Historic Buildings & Places

12/06/2026

Six months in, and Future Lab is already reshaping how we work at Historic Buildings & Places.

Our Director Liz Power has written a candid reflection on the first half-year of the project — the sheer scale of activity, the team growth, the deepening partnership with Heritage Innovation Laboratory Oxford at the University of Oxford, and what it really feels like to lead something this new.

As Liz puts it: the project has been "a challenge, pleasure and a voyage of discovery."

If you're curious about what research-led innovation looks like in the heritage sector, this is worth a read.

✨Read her full 6-month review https://hbap.org.uk/reflections-on-the-first-six-months-of-future-lab/

11/06/2026

A remarkable morning and afternoon yesterday at Lambeth Palace, one of the UK's most significant historic buildings — and the home of the Archbishops of Canterbury for over 800 years.

We were privileged to host a specialist talk and tour led by the team at Wright & Wright Architects, exploring the first major refurbishment of this extraordinary site in more than 70 years.

From the medieval Great Hall to the wider estate, we heard how a £40 million masterplan is transforming the Palace for future generations — combining conservation, accessibility, and environmental performance in ways that set a genuine new benchmark for retrofit of highly significant historic buildings.

A brilliant event bringing together heritage, sustainability and architecture in practice. Thank you to Wright & Wright Architects for such an insightful and generous visit.

10/06/2026

Join the Board of Historic Buildings & Places

Historic Buildings & Places is seeking new volunteer Trustees to help guide our work championing historic buildings and places across England and Wales.

We are currently recruiting for two trustee roles:
• A Trustee with expertise in the historic built environment, such as architecture, surveying, engineering, construction, conservation, or a related field.
• A Trustee with finance expertise to support the charity's financial oversight and governance.

As a Trustee, you will help shape the strategic direction of our charity, contribute your professional expertise, and support our mission to sustain, defend and promote the built historic environment for the benefit of all.

These voluntary roles offer an opportunity to gain charity governance experience, work alongside a dedicated Board and staff team, and make a meaningful contribution to the heritage sector.

If you are interested, or know someone who may be, we'd love to hear from you.

🔗 Visit our website to find out more and to apply https://hbap.org.uk/about-us/job-opportunities/

09/06/2026

🌊 Only a handful of tickets remain for the Valuing Seaside Heritage Symposium.

Don't miss your chance to join heritage professionals, policymakers, practitioners, academics and coastal stakeholders from across the UK for a day dedicated to the future of seaside heritage.

Taking place at Saltdean Lido on 26 June 2026, the symposium will explore the cultural value, economic impact and future of Britain's seaside heritage through expert talks, case studies, evidence sessions and discussion.

Hosted in partnership with Historic Buildings & Places, Seaside Heritage Network, and Heritage Network, with support from VisitBrighton and Historic England.

🎟️ With only a few places left, now is the time to book: https://hbap.org.uk/valuing-seaside-heritage-symposium/

08/06/2026

Our colleague Ross recently visited Buxton Opera House, one of the finest surviving theatres designed by Frank Matcham.

Opened in 1903, this Grade II* listed building is a striking example of Edwardian theatre architecture. Its grand stone frontage, ornate glass canopy and distinctive domed towers make it a landmark in the heart of Buxton. More than a century later, it continues to welcome audiences and remains an important part of Derbyshire's built heritage.

Have you visited Buxton Opera House?

📍 Buxton, Derbyshire

03/06/2026

Can you help save a historic building before it is lost forever?

Sinai Park House, a Grade II* timber-framed building near Burton upon Trent, is facing a critical moment. Trustees warn that one more winter could cause irreversible damage to the structure, putting its future at risk.

Ambitious plans are in place to restore the site and transform it into a year-round centre for learning, wellbeing activities and heritage events, benefiting both the local community and future generations.

But urgent action is needed now.

If you are able, please consider supporting the crowdfunder and helping to secure the future of this remarkable piece of our shared heritage.

Every contribution, large or small, can make a difference.

More information 🔗: https://tinyurl.com/586v7ark

We need to save Sinai Park House before it is lost completely. One more winter will likely see the end of the timber-framework. End of story

01/06/2026

Last chance to book your place.

Join Historic Buildings & Places tomorrow, 2 June, at 6pm for an online talk exploring the repair, conservation, and restoration of A.W.N. Pugin’s St Augustine’s Church, Ramsgate.

Karen Butti and Paul Sharrock of Thomas Ford and Partners will share the story of how this remarkable building was brought back from the brink of dereliction through years of careful conservation work.

Free for HB&P members and £4 for non-members.

If you cannot attend live, a recording will be available to all registered attendees.

Book now: https://hbap.org.uk/online-talk-true-principles-the-repair-and-restoration-of-awn-pugins-church-of-st-augustine/

26/05/2026

📣 Historic Buildings & Places is seeking two new trustees to join our Board.

These voluntary roles are an opportunity to support the governance and strategic direction of one of the National Amenity Societies, helping us sustain, defend, and promote historic buildings and places across England and Wales.

We are recruiting for:
• Trustee: Casework (Chair of the Casework Committee)
• Trustee: Finance

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in:
• Heritage management, planning, conservation, architecture, or related disciplines
• Accounting, audit, treasury, financial management, or charity finance

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential, and we encourage applications from individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and new insights to the Board.

📅 Application deadline: Monday 15 June 2026

Find out more and access the recruitment packs:
https://hbap.org.uk/about-us/job-opportunities/

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your networks.

25/05/2026

With temperatures soaring across the UK today ☀️🍦🌊 we thought there was no better time to remind everyone that this year’s symposium is heading to the seaside.

If the only thing that could make this year’s symposium better than last year’s… is being by the sea… then that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Join us on Friday 26 June 2026 at the iconic Saltdean Lido for the Valuing Seaside Heritage Symposium — a full day exploring the cultural, economic and community value of seaside heritage.

Expect keynote speakers, case studies, panel discussions, networking, seaside chips, and even an optional swim 🏊

Tickets are still available via the link in bio or here:
https://hbap.org.uk/valuing-seaside-heritage-symposium/

Co-hosted with Seaside Heritage Network and Heritage Network

14/05/2026

Through sunshine, rain, and even a touch of hail, we gathered yesterday for a fascinating visit to the Grade I listed Shah Jahan Mosque and Brookwood Cemetery.

Built in 1889 by Dr Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner in the late-Mughal style, the Shah Jahan Mosque is the oldest purpose-built mosque in the United Kingdom and remains an extraordinary example of a place of worship and architectural heritage. Restored in 2017, the mosque and its gardens offered a remarkable setting for the day’s visit.

We then travelled on to Brookwood Cemetery, where we explored its historic landscape and monuments to many notable figures, uncovering layers of social, cultural, and architectural history along the way.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and embraced the unpredictable weather throughout the day, and special thanks to our wonderful guides at both sites for sharing their knowledge, insights, and enthusiasm with us throughout the visit.

The Brookwood Cemetery Society