General view of monument to Queen Victoria. View shows the other side of the monument "The figure of 'Maternity' at the back of the throne - a symbol of 'the Mother of her People'". In the foreground are people using the gardens, reading, relaxing and chatting.
Monument to Queen Victoria, completed in 1901 as a centrepiece to Piccadilly Gardens, Greater Manchester © Historic England DP220619
Monument to Queen Victoria, completed in 1901 as a centrepiece to Piccadilly Gardens, Greater Manchester © Historic England DP220619

Heritage and Society

In the 'Heritage and Society' section, we present the latest and seminal evidence about how the public connects with heritage and the value of heritage to society.

Our heritage encompasses the built historic environment, historic landscapes, stories from the past, memories and heritage collections.

With records and artefacts dating back thousands of years and in-use buildings dating back hundreds, our heritage is intertwined into places’, individuals’ and communities’ very identity. It plays a fundamental role in supporting and enhancing both individual and community wellbeing.

Definitions

How people feel and how they function, both on a personal and a social level, and how they evaluate their lives as a whole. 

(New Economics Foundation)

The combination of social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political conditions identified by individuals and their communities as essential for them to flourish ans fulfil their potential.

(Wiseman and Brasher, 2008. p.358)

In this section

The following articles explore the relationship between heritage and wellbeing. They highlight the many ways in which heritage can support individuals and communities to feel happier and healthier.

  • Heritage Participation

    This article presents statistics on who takes up heritage experiences, highlights the opportunities to widen participation and improve access.

  • Public Attitudes

    Evidence showing that people care about heritage and want to see it protected.

  • Quality and Beauty

    Exploring how historic buildings and other heritage assets can create better places to live, work and spend time in.

  • Connecting to Place

    This article explores the role of heritage in enabling and strengthening the bonds between people and places.

  • Heritage and Social Networks

    How tangible and intangible heritage can bring people together and contribute to social capital.

  • Civic Engagement

    Evidence showing how members of the public actively engage with historic places and sites.

  • Mental Health

    Evidence highlighting the importance of protecting our historic environment to contribute positively to mental health.

  • Volunteering

    Showcasing the evidence which demonstates benefits of volunteering.

  • Older Communities

    Exploring the role and benefits of heritage in supporting cognitive function, promoting wellbeing and reducing loneliness.

  • Pride in Place

    Recent evidence that shows that heritage is an important source of pride for communities by reflecting the unique histories of places.

  • Physical Health

    How historic places encourage healthy lifestyles and the role of the historic environment in contributing to public health.

  • Young People

    Evidence on heritage engagement amongst young people and its benefits.

  • Coventry: A Demonstrator Project for the HSHAZ Programme

    This evaluation focuses on the impact of the Coventry Demonstrator High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project.

Also of interest

Heritage and the Economy
Heritage Indicators