Minority groups show greatest new interest in Heritage

English Heritage welcomed a Government report today (Thursday 11th December), which reveals that more people than ever before are visiting heritage sites, with the greatest percentage increase (11%) being amongst people from Black and minority ethnic groups. The swell of interest from minority communities (with 220,000, more people having visited a site this year) is nearly twice the rate of growth in the wider public.

Early English Heritage analysis has revealed a particularly marked increase in interest in historic places amongst communities who are also in lower socio-economic groups; mixed race or Asian; or Muslim. There were peaks of new interest in Yorkshire and Humber and the West Midlands. 

Participants in the survey had chosen to visit historic sites such as forts and ruins; historic gardens and parks; places of worship (as a visitor, not to worship); ancient burial sites; historic buildings; sites connected with sporting heritage; and sites that tell the story of our industrial heritage.

Though no direct cause can be shown, the heritage sector has been eager to share its passion for historic places with as wide an audience as possible.  Voluntary sector organisations are strong in the heritage sector and many have been engaging with new audiences and partners in a range of innovative projects.

English Heritage itself has worked with communities to offer a great many interesting new heritage events across the country.  People have enjoyed exhibitions and creative projects such as: the Remembering Forgotten Heroes oral history project with Indian ex-servicemen and young people; English Heritage's new online Sites of Memory map, offering a national trail of sites connected to Black history in England; and the Interwoven Freedoms project in Birmingham, which involved a local African and Caribbean women's organisation in research and a touring exhibition about the role of women in the abolition of slavery.  An increasing number of mosques, temples and gurdwaras are now participating in Heritage Open Days, when historic and cultural buildings are open to the public. Popular activities like the multi-faith trails in Leicester and Derby have been created as part of this annual heritage event.

The English Heritage website provides information about events and places to visit on www.english-heritage.org.uk .

For further press information please contact Lindsay Douglas, English Heritage Corporate Communications, 020 7973 3293.