Why heritage counts: researching the historic environment

Abstract

The role of English Heritage in commissioning new research into the historic environment is considered. The place of research within the organization and the priorities for research as highlighted in the proposed English Heritage Research Strategy are set out. Research commissioned or carried out by English Heritage covers a wide range of areas, from archaeology and buildings history to applied conservation research. However, the focus of the article is on research that addresses social, economic and policy issues. Work that has been carried out by English Heritage in three areas is explored: the economic value of heritage investment; issues of social inclusion and access to heritage; and analysis of the threats faced by the historic environment and the resources available to address these threats. A key driver for this research activity is the annual Heritage Counts report produced by English Heritage on behalf of the wider heritage sector.