The Register of Historic Battlefields includes 43 sites where the most important military battles took place on English soil. These were often the turning points in English history - places where people risked their lives fighting for a cause - but are vulnerable to many different modern-day pressures. They range in date from 991 (Maldon) to 1685 (Sedgemoor), representing many different phases in our history.
The Current Situation
Of England's 43 registered battlefields, six are considered to be at risk of losing some or all of their historical significance from the pressures of modern development - the same as in 2010.
The Challenge Ahead
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War in 2014, the interest in battlefields and military history is likely to increase and therefore it is important that we capitalise on this growing interest from the public.
There are a number of tools in place for improving the management of battlefields - agri-environment schemes, a better understanding of battlefield archaeology and a growing number of Friends' groups. But there are also challenges.
The proposed changes to the planning system need to be carefully scrutinised to ensure that battlefields are not put at further risk, whilst carefully targeted conservation mechanisms need to be added to Local Development Frameworks.
However, the combination of people and place is hugely important. Places and stories inspire people and inspired people - whoever they are - make good guardians of our heritage.
