The frequently asked questions on this page should help to answer any queries you have on battlefield designation.
Why is a battlefield included on the Register?
Of the many battlefields throughout England which are of historic value, a small number are considered to be sufficiently important to be worth identifying by their inclusion on the Register.
Whether or not a site merits national recognition through registration will depend primarily upon its historic significance. To be added to the Register a battlefield must have had a significant impact on English history. The battle must have involved recognised military units and the area on which the forces formed up and fought must be capable of definition on the ground. Surviving topographical and built features which played a part in the course of the battle are also important factors as is the potential for 'battlefield archaeology', that is, the survival of features and material derived from the battle such as graves, projectiles and weapons, which can shed unique evidence on the course of events and sometimes demonstrate the actual locations of these events.
Documents that enhance the understanding of the battle through eye-witness accounts or subsequent investigation will raise its significance. The battlefield may also retain memorials which demonstrate the resonance of the event for later generations.
How can I apply for a battlefield to be registered?
If you would like to put a battlefield forward for registration you can use our online application form to do so.
Will owners always be notified and consulted when a battlefield is being considered?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. However, if it can be demonstrated that the site is at substantial risk of imminent damage or destruction then English Heritage may choose not to notify or consult the owner or local authority.
Will English Heritage always visit?
In most cases, yes. A visit can provide valuable information about the site in question, and the owner will be contacted to arrange a suitable time to visit. Some applications may be so thorough that a visit will not be needed. In a few cases, it will be clear from the initial application that the site falls short of the criteria for registration. In such cases we will write to the applicant explaining this decision.
How long will it take?
English Heritage aims to complete the whole process within five months. This sounds like a long time, but we need time to carry out research, consult with relevant parties and complete the assessment of the site. However, if a site is under threat this timescale will be reduced.
What if I only want to request a minor amendment to a battlefield List entry?
It is not necessary to go through our entire application process if you wish to request a minor edit to an existing entry on the National Heritage List for England. Minor amendment requests can be sent by email to minoramendmentstothelist@english-heritage.org.uk. Details of what constitutes a minor amendment can be found here.
Can I find out who put a battlefield forward for registration?
You can make a request under the Freedom of Information Act to find out who an applicant is, but we would always check with private individuals whether or not they would be comfortable with this information being released. Applications from groups or public bodies are not subject to the same protection, and the information would be released.
How will registration affect me?
The Register is non-statutory but is recognised as a material consideration in planning terms so, following an application for development which would affect a battlefield, local planning authorities must take into account the historic interest of the site when determining whether or not to grant permission.
Battlefields rarely have identifiable upstanding remains. The land on which they took place was often farmland at the time of the battle and has continued to evolve since. English Heritage does not necessarily wish to prevent ongoing change, although it is generally keen to see the special character of these places retained. We generally advise against the 'restoration' of battlefields to a form consistent with the date of the battle. For the conservation of battlefields, as for the countryside in general, continued management is both desireable and necessary.
If you have enquiries concerning planning or other matters to do with the management of registered battlefields, please contact the relevant English Heritage regional office.
Can I see the Register?
Entries on the Register of Historic Battlefields can be found on The National Heritage List for England. You can also gain further information by looking at our Registered Battlefields page.
The UK Battlefields Resource Centre created by the Battlefields Trust is an essential resource for anyone visiting one of the battlefields. You will also find battlefield trails with accompanying maps to assist you in visiting the battlefields themselves.
