30th World Heritage Site inscription for UK
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has inscribed the Gorham’s Cave Complex in Gibraltar as the UK’s 30th World Heritage Site (WHS).
The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) writes:
The caves were the last known dwelling of Neanderthals in the world and they lived there for almost 100,000 years. Gorham’s Caves, which lie at the base of the Rock of Gibraltar, contain rock engravings dating back more than 39,000 years, as well as campfires, stone tools and the remains of butchered animals.
The archaeological findings have provided extensive information about the cultural traditions and lifestyles of Neanderthals - from their cognitive abilities to how they caught their food, such as birds, seals and dolphins. One of the largest collections of bird remains from the Neanderthal period were excavated from these caves.
Heritage Minister Tracey Crouch said: It’s fantastic news that the Gorham’s Cave Complex has become the UK’s 30th World Heritage Site. It gives a unique insight into the culture and traditions of Neanderthals thousands of years ago and demonstrates the exciting range of the UK’s cultural heritage. The site consists of four sea caves - Bennett’s, Gorham’s, Vanguard and Hyaena. After the Neanderthals, modern humans entered inhabited the caves around 20,000 years ago. The decision to inscribe the caves as a World Heritage Site was made at the 40th annual meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Istanbul, Turkey. The UK has also recently submitted a bid for the Lake District to be inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- World Heritage Site.
- Edinburgh world heritage site valued at over 1 billion.
- Designated sites.
- Dwelling.
[edit] External references
IHBC NewsBlog
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The essential sector guide includes officers' updates and a foreword by EH Chair Gerard Lemos.
Historic England opens nominations for the National Blue Plaque Scheme
The scheme is open to nominations to celebrate people from all walks of life.
Striking photos show nature reclaiming brutalist concrete
‘Brutalist Plants’ explores nature’s links to the architectural style characterised by imposing form and exposed concrete.
Purcell’s guidance on RAAC for Listed Buildings in England & Wales
The guidance specifically focuses on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in listed buildings.
IHBC Membership Journal Context - Latest Issue on 'Hadrian's Wall' Published
The issue includes takes on the wall 'end-to-end' including 'the man who saved it'.
Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit developed by City of London and Purcell
The toolkit is designed to provide clear and actionable guidance for owners, occupiers and caretakers of historic and listed buildings.
70 countries sign Declaration de Chaillot at Buildings & Climate Global Forum
The declaration is a foundational document enabling progress towards a ‘rapid, fair, and effective transition of the buildings sector’
Bookings open for IHBC Annual School 12-15 June 2024
Theme: Place and Building Care - Finance, Policy and People in Conservation Practice
Rare Sliding Canal Bridge in the UK gets a Major Update
A moveable rail bridge over the Stainforth and Keadby Canal in the Midlands in England has been completely overhauled.