Histories
The places cared for by English Heritage span the story of England, from prehistory to the Cold War. Delve into our history pages to discover more about our sites, how they have changed over time, and who made them what they are today.
Our property histories will give you a concise and authoritative chronological overview of a site through the ages, authored by top historians. And with our stories and profile pages you can learn more about the key events and people who shaped our sites, including the women and LGBTQ figures who have sometimes been hidden from view.
Highlights
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D-Day Deception: Operation Fortitude South
In 1944, Dover Castle’s tunnels played a supporting role in an elaborate deception that concealed the true location of the D-Day landings from the Germans.
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What Happened at the Battle of Hastings?
At dawn on Saturday 14 October 1066, two great armies prepared to fight for the throne of England. Read what happened at the most famous battle in English history.
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Historic Sites of the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly, off the south-western tip of Cornwall, are home to a remarkable range of historic sites, from prehistoric burial mounds to Civil War forts.
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The Massacre of the Jews at Clifford's Tower
One of the worst anti-Semitic massacres of the Middle Ages took place in York in 1190, when the city’s Jewish community was trapped by an angry mob inside York Castle.
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The Viking Raid on Lindisfarne
A devastating Viking attack on the church of St Cuthbert in 793 sent a shockwave through Europe. How did a Christian community at Lindisfarne survive?
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The Misbehaving Monks of Hailes Abbey
From visiting taverns to singing at the wrong pitch, the monks of Hailes Abbey couldn’t always meet the high standards expected of them.
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Mary Queen of Scots at Carlisle Castle
Find out why, after Mary Queen of Scots fled to England in 1568, her two-month stay at Carlisle Castle marked the beginning of 19 years of captivity.
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Black Prisoners at Portchester Castle
The extraordinary story of a group of over 2,500 prisoners of war who were brought to Portchester Castle in 1796 from the island of St Lucia.
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Lord Beauchamp, Walmer Castle and Homosexuality
William Lygon, Lord Beauchamp, was a known homosexual in the 1920s and 1930s, leading to a dramatic fall from grace.
Explore by theme
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Women who made history
Read about the remarkable lives of some of the women who have left their mark on society and shaped our way of life.
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LGBTQ History
LGBTQ history has often been hidden from view. Find out more about the lives of some LGBTQ individuals and their place in the stories of English Heritage sites.
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Medieval Castles
Discover the stories held within the walls of England’s greatest fortifications and learn about the rise and fall of the medieval castle.
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Monasteries and Abbeys
Learn about England’s medieval monasteries and abbeys and uncover the stories of those who lived and prayed in them.
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ENGLAND’S PREHISTORIC MONUMENTS
England’s prehistoric monuments span almost four millennia. Discover what they were used for, how and when they were built, and where to find them.
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1066 AND THE NORMAN CONQUEST
Find out all about the Battle of Hastings, and the profound impact the Normans had on the country they had conquered.
