CE to 1366 CE).
MC14
14th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 14th Century of the common era (1301 CE to 1400 CE).
C14
Fifteenth Century
Early Fifteenth Century
Early 15th Century
The first third of the 15th Century of the common era (1401 CE to 1432 CE).
EC15
Late Fifteenth Century
Late 15th Century
The final third of the 15th Century of the common era (1467 CE to 1500 CE).
LC15
Mid Fifteenth Century
Mid 15th Century
The second third of the 15th Century of the common era (1433 CE to 1466 CE).
MC15
15th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 15th Century of the common era (1401 CE to 1500 CE). For sites and buildings constructed in the Tudor period, double-index with Tudor.
C15
Sixteenth Century
Early Sixteenth Century
Early 16th Century
The first third of the 16th Century of the common era (1501 CE to 1532 CE).
EC16
Late Sixteenth Century
Late 16th Century
The final third of the 16th Century of the common era (1567 CE to 1600 CE).
LC16
Mid Sixteenth Century
Mid 16th Century
The second third of the 16th Century of the common era (1533 CE to 1566 CE).
MC16
16th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 16th Century of the common era (1501 CE to 1600 CE). For sites and buildings constructed in the Tudor style double-index with Tudor or Elizabethan.
C16
Seventeenth Century
Early Seventeenth Century
Early 17th Century
The first third of the 17th Century of the common era (1601 CE to 1632 CE).
EC17
17th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 17th Century of the common era (1601 CE to 1700 CE). For sites and buildings constructed in the Elizabthan, Stuart or Jacobean Style double-index with the appropriate term.
C17
Eighteenth Century
Early Eighteenth Century
Early 18th Century
The first third of the 18th Century of the common era (1701 CE to 1732 CE).
EC18
Late Eighteenth Century
Late 18th Century
The final third of the 18th Century of the common era (1767 CE to 1800 CE).
LC18
Mid Eighteenth Century
Mid 18th Century
The second third of the 18th Century of the common era (1733 CE to 1766 CE).
MC18
18th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 18th Century of the common era (1701 CE to 1800 CE). For sites and buildings constructed in the Stuart or Georgian periods double-index with the appropriate term.
C18
Nineteenth Century
Early Nineteenth Century
Early 19th Century
The first third of the 19th Century of the common era (1801 CE to 1832 CE).
EC19
Late Nineteenth Century
Late 19th Century
The final third of the 19th Century of the common era (1867 CE to 1900 CE).
LC19
Mid Nineteenth Century
Mid 19th Century
The second third of the 19th Century of the common era (1833 CE to 1866 CE).
MC19
19th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 19th Century of the common era (1801 CE to 1900 CE). For sites and buildings constructed in the Georgian or Victorian periods double-index with the appropriate term.
C19
Second Century
Early Second Century
Early 2nd Century
The first third of the 2nd Century of the common era (101 CE to 132 CE).
EC02
Late Second Century
Late 2nd Century
The final third of the 2nd Century of the common era (167 CE to 200 CE).
LC02
Mid Second Century
Mid 2nd Century
The second third of the 2nd Century of the common era (133 CE to 166 CE).
MC02
2nd Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 2nd Century of the common era (101 CE to 200 CE)
C02
Twentieth Century
Late Twentieth Century
Late 20th Century
The final third of the 20th century of the common era (1967 CE to 2000 CE).
L20
20th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 20th Century of the common era (1901 CE to 2000 CE). Previously recorded as 'Modern'.
C20
Twenty-First Century
Early Twenty-First Century
Early 21st Century
The first third of the 21st century of the common era (2001 CE to 2032 CE).
E21
Late Twenty-First Century
Late 21st Century
The final third of the 21st century of the common era (2067 CE to 2100 CE).
L21
21st Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 21st Century of the common era (2001 CE to 2100 CE).
C21
Third Century
Early Third Century
Early 3rd Century
The first third of the 3rd Century of the common era (201 CE to 232 CE).
EC03
Late Third Century
Late 3rd Century
The final third of the 3rd Century of the common era (267 CE to 300 CE).
LC03
Mid Third Century
Mid 3rd Century
The second third of the 3rd Century of the common era (233 CE to 266 CE).
MC03
3rd Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 3rd Century of the common era (201 CE to 300 CE)
C03
Fourth Century
Early Fourth Century
Early 4th Century
The first third of the 4th Century of the common era (301 CE to 332 CE).
EC04
Late Fourth Century
Late 4th Century
The final third of the 4th Century of the common era (367 CE to 400 CE).
LC04
Mid Fourth Century
Mid 4th Century
The second third of the 4th Century of the common era (333 CE to 366 CE).
MC04
4th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 4th Century of the common era (301 CE to 400 CE)
C04
Fifth Century
Early Fifth Century
Early 5th Century
The first third of the 5th Century of the common era (401 CE to 432 CE).
EC05
Late Fifth Century
Late 5th Century
The final third of the 5th Century of the common era (467 CE to 500 CE).
LC05
Mid Fifth Century
Mid 5th Century
The second third of the 5th Century of the common era (433 CE to 466 CE).
MC05
5th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 5th Century of the common era (401 CE to 500 CE)
C05
Sixth Century
Early Sixth Century
Early 6th Century
The first third of the 6th Century of the common era (501 CE to 532 CE).
EC06
Late Sixth Century
Late 6th Century
The final third of the 6th Century of the common era (567 CE to 600 CE).
LC06
Mid Sixth Century
Mid 6th Century
The second third of the 6th Century of the common era (533 CE to 566 CE).
MC06
6th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 6th Century of the common era (501 CE to 600 CE)
C06
Seventh Century
Early Seventh Century
Early 7th Century
The first third of the 7th Century of the common era (601 CE to 632 CE).
EC07
Late Seventh Century
Late 7th Century
The final third of the 7th Century of the common era (667 CE to 700 CE).
LC07
Mid Seventh Century
Mid 7th Century
The second third of the 7th Century of the common era (633 CE to 666 CE).
MC07
7th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 7th Century of the common era (601 CE to 700 CE)
C07
Eighth Century
Early Eighth Century
Early 8th Century
The first third of the 8th Century of the common era (701 CE to 732 CE).
EC08
Late Eighth Century
Late 8th Century
The final third of the 8th Century of the common era (767 CE to 800 CE).
LC08
Mid Eighth Century
Mid 8th Century
The second third of the 8th Century of the common era (733 CE to 766 CE).
MC08
8th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 8th Century of the common era (701 CE to 800 CE)
C08
Ninth Century
Early Ninth Century
Early 9th Century
The first third of the 9th Century of the common era (801 CE to 832 CE).
EC09
Late Ninth Century
Late 9th Century
The final third of the 9th Century of the common era (867 CE to 900 CE).
LC9
Mid Ninth Century
Mid 9th Century
The second third of the 9th Century of the common era (833 CE to 866 CE).
MC09
9th Century
Use for phases and events dating to the 9th Century of the common era (801 CE to 900 CE).
C09
Copper Age
Eneolithic
Chalcolithic
The transitional period at the end of the Neolithic when metal is first used to make tools and weapons. New burial rites and artefacts appear at the same time as these copper implements appear. Circa -2500 BCE to -2200 BCE.
Early Twentieth Century
Edwardian
The period covering the reign of Edward VII (1902 CE to 1910 CE). Do not use for the reigns of Edwards I-VI.
EDW
World War 1
World War I
WW1
WWI
First World War
Used to record buildings, defensive monuments and sites dating to, and associated with, the First World War (1914 CE to 1918 CE). For other types of building, such as houses, built during this period use Early 20th Century.
Early 20th Century
The first third of the 20th century of the common era (1901 CE to 1932 CE).
E20
Earlier Bronze Age
Early Bronze Age
The earliest subdivision of the Bronze Age. Circa -2600 BCE to -1600 BCE.
EBA
Earlier Iron Age
Early Iron Age
The earliest subdivision of the Iron Age. Circa -800 BCE to -300 BCE.
EIA
Earlier Mesolithic
Early Mesolithic
The earliest subdivision of the Mesolithic, or Middle Stone Age. Circa -10000 BCE to -7000 BCE.
EME
Earlier Neolithic
Early Neolithic
The earliest subdivision of the Neolithic, or New Stone Age. Circa -4000 BCE to -3300 BCE.
ENE
Early Prehistory
Early Prehistoric
For monuments which are characteristic of the Palaeolithic to Mesolithic but cannot be specifically assigned. Circa -1000000 BCE to -4000 BCE.
EPR
Later Bronze Age
Late Bronze Age
The third and latest subdivision of the Bronze Age. Circa -1200 BCE to -700 BCE.
LBA
Late Seventeenth Century
Restoration
The period following the reinstatement of the Stuart Monarachy in 1660. Often used to refer to the reignof Charles II (1660 CE to 1685 CE).
REST
Late 17th Century
The final third of the 17th Century of the common era (1667 CE to 1700 CE).
LC17
Later Iron Age
Late Iron Age
The third and latest subdivision of the Iron Age. Circa -100 BCE to 43 CE.
LIA
Later Mesolithic
Late Mesolithic
The latest subdivision of the Mesolithic, or Middle Stone Age. Circa -7000 BCE to -4000 BCE.
LME
Later Neolithic
Late Neolithic
The third and latest subdivision of the Neolithic, or New Stone Age. Circa -2900 BCE to -2200 BCE.
LNE
Lower Paleolithic
Lower Palaeolithic
The earliest subdivision of the Palaeolithic, or Old Stone Age; when the earliest use of flint tools appears in the current archaeological record. A hunter gatherer society is a defining characteristic. Circa -1000000 BCE to -150000 BCE.
LPA
Late Prehistory
Late Prehistoric
Later Prehistoric
For monuments that can be identified only to a date range from Neolithic to Iron Age. Circa -4000 BCE to 43 CE.
LPR
Mid Twentieth Century
World War 2
World War II
WW2
WWII
Second World War
Used to record buildings, defensive monuments and sites dating to, and associated with, the Second World War (1939 CE to 1945 CE). For other types of building, such as houses, built during this period use Mid 20th Century.
Cold War
The period of political and military opposition between the major Superpowers (USA and USSR) and their allies. Known as the Cold War as there were no direct military conflicts between the two main protagonists (1946 CE to 1991 CE).
WW3
Mid 20th Century
The second third of the 20th Century of the common era (1933 CE to 1966 CE).
M20
Mid Twenty-First Century
Solar Federation
The period of the 21st Century when the surviving planets banded together under the Red Star of the Solar Federation (2062 CE to 2112 CE).
RUSH
Mid 21st Century
The second third of the 21st Century of the common era (2033 CE to 2066 CE).
M21
Mid Bronze Age
Middle Bronze Age
The second subdivision of the Bronze Age. Circa -1600 BCE to -1200 BCE.
MBA
Mid Seventeenth Century
English Civil War
The period of the mid 17th Century which saw a series of civil wars between Royalists and Parliamentarians (1642 CE to 1651 CE).
ECW
Commonwealth
Protectorate
Interregnum
The period between the execution of Charles I and the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. During this time the monarchy was replaced by a political structure known as the Commonwealth led by the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell (1649 CE to 1660 CE).
COM
Mid 17th Century
The second third of the 17th Century of the common era (1633 CE to 1666 CE).
MC17
Middle Ages
High Mediaeval
High Middle Ages
High Medieval
The period of European history that lasted from the 11th to the 14th Century.
HMD
Late Mediaeval
Late Medieval
The period of European history that lasted from the 14th to the Mid 16th Century.
LMD
Medieval
The Medieval period or Middle Ages begins with the Norman invasion (1066) and ends with the dissolution of the monasteries (c.1540).
Middle Stone Age
Mesolithic
The Middle Stone Age, falling between the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic; marks the beginning of a move from a hunter gatherer society towards food producing society. Circa -10000 BCE to -4000 BCE.
Mid Iron Age
Middle Iron Age
The second subdivision of the Iron Age. Circa -300 BCE to -100 BCE.
MIA
Mid Neolithic
Middle Neolithic
The second subdivision of the Neolithic, or New Stone Age. Circa -3300 BCE to -2900 BCE.
MNE
Middle Paleolithic
Middle Palaeolithic
The second subdivision of the Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age. Characterized by the fine flake tools of the Mousterian tradition and economically by a hunter gatherer society. Circa -150000 BCE to -40000 BCE.
MPA
New Stone Age
Neolithic
The New Stone Age, this period follows on from the Palaeolithic and the Mesolithic and is itself succeeded by the Bronze Age. This period is characterized by the practice of a farming economy and extensive monumental constructions. Circa -4000 BCE to -2200 BCE.
Old Stone Age
Paleolithic
Upper Paleolithic
Upper Palaeolithic
The third and last subdivision of the Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age; characterized by the development of projectile points made from bony materials and the development of fine blade flint tools. Circa -40000 BCE to -10000 BCE.
UPA
Palaeolithic
The period once referred to as the Old Stone Age. It is defined by the practice of hunting and gathering and the use of chipped flint tools. This period is usually divided up into the Lower, Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. Circa -1000000 BCE to -10000 BCE.
Post Mediaeval
Post-Mediaeval
Post-Medieval
Victorian
Dating to the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 CE to 1901 CE).
VIC
Post Medieval
Begins with the dissolution of the monasteries (c.1540) and ends with the death of Queen Victoria (1901). Use more specific period where known.
Prehistory
Prehistoric
For monuments that can be identified only to a date range from Palaeolithic to Iron Age. Circa -1000000 BCE to 43 CE.
Romano-British
Antonine
Referring to the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius and his successors (from 138 CE) until the late 2nd century. Circa 138 CE to 192 CE.
ROAN
Flavian
Referring to the reigns of the emperors Vespasian (69-79 CE), Titus (79-81 CE), and Domitian (81-96 CE), that coincided with the dynasty established after the death of Nero in 69 CE. Circa 69 CE to 96 CE.
ROFL
Hadrianic
Referring to the reign of Hadrian, 117 to 138 CE.
ROHA
Severan
Referring to the Severan dynasty who were Emperors of Rome in 193-235 CE.
ROSE
Roman
The Roman period traditionally begins with the Roman invasion in 43AD and ends with the emperor Honorius directing Britain to see to it's own defence in 410AD. Circa 43 CE to 410 CE.
Unknown
Uncertain
Catch all for uncertain period allocations
Phanerozoic
The Phanerozoic is the current eon in the geologic time scale. It extends from approximately 542 million years ago until the present and is marked by the rapid expansion and evolution of life forms allowed by the development of plants carrying out photosynthesis, thus releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. It contains the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras.
GPHA
Geological Time Scale
An internationally recognized time scale of Earth's history since the planet's formative period subdivided into eons, eras, periods, and epochs.
geology
Cenozoic
The youngest era of the Phanerozoic. It follows the Mesozoic, extending from about 65 million years ago to the present. During the Cenozoic, flora and fauna evolved toward their present state and the continents assumed their modern configuration. The Cenozoic comprises two periods: the Tertiary (with its five epochs) and the Quaternary.
GCEN
Pleistocene
On the geologic time scale the earlier and longer epoch of the Quaternary. The Pleistocene extends from about 1.8 million years ago to 10,000 BCE. It is best known as the time when Earth entered its most recent period of glaciation.
QPLE
Holocene
The second epoch of the Quaternary and the most recent geologic interval of time. It extends from about 10,000 BCE to the present. It coincides with the late and post-Stone Age history of the human species.
QHOL
Quaternary
The Quaternary is the second major division of geologic time in the Cenozoic era, following the Tertiary period. It extends from about 1.8 million years ago to the present. It is divided into Pleistocene and Holocene epochs.
QUA
Bronze Age
This period follows on from the Neolithic and is characterized by the increasing use of Bronzework. It is subdivided in the Early, Middle and Late Bronze Age. Circa -2600 BCE to -700 BCE.
Centuries
A period of time equal to 100-years; more specifically, around the Christian or Common era.
century
Iron Age
This period follows on from the Bronze Age and is characterized by the use of iron for making tools and monuments such as hillforts and oppida. The Iron Age is taken to end with the Roman invasion. Circa -800 BCE to 43 CE.
Archaeological and Cultural Periods
Time periods to associate with cultural heritage artefacts or monuments.
period
Regency
The period between 1811 and 1820, following the relapse of George III, when his son George, Prince of Wales, was appointed Prince Regent to discharge royal functions.
REG
Georgian
Dating to or characteristic of the reigns of any of the first four kings of Great Britain called George (1714 CE to 1830 CE).
GEO
Hanoverian
Dating to the reign of the monarchs of the House of Hanover (1714 CE to 1837 CE).
HAN
Jacobean
Dating to the reign of James I of England (VI of Scotland). (1603 CE to 1625 CE).
JAC
Caroline
Dating to the reign of King Charles I (1625 CE to 1649 CE).
CAR
Stuart
Dating to the reign of the Stuart kings of England including the Commonwealth inter-regnum (1603 CE to 1714 CE).
STU
Elizabethan
Dating to the reign of Elizabeth I of England (1558 CE to 1603 CE).
LIZ
Tudor
Dating to the reign of the Tudor monarchs. (1485 CE to 1603 CE).
TUD
Interwar
The period of the 20th Century that begins with the end of the FIrst World War and ends with the start of the Second World War (1919 CE to 1939 CE).
INTER
Use for phases and events dating to the 1st Century of the common era (1 CE to 100 CE).
C01