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
IHBC Context 183 Wellbeing and Heritage published
The issue explores issues at the intersection of heritage and wellbeing.
SAVE celebrates 50 years of campaigning 1975-2025
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has announced events across the country to celebrate bringing new life to remarkable buildings.
IHBC Annual School 2025 - Shrewsbury 12-14 June
Themed Heritage in Context – Value: Plan: Change, join in-person or online.
200th Anniversary Celebration of the Modern Railway Planned
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on September 27, 1825.
Competence Framework Launched for Sustainability in the Built Environment
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Edge have jointly published the framework.
Historic England Launches Wellbeing Strategy for Heritage
Whether through visiting, volunteering, learning or creative practice, engaging with heritage can strengthen confidence, resilience, hope and social connections.
National Trust for Canada’s Review of 2024
Great Saves & Worst Losses Highlighted
IHBC's SelfStarter Website Undergoes Refresh
New updates and resources for emerging conservation professionals.
‘Behind the Scenes’ podcast on St. Pauls Cathedral Published
Experience the inside track on one of the world’s best known places of worship and visitor attractions.
National Audit Office (NAO) says Government building maintenance backlog is at least £49 billion
The public spending watchdog will need to consider the best way to manage its assets to bring property condition to a satisfactory level.