Historic England today announced that it is making grants available to fund community-led projects that will celebrate ‘overlooked’ working class histories.
The Everyday Heritage Grants of up to £25,000 will fund projects that aim to celebrate the built or historic environment of working class communities.
‘The histories of castles and great houses and their inhabitants are well documented, but we know far less about our everyday heritage,’ said Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson.
‘From council estates, pubs and clubs, to farms, factories and shipyards, these are the places where most people have lived, worked and played for hundreds of years.
‘We want to explore these untold stories and celebrate the people and places at the heart of our history.’
Historic England is particularly interested in funding smaller grass roots projects of less than £10,000 and projects that provide volunteering opportunities for young people or people facing loneliness or isolation.
Nigel Huddleston, heritage minister, commented: ‘Our heritage belongs to us all and should be accessible to everyone. I welcome plans for new community-led projects to tell the story of working people across the country, bringing our collective and shared history back to life.’