English Heritage, the charity responsible for managing over 400 historic sites across England, has announced plans for significant restructuring due to mounting financial pressures. The proposed changes include up to 200 redundancies and the temporary winter closure of more than 20 sites, sparking concerns among heritage professionals and unions.
Financial Pressures and the Need for Change
In a statement, English Heritage attributed the decision to escalating conservation costs, high inflation, and the lasting financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization emphasized that increasing costs in maintaining historic sites have made it necessary to reassess its operating model to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly,” a spokesperson for English Heritage stated. “We have to make difficult choices to ensure that we can continue our vital work in protecting England’s heritage for future generations.”
Job Losses and Operational Changes
The proposed redundancies represent around 7% of English Heritage’s workforce, with cuts expected to affect curatorial and site management roles. The charity has not undertaken a significant structural review in years, and it argues that the evolving demands of visitors, coupled with financial constraints, necessitate a new approach.
As part of the restructuring, 22 sites—including Ranger’s House in Greenwich, well-known for its art collection and as a filming location for Bridgerton—will be classified as “hidden gems,” only opening on select days. A further 21 sites, including Lullingstone Roman Villa in Kent, Totnes Castle in Devon, and Furness Abbey in Cumbria, will close entirely during the winter months.
English Heritage has defended the decision, noting that some sites experience extremely low visitor numbers in winter. One site, for example, reportedly welcomed just 11 visitors over an entire weekend in November. The organisation is considering alternative ways to engage the public, such as special guided tours and temporary exhibitions, to offset the impact of reduced hours.
Union and Staff Concerns
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from heritage professionals and trade unions. Prospect, which represents many of English Heritage’s staff, warned that the loss of expertise could have a lasting impact on the nation’s heritage.
“Staff at English Heritage will be understandably worried about their future,” said Steve Thomas, Deputy General Secretary of Prospect. “This is a dedicated workforce whose skills and knowledge are invaluable. Losing these roles would be as much a blow to our heritage as the loss of the sites themselves.”
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) echoed these concerns, calling for greater transparency and consultation in the decision-making process. “English Heritage must work closely with staff to minimise job losses and ensure that historic sites remain accessible to the public,” a spokesperson for PCS said.
Public Reaction and Future Prospects
The news has also sparked a reaction from the wider public and heritage advocates, many of whom fear that reduced access to historic sites will impact education and tourism. Critics argue that limiting access could weaken engagement with history and diminish the role these sites play in local economies.
English Heritage insists that the changes are necessary to secure the long-term future of its properties and workforce. The charity is now entering a formal consultation period with staff and unions, with changes expected to take effect in April.
While English Heritage reassures that its core mission remains unchanged, the coming months will determine the extent to which these measures will reshape the landscape of historical conservation in England. For many, the restructuring represents not just a financial challenge, but a test of the nation’s commitment to preserving its rich and diverse heritage.
