Reports that English Heritage, the charity that runs more than 400 state-owned buildings and monuments, plans to reduce its staff and opening hours as part of a cost-cutting drive should worry anyone who cares about the nation’s culture. These castles, ruins and other sites play an important part in people’s lives – particularly on weekends and holidays, when treasured memories are made. The value placed on access to these historic places can be seen from the fact that more than 1.3 million people are members. Stonehenge has 1.5 million visitors annually.
It and other jewels in the charity’s crown will be left alone by the accountants. Winter closures are planned only at less-favoured sites where visitors are sparse, bosses have said. But given that membership, visitor and volunteer numbers are all up, it is concerning that the charity is so short of money that it may cut nearly 200 jobs.
