An asset may have significant historical association of local or national note, including links to important local figures. Social and communal interest is a sub-set of historic interest with special value in local listing, e.g. adding to the ‘collective memory’ of a place. Heritage assets with historic interest not only provide a material record of our local history but can also provide meaning for communities derived from their collective experience of a place and can symbolise wider values such as faith and cultural identity.
When considering if your asset has historical interest, look for any connections it may have with well known (locally or nationally) historic individuals, groups and events. This could include things like the birthplace of a local figure, the meeting place of an influential group, or the site of a significant social event. Think also about whether the asset has been an integral part in the development of the local community’s identity, such as a place of worship or a large industrial employer and if it has remained a focus for the community up to the present day.
Here are the Historic Interest criteria for each asset type:
Buildings/Structures - Does the asset have an association with a historic person, group or culture, or with historic events, or is it a place that helps to tell the story of social change, or help create a sense of belonging?
Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes - Does the asset have an association with a historic person or group or culture, or with historic events, or is it a place that helps to tell the story of social change or help create a sense of belonging?
Archaeological Sites - Does the asset have any association with historic events, or is it of other historic interest, e.g. appearing in historic accounts? Does it have a social or communal interest, e.g. contributing to understanding of a community’s origins?
Commemorative Monuments/Memorials/Statues - Does the asset have an association with a historic person or group or culture, or with historic events? Does it commemorate something or someone of especial significance to the local community, helping to create a sense of belonging?
Places/Areas - Does the place have an association with a historic person or group or culture, or with historic events, or is it a place that helps to create a sense of belonging?