Heritage definition
Heritage is a term often used when referring to conservation and the historic built environment. But what does it actually mean?
English Heritage (now Historic England), in Conservation Principles (2008) provided this definition:
All inherited resources which people value for reasons beyond mere utility. |
Providing more detail, ICOMOS, in the International Cultural Tourism Charter (2002), stated that:
Heritage is a broad concept and includes the natural as well as the cultural environment. It encompasses landscapes, historic places, sites and built environments, as well as bio-diversity, collections, past and continuing cultural practices, knowledge and living experiences. It records and expresses the long processes of historic development, forming the essence of diverse national, regional, indigenous and local identities and is an integral part of modern life. It is a social dynamic reference point and positive instrument for growth and change. The particular heritage and collective memory of each locality or community is irreplaceable and an important foundation for development, both now and into the future. |
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines a heritage asset as:
A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing). |
The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, published by the Department for Transport in November 2013, suggests that:
Built heritage is; '...a structure or building of historic value. These structures are visible above ground level.' |
Buried heritage is; '...a heritage asset beneath ground level, which may include earthworks.' |
Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance, For the sustainable management of the historic environment, Published by Historic England in 2008, defines heritage as: ‘All inherited resources which people value for reasons beyond mere utility.’
It defines natural heritage as: ‘Inherited habitats, species, ecosystems, geology and landforms, including those in and under water, to which people attach value.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 2020 IHBC Gus Astley Student Awards.
- Alternative futures for heritage.
- Conservation of the historic environment.
- Cultural heritage.
- DCMS Culture Secretary comments on HM Government position on contested heritage.
- Earth heritage.
- HEF and HE publish Heritage Recovery Plan.
- Heritage Action Zone.
- Heritage asset.
- Heritage at Risk Register.
- Heritage Lottery Fund.
- Heritage partnership agreements HPA.
- Heritage value.
- Historic England.
- IHBC.
- IHBC Annual School 2021.
- International heritage policy.
- John Cathles Hill.
- Marketing heritage assets.
- The benefits of investing in heritage at risk.
- What makes a heritage-at-risk officer.
- Working with volunteers to care for heritage.
- World heritage site.
IHBC NewsBlog
Volunteers work to transform 100-year-old ‘hidden’ building into bothy
The building, named Druimnashallag, is located southeast of Oban.
The new ‘Arches for HERs’ Demo site, from the Getty Conservation Institute via HE
It shows how organisations responsible for historic environment records (HER) management can benefit from its powerful features.
ICOMOS-CIF 2024 Symposium celebrates 40th anniversary in Venice
It aims to critically review current practices and theories of conservation of built heritage around the world, and more.
HES establishes new national centre for retrofit of traditional buildings
HES plans to develop the centre follows £1m of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
High Court rejects oral appeal against tower block decision in historic Bloomsbury
The request was for a full Judicial Review hearing against Camden Council’s approval of a 74m-high tower block in Bloomsbury.
Mayor of London and Government announce bold plans to transform Oxford Street
Plans include turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space.
Crystal Palace Subway, for 160th anniversary
The remarkable Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway in South London begins a new era following major restoration.
National Trust brings nature back to an area twice the size of Manchester in less than a decade
The National Trust has achieved its aim of creating or restoring 25,000 hectares of priority habitat on its land by 2025.
18th-century hospital in York to become sustainable homes
A former mental health establishment founded by a Quaker in 1792 is to be converted into 120 energy-efficient homes in York.
Context 180 Released - Where Heritage and Nature Meet
The issue includes life, death, Forests, bats, landscapes and much more.