The Register of Historic Battlefields comprises the sites of 43 of the most important military battles 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.
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.
As we draw closer to the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War the interest in battlefields and military history is likely to increase and therefore it is important that heritage managers effectively use the emerging interest from the public.
There are tools in place for the improved management of battlefields - agri-environment schemes, a better understanding of battlefield archaeology and a growing number of Friends groups. But there are challenges. The proposed changes to the planning system need to be carefully scrutinized to ensure that battlefields are not put at further risk, whilst carefully targeted conservation mechanisms need to be added to LDFs.
However, the combination of people and place is hugely important. Places and stories inspire people and inspired people - whoever they are - make good heritage managers.
