The National Archives has developed a digital directory to record details of projects funded by the Local Heritage Initiative (LHI), to preserve England’s history.

The digital directory is a permanent online record of more than 1,400 LHI projects that can be accessed through the National Digital Archive of Datasets.

The completed directory holds 1,000 documents, 8,000 images, 200 video files and 100 audio files from LHI projects over the past seven years.

The projects range from Bronze Age burial urns in Lancashire to the story of a nun who ran away from her Essex nunnery in the 19th century and will serve as a time capsule for communities to access their heritage.

The LHI database holds information on projects from basic descriptions, location and any relevant contact details, though to a multimedia experience with images and video.

‘This new database is a fabulous tool allowing current and future generations to gain a digital snapshot of their local heritage from the comfort of their own home,’ said National Council on Archives policy and development officer Ruth Savage.

‘The resource should raise awareness of the valuable work being done in the archive sector, while encouraging people to engage with the history of their own community.’

The LHI projects were selected for permanent preservation because they were deemed to be of great national interest, says National Archives head of digital preservation Adrian Brown.

‘More than 1,444 projects will be digitally stored forever and the work of thousands of community groups throughout England will be made available free of charge to a worldwide audience via the Internet,’ he said.

The projects range from archaeological heritage to customs and traditions, industrial heritage and natural heritage.