English Heritage takes home bumper crop of Sandford Awards

English Heritage scooped its highest ever number of Sandford Awards in 2008 thanks to its growing programme of Discovery Visits, created and delivered by the Education team along with specialist educators, education volunteers and site staff. In November last year seven English Heritage properties were awarded the industry's top accolade for heritage education.

The judges said:

Miriam Lincoln, site manager at Birdoswald Roman Fort, is congratulated by the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, KBE at the Sandford Awards ceremony on 24 November 2008 at Hampton Court Palace. Osborne House, Isle of Wight
This venue offers a "unique glimpse into the lives of Queen Victoria and her children" and the Discovery Visit experience offered to children "is of the highest standard and will help them begin a love of history."

Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire
Taking part in the Discovery Visits – especially 'Meet a Medieval Soldier' – ensures "you will have a learning experience you will never forget."

Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
"English Heritage is applauded for the development of the Discovery Visits, which interpret the story of the site and give a sense of time and place to visiting schools."

Wroxeter Roman City, Shropshire
A partnership between English Heritage and Shrewsbury Museum Service gives children "a deepened understanding of what the Romans did for us."

Kenwood House and Estate, London
A "magnificent venue" which provides a "wonderful resource for schools" through its architecture, finely landscaped gardens and great art collection.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Somerset
"The quality of the presentations made to young visitors by members of the staff at Farleigh Hungerford Castle is impressive. Through the careful examination of artefacts, the visual impact of costume and the friendly enthusiasm of the presenters, life in a medieval castle is explained."

Birdoswald Roman Fort, Cumbria
The site "is ideal for teachers who want their pupils to focus on built remains and develop analytical skills relating to the unravelling of historic evidence."