How to research heritage assets for local listing

There are a variety of different ways for individuals and groups to source valuable information on heritage assets that can help in assessing their potential to be added to the Lancashire Local List. A good starting point is to check if the heritage asset identified is already designated by checking the National Heritage List for England, which can be accessed here. 

If you have identified a heritage asset that has already been added to the a Local List for the area, it should already be registered on the Lancashire Local List digital platform and is likely to already be on an individual list held by your Local Authority. Such lists may be accessible online via the Local Authority website. It is worth noting that the Lancashire Historic Environment Record (HER) may also hold some records relating to heritage assets.

Once it has been established that the heritage asset is not already nationally or locally listed, you need to gather details of the heritage asset itself by visiting its location, taking photographs (from public vantage points) and noting down details that you can use as part of your assessment.

However, a visual study may only go so far in understanding what is special about an area. By researching an area’s history, you can develop a better understanding of how the buildings and spaces reflect its evolution and unique character. Some information may be accessible via online resources, for example, through the local Historic Environment Record or heritage forums and Parish Council sites, whilst others may require visiting a local library, record office or other public archive.