Exclusive Members' Area
Welcome to this dedicated space just for Members, where you can explore our sites and their stories through articles, videos and podcasts. You’ll also find help for home learning and plenty of content just for kids.
OPENING UPDATE | A selection of our sites remain open for local visits. These sites all have large outdoor spaces, and can be opened in a way that protects the health of all our visitors, staff and volunteers. We have additional safety measures in place including social distancing, enhanced cleaning and limits on visitor numbers.
You can find which sites are open here. Please follow the government’s latest advice on essential journeys. Booking remains open for visits from 3 December onwards, when we hope normal winter opening hours will be resumed. If any sites need to close temporarily, we will of course refund cancelled bookings. This will be done automatically, so there’s no need to contact us.
As a Member, you are helping to keep England’s story alive throughout this difficult time. Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.
Highlights this week
Enjoy a spectacular free site
Many of the historic sites in our care are free to enter. You don't need to book ahead or get a ticket, and most of them are open during daylight hours of every day of the year. From mysterious prehistoric monuments to Roman ruins, and from mighty medieval castles to spiritual sites deep in the countryside, there’s plenty of England’s past to enjoy in peaceful settings away from the crowds.
Discover more-
Members' exclusive wallpapers
As a thank you, we are releasing exclusive desktop and mobile wallpaper images over the next few weeks, this week of a 'wintry' Osborne.
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Tall Tales Episode 6
In our latest Tall Tale, hear the story of the miller and the blacksmith, a cautionary tale about the dangers of hasty assumptions.
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Day in the Life: Tudors
In our latest episode, join Frances Anne, the daughter of an earl, for a day in her life at Ashby de la Zouch Castle in Leicestershire in 1544.
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History at Home Live!
Catch up on our 'History at Home Live!' videos, where Ben Shires and our experts explore parts of England's fascinating story.
Songs of England
In this new video series in collaboration with The Nest Collective, we explore the stories behind traditional English folk songs that have connections to historic places.
In the latest episode, Matt Thompson and Sam Lee look at the iconic Iron Bridge in Shropshire. This impressive construction was erected in 1779, crossing the gorge of the same name which is often credited as the 'cradle of the industrial revolution'. Here, in the 1800s, iron foundries produced the metal that powered decades of dramatic transformation in transport and industry in Britain and around the world. 'The Four Loom Weaver' is a traditional song that reflects this age of labour through the struggles of the people who worked in hard and unforgiving jobs.
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The Old Garden Gate
Join Sam Lee and Matt Thompson as they discuss 'The Old Garden Gate', a mournful tale inspired by Audley End House and Gardens.
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When Fortune Turns the Wheel
Join Sam Lee and Matt Thompson as they discuss 'When Fortune Turns the Wheel', a traditional parting song inspired by Hadrian's Wall.
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Sweet Nightingale, Tintagel Castle
Join Sam Lee and Matt Thompson as they discuss 'Sweet Nightingale', thought to have been imported from Germany by Cornish tin miners in the 1800s.
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The Whitby Lad, Whitby Abbey
Join Sam Lee and Matt Thompson as they examine the musical tale of the 'Whitby Lad', a wayward boy sentenced to life in a penal colony in Australia.
THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST
Step into England’s story with our weekly podcast. Join presenter
Charles Rowe as we bring the history of our sites to life with news, views and expert interviews.
This week, we hear the story of some of the animals who have made history.
Listen nowPostcards from places we love
Thanks to your membership and support we are able to look after and protect over 400 historic sites across England. Each has its own unique architecture and a story to tell. In this video series, you’ll be captivated by the stunning footage of these special places from the skies as we offer you a glimpse of what each has to offer. Sit back, relax and prepare to be inspired.
Watch the whole series
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Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
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Dover Castle
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Scarborough Castle
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Tintagel Castle
Get Quizzing
From Stonehenge to Queen Victoria, test your history know-how with our Members' quiz. Whether just challenging yourself or hosting a virtual quiz with family and friends, we've got your history rounds covered. We've even got quizzes just for kids!
The latest quiz tests your knowledge of obscure medieval laws.
Take a quizHistory for Kids
Are you ready to go back - way back - in time to learn all about England’s history? Read our magazines and discover our online pages where you can explore each of the key periods, from the Stone Age right through to the Second World War. Find out what life was like at the time through fun facts, illustrated stories, games and more.
Read the latest Kids Rule
How England Was Made
Episode 3: Derwentcote Steel Furnace
In our How England Was Made series, presenter Rob Bell explores significant locations from England's industrial history, accompanied by one of our expert historians.
In the third film of our series, Rob explores Derwentcote Steel Furnace. Hidden away n the outskirts of Gateshead, Derwentcote is the earliest steelmaking furnace in Britain. Senior Properties Curator Mark Douglas and Rob discuss the history of steelmaking in the Derwent Valley.
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Episode 1: Neolithic Mines
Historian Susan Greaney gives Rob Bell a guided tour of Grime's Graves in Norfolk. This Neolithic flint mine is evidence of early industry, from production to trade, even though the site itself is very unassuming.
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Episode 2: Iron Bridge
The Iron Bridge combines aesthetic beauty with practical usage, allowing for safe passage across the River Severn. Rob discovers more about the site with Head Collections Curator Matt Thompson.
History Discovered
Our expert historians and curators provide the most up-to-date insights, unveiling the secrets of some of the most important historic sites in the country. We invite you to step into England's story with historical articles and features created especially for you.
More history discovered-
Days Out with Dogs
Enjoy a great day out with your dog at an English Heritage property. There are plenty of dog-friendly sites across the whole of England for your furry friends to enjoy.
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Close ups
We care for thousands of artefacts and monuments – such as the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London. Get up close and find out what makes these items so important.
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Meet the Experts
Meet Amber Butchart, fashion historian, and Rebecca Butterworth, historical make-up artist, who help us produce our make-up tutorials, covering the history of make-up and fashion.
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Past Lives
From a captive queen and a reggae superstar to the father of the NHS and pioneering dentist, discover the stories of the people who shaped our country's past.
Members' magazine
Read the latest Members' magazine and delve into the archive with some of our previous editions.
Read your October 2020 issue
Members' Rewards
Enjoy savings on flowers for your home and garden, money off subscriptions for magazines and books and even update your wardrobe for less. Choose from over 60 offers on food and drink, entertainment, home and garden and much more. The savings you make could even cover the cost of your annual membership.
Discover your rewardsMANAGE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Register your membership or log in now to renew your membership, update your personal details and find out anything else about your membership. You can also explore the wider benefits of membership, including discounted offers from our Associated Attractions and our range of exclusive Members' Events (currently not available during the lockdown period).
