We protect, champion and save places that define who we are
We are the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England's spectacular historic environment.
This Month in History
National Cemeteries Week, 11 to 19 May 2019
The combination of architecture, sculpture, landscape, wildlife and poetry makes cemeteries like no other place in the historic environment. National Cemeteries Week raises awareness of volunteer groups who help keep local cemeteries tidy and safe.
Caring for cemeteries and burial grounds
On 14 May 1796 Edward Jenner Discovered the Smallpox Vaccine
In a hut in the garden of his home, Edward Jenner scraped pus from cowpox blisters on the hands of a milkmaid who had caught the virus from a cow. He then used the pus to inoculate his gardener's eight-year-old son.
Birthplace of public health
On 31 May 1916 the Battle of Jutland Took Place
During the greatest naval clash of the First World War, HMS Falmouth was the flagship from which Vice Admiral Trevylyan Napier commanded the Third Light Cruiser Squadron. Her wreck was rediscovered just off the Yorkshire coast in 1973.
HMS Falmouth
National Walking Month May 2019
Bring the history of London, Hull, Sheffield, Birmingham and Bristol neighbourhoods alive using photos from the Historic England Archive on our self-guided walking tours.
Walk local history
On 6 May 1954 Roger Bannister Broke the Four Minute Mile
Roger Bannister became the first person to break the four minute mile at the former Iffley Road running track in Oxford.
Find out more
On 31 May 1882 Cecil Shadbolt Made His First Balloon Ascent
Cecil Shadbolt, photographer and balloonist, made his first balloon ascent over Alexandra Palace to take what was widely regarded as the world's first truly successful vertical photograph.
View the Shadbolt collectionExplore the Listed Building Map
The map search is the easiest way to find places near you that are protected by listing.
The List
Nearly 400,000 of the most important historic places in England are listed. The List includes buildings, battlefields, monuments, parks, gardens, shipwrecks and more. Listing makes sure their value is protected.
