Having become independent of the State in 2015, English Heritage, created in 1984 to ensure the conservation of English national heritage monuments (National Heritage Collection), is today in financial difficulties.
English Heritage provides up to 200 layoffs by April as well as winter closure and the reduction of opening hours of historic sites. This situation is difficult for its thousands of employees and volunteers: “All our jobs are threatened. They do not want to give us specific figures, but all the departments are concerned. It is incredible to dismiss so many people ”complained an employee in the newspaper The Guardian.
Heritage curator positions should be particularly affected by these changes, which would imply that “The responsibility for the management of collections is transferred to managers of younger and less expensive collections, responsible for supervising these activities” report The Guardian.
English Heritage had continued to receive state subsidies, gradually decreased, until 2023 with the objective of becoming autonomous thanks to the ticketing revenues from its 400 sites, its memberships, as well as by donations. This financial independence had initially been welcomed by former Minister of Culture Ed Vaizey, who saw the hope of new influence.
However, the government had not planned the impact of the covid pandemic, which changed the behavior of visitors and affected the revenues. Inflation was added, which “Has increased the cost of conservation work on our sites”said a spokesperson for the English Heritage. Expenses which remain essential, however, to avoid the deterioration of the sites for some dating back to the Roman period.
According to the unions, the reduction in opening hours would affect a relatively small number of sites including the Ranger’s House in Greenwich (London). Other sites would offer special guided tours and temporary exhibitions to enrich their program. No decision has yet been confirmed.
La Ranger’s House in Greenwich.
