Introduction to Issue 23
Claudia Kenyatta
Claudia Kenyatta, Director of Regions, introduces Issue 23 of Historic England Research Magazine on the theme of research into the heritage of England's High Streets.
Welcome to issue 23 of Historic England Research Magazine. The theme for this edition our research that informs the High Streets Heritage Action Zones programme.
Historic England is working with partners in 67 places in England to deliver a £95m Government-funded programme of heritage-led regeneration focused on high streets. Through targeting both the historic fabric of the place and its cultural life we are shifting how people see their high street, not as tired and dated places, but as somewhere that is vibrant and rich with character. The programme began in 2019 and is due to end in 2024. So far we have invested £54m, with an additional £55m attracted from other sources.
To better understand the heritage in these areas our teams are carrying out research at different levels of detail, engaging owners and communities, telling the rich story of much-loved local places. In this issue, after introducing the value of this type of investigation, we focus on some of the key individual buildings within some High Streets Heritage Action Zones. We also cover an archive collection of images of England’s streets mainly from the mid-20th century.
In this issue
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The Context for Researching High Streets Heritage Action Zones
Senior Investigator Rebecca Lane explains the context of research work that is underway in support of the High Street Heritage Action Zones.
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The Commercial Buildings of Redruth, Cornwall
Research into the historic commercial buildings of Redruth to inform the work of the High Street Heritage Action Zone in the town..
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The Fleece Hotel, Westgate Street, Gloucester
Researching a historic inn to support its conservation and reuse.
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The Guildhall, Newport, Isle of Wight
Research into a civic building designed by the eminent late 18th and early 19th century architect John Nash.
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The Cedars North, Walsham, Norfolk
Investigating the journey of a building from Georgian residence to council offices.
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Victorian Commercial Buildings in the Middlesbrough High Street Heritage Action Zone
Researching an imposing Victorian commercial and civic legacy.
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Victorian Development by the Ramsden Estate in the Huddersfield High Street Heritage Action Zone
Investigating the George Hotel and Ramsden Estate Office in Huddersfield to inform their conservation and reuse.
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The Empire Theatre, Burnley
Unearthing a hidden gem: research into the Burnley Empire aims to raise awareness and inform potential reuse of the building.
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A Preview of The Sir John Pennycuick Collection for Researchers
The Historic England Archive's Sir John Pennycuick Collection provides a photographic record of streets in early and mid-20th century England.
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Research Reports Roundup January 2023
A roundup of recent research reports added to our database in December 2022 to January 2023, displayed by themes.
