Historic Buildings & Monuments

Historic Buildings & Monuments

What are they and what do they involve?

A historic building or monument is a building or construction of some sort which has been of importance for a long time; the specifics can vary greatly, from being a residence of a significant historical figure to places such as windmills that are no longer in use. They often involve guided tours or exhibitions of interesting objects, and sometimes even historic re-enactments!

What are the benefits?

Visiting genuine historical buildings where people have lived and worked makes for a great accompaniment to classroom learning – forming physical links with the past and being able to use their imagination will be an excellent way of engaging students in learning.

What students is it suitable for?

There is a huge variety of historical buildings you can visit with your students, which means you can find a venue suitable for groups of all ages and interests!

Costs?

Admission prices will vary from being completely free up to over £10 per person depending on the venue; the larger the establishment and the more activities they have to offer, the more expensive access will be!

Safety Implications?

Any possible safety concerns will depend on the venue, and the variety of establishments mean that they will differ greatly! Consult with your destination of choice if you have any concerns.

See below for a list of venues and providers of this kind:

Winstanley Hall

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

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Winstanley Hall dates back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I when it was built by the Winstanleys of Wigan, who had been lords of the manor since at least 1252. It had been the home of the Bankes family since 1595. The last member of the Bankes family left the house in 1984 and the building has since fallen into disrepair. It was sold to developers in 2000 and Save Britain's Heritage is now working to rescue it from decay.

See our website for further details of how you can help save this historic building from demolition.

Hawkstone Park Follies

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

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Highlights include Grotto Hill, where you can explore a pitch-dark labyrinth of ancient mines cut into the cliff; the Swiss Bridge, a rustic wooden structure perched over an unnervingly deep chasm; the Cleft, a path winding between two cliffs which narrows into a dark, creepy tunnel; and the Monument, a 100ft high column which can be climbed to enjoy panoramic views of up to 13 counties!

Blakeney Guildhall

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Historic Buildings & Monuments

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The remains of the house of a prosperous Blakeney merchant, with a fine 15th century brick-vaulted undercroft. Later the guildhall of Blakeney’s guild of fish merchants.

The picturesque village of Blakeney was the third most important port in Norfolk when the Guildhall was built in the 15th century, yet few buildings survive from this prosperous period. The Guildhall’s flint and stone construction reflects its own importance and that of Blakeney itself.

Monument

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

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The Monument marks the spot on which the Great Fire of London started in 1666. It was Christopher Wren's tribute to the Great Fire and offers its own unique view across the City's skyline.

Make your way up the world's tallest free standing monument, to the newly refurbished public viewing platform 160ft above the ground. From here, experience 360 degree views of London's skyline, providing the ideal opportunity to snap a picture of the most famous bridge in the world.

Each successful climber will be rewarded with a certificate to mark their achievement.

Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

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Known as the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, is one of a number of buildings housing the Crown Court.

Chysauster Ancient Village

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

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This Iron Age settlement was originally occupied almost 2,000 years ago and is one of the finest examples of such in the country.

The village was made up of of stone-walled homesteads known as 'courtyard houses', found only on the Land's End peninsula and the Isles of Scilly. The houses line a 'village street', and each had an open central courtyard surrounded by a number of thatched rooms.

London Stock Exchange

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

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London Stock Exchange is one of the world's oldest stock exchanges and can trace its history back more than 300 years. Starting life in the coffee houses of 17th century London, London Stock Exchange quickly grew to become the City’s most important financial institution. Over the centuries following, London Stock Exchange has consistently led the way in developing a strong, well-regulated stock market and today lies at the heart of the global financial community.

We are proud of our long history that has helped to build our reputation today.

Saltaire Village

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

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Saltaire Village is near Bradford in West Yorkshire, England. It is named after Sir Titus Salt who built a textile mill, known as Salts Mill and this village on the River Aire.

Designed by architects, Lockwood and Mawson, Salts Mill was opened on Sir Titus Salt's 50th birthday, 20 September 1853.

In December 2001, Saltaire was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Saltaire is not a monument. People live here - so it is open all the time!

Wayland's Smithy Chambered Long Barrow

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

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Wayland's Smithy is an atmospheric historic site situated approximately 2km along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse. A Neolithic chambered long barrow, it was once believed to have been the habitation of the Saxon smith-god Wayland.

Excavations in the 20th century revealed that the barrow seen today actually covers an earlier burial structure, and human remains found on the site indicate that 14 people were interred there between 3590 and 3550 BC. The circumstances of these deaths are a mystery, and the original barrow was closed a short time afterwards.

Dupath Well

Venue Type:

Historic Buildings & Monuments

Overall Rating:

This charming well-house, built about 1500, stands over an ancient spring, believed to cure whooping cough.

Built by the Augustinian canons of nearby St Germans priory, it houses the remains of an immersion pool for cure-seekers.

In the medieval period the cult of holy wells was very strong, and during that time about 40 Cornish springs or wells had structures of some kind built over them, usually simple gabled houses.

Dupath is an unusually large and late example of such a holy well-house, and it has survived largely unaltered.

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