Heritage in South East

England's historic environment helps to define our national identity.  It helps shape how we think about ourselves and how other people see us. The historic environment contributes to quality of life. It has economic, social, educational, spiritual and amenity values. It is the mix of old and new, our interest in our past and our confidence in the future which defines our nation today.


Iconic images of London's heritage featured strongly in our successful Olympic bid. 72 per cent of tourists from Russia and 66 per cent of those from China say that castles, churches, monuments and historic houses are top of their list of things to visit in Britain. 87 per cent of people think the historic environment plays an important part in the cultural life of the country.
The historic environment is a vital part of place-making. It provides character, distinctiveness and a sense of belonging. It helps local people be proud of where they live. Over 90 per cent of adults living in England think that when improving local places it is worth saving their historic features. The historic environment can move and engage us on a personal level. It provides perspective in a fast-changing world.


The South East had the highest level of attendance at historic environment sites during the last twelve months of any region, with about 76 per cent of adults attending in the region compared to about 69 per cent of adults nationally. 44 per cent of the South East adult population visited at least one museum or gallery in the last twelve months, the second highest proportion of any region behind London.  And seven per cent of the South East adult population visited at least one archive, a higher proportion than any other region.


A total of 26 entries were removed from the English Heritage Buildings at Risk register in 2006, the highest number ever to be removed in any region in a single year.