Historic England and Liverpool University Press
Alison Welsby
A publishing partnership.
Creating and sharing inspiring content is a crucial part of Historic England’s role in helping people care for, enjoy and celebrate England's spectacular historic environment.
In order to achieve Historic England’s wider objectives, it is essential the right content be provided to the most relevant people, in the best way possible.
Publishing is one of the many ways that Historic England shares important information and in July 2019 Historic England entered into a publishing partnership with Liverpool University Press (LUP) for the long-term running of its publishing. Whilst the commissioning, production and marketing processes are managed by LUP, this is all within established Historic England frameworks and guidance, and all titles are published under the Historic England imprint.
How can publishing help research?
Titles published under the Historic England imprint are closely related to research, whether it is undertaken within or external to the organisation. There are currently over 300 titles in the Historic England portfolio, many of which bring to light previously hidden, under-researched, or secret histories related to England’s historic environment.
There is perhaps a misconception among some audiences that heritage research deals singularly with, and focuses upon, the past. In fact, in line with the organisation’s Research Agenda, many of the imprint’s titles present studies and findings will benefit future generations, such as the social and economic value of heritage, optimising the sustainable performance of historic buildings in relation to the challenges posed by our climate crisis, and disseminating future learnings for the built environment in our rural, coastal, and urban areas.
Historic England’s publishing programme aims to disseminate world-class research in ways that can inform, engage, and inspire a range of audiences, from academics and heritage professionals to fans of popular heritage TV dramas.
However, it is not a one-way relationship. Publishing can also stimulate, give focus and create new audience channels to research institutions, as well as allowing untapped subjects to come to light and prospective new researchers to see themselves how they can play a substantive role, whether specialist or general interest, in the heritage sector.
Recently Published books
Liverpool University Press continues to publish in partnership with many of the groups and societies who have worked with Historic England in the past. The imprint proudly continues the brilliant Twentieth Century Architects series in partnership with the Twentieth Century Society, and maintains a detailed, localised focus through the Informed Conservation series as well as stunning stand-alone books on individual sites such as Wanstead House, Dover Castle, and Chiswick House Gardens.
Recent publications include:
Warrior Treasure, The Staffordshire Hoard in Anglo-Saxon England by Chris Fern and Jenni Butterworth (May, 2022)
The Staffordshire Hoard is one of the great discoveries of British archaeology, a treasure of the early Anglo-Saxon period. It was discovered by chance in summer 2009 and an extensive archaeological excavation has helped us to understand why this trove of warriors and kings was buried, and what part it played in shaping early England.
John Outram by Geraint Franklin (April, 2022)
This is the first major study of this inspiring architect, whose colourful yet elemental buildings communicate myths and metaphysics. Outram launched into practice in 1974, securing a reputation for innovative, creative and monumental architecture including The New House at Wadhurst, the Isle of Dogs Pumping Station and the Judge Institute in Cambridge.
Chiswick House Gardens: 300 years of creation and re-creation by David Jacques (March, 2022)
Few gardens have attracted more praise and debate over three centuries than those at Chiswick House. These were the gardens of the famous Lord Burlington and then the Dukes of Devonshire, where the English landscape garden had its genesis and where ground-breaking restorations have made it a truly multi-layered place.
Got an idea for a heritage title?
Commissioning for Historic England books is currently active and submissions are warmly invited, particularly those concerned with the organisation’s Research Agenda and Future Strategy.
The Historic England Submission Form and Submission Guidelines can be found on LUP’s website and if you have questions about submitting a book proposal or about the publishing partnership, then please contact Alison Welsby at LUP ([email protected]).
About the author
