The protection of ancient monuments and listed buildings is second nature in the modern world. Without adequate protection, architecture of the past and markers of our heritage will disappear from the landscape forever. This was realised 100 years ago, when American collectors began buying historic houses and interiors to transport them to America.
As a result, the Ancient Monuments Act 1913 was made which provided many of the powers which are still in use today in order to safeguard the nation's historic buildings. And now, 100 years on, English Heritage are celebrating the creation of this Act and the ultimate protection of our heritage.
In celebration, this year there will be five special exhibitions at London's Wellington Arch which will trace the history of heritage. In addition, a BBC Four series, "Heritage! The Battle for Britain's Past" will draw on new research into the first heritage legislation. Finally, a new book by Dr. Simon Thurley will tell the story of the State in the heritage protection movement.
Such buildings are now safeguarded under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Act 1979 and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Dr. Thurley, who is the Chief Executive of English Heritage, said, "Imagine England without Stonehenge, imagine England without its great castles and abbeys, and imagine England without its great historic monuments". He added, "It is largely thanks to the 1913 Ancient Monuments Act that these stone, brick and iron eye-witnesses to our past survive today to tell their story."
