Areas, buildings and monuments
Lincoln Castle.
Credit: Colin McLean Photography
Safeguarding our historic buildings, monuments and archaeology for future generations.
Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1994 we have awarded £3.3billion to more than 10,300 area, historic building and monument projects across the UK. See stories from projects we've funded below.
We provide grants for heritage projects from £10,000–£10million to ensure that heritage is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.
These projects can help to sustain jobs, support economic growth and protect heritage at risk. They can also bolster local pride, nurture traditional craft skills and help communities enjoy and make use of the places they care about.
What do we support?
Projects we fund include:
- investment in places of worship
- conservation and repairs to historic buildings and places
- finding appropriate new uses for historic buildings
- community archaeology projects
Places of worship
Places of worship are among the UK’s oldest and most cherished historic buildings. We want to help congregations become truly resilient and their buildings genuinely sustainable.
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- repair and transform a historic building at the heart of their community
- help volunteers learn building conservation skills
- rescue a building on a Buildings at Risk register
- undertake a community archaeology project
- regenerate a historic town centre or high street
- look after and learn about a local war memorial
How to get funding
Our National Lottery Heritage Grants programme is open for applications.
News
First national Huguenot Heritage Centre
Through its displays and activities, the Huguenot Heritage Centre will bring to life the Huguenot story; a story of persecution, of flight from their homeland, and of settlement and integration in England. Visitors will learn of the skills that the Huguenots brought with them to England; and be able
News
World’s first iron-hulled boat comes home to the Monkland Canal
The full scale replica of the Vulcan, the world’s first iron-hulled boat, arrived at Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge today (Thursday 27 March) and will soon capture the imaginations of visitors as a major heritage attraction. Named for the Roman god of forge and fire, the
News
Cupar's historic heartland awarded £550,000
This was announced by the Head of HLF Scotland, Colin McLean, this week. The funding, which is distributed through HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) programme, was confirmed by HLF following a stage two application submitted by Fife Council last year. It will complement the £1m already
News
Spring-loaded launch for new Hengistbury Head visitor centre
On Saturday, 12 April 2014, Chris Packham, joined by the Mayor of Bournemouth, will unveil a commemorative plaque and thank an invited audience of all partners involved in helping to make the new centre a reality. The centre will then open to the public from 12 noon where visitors will have the
News
£4million Lottery grant secures future of historic Cornish foundry
Harvey’s Foundry Trust has been awarded £4m from HLF to conserve and adapt for commercial use the remaining derelict Grade II listed buildings at the 19th-century Harvey’s Foundry in Hayle, Cornwall. This new grant will unlock the potential of the final two historic buildings on the site. It will
News
Ed Vaizey opens London Museum of Water and Steam
Following its £2.3million re-development grant, London’s greatest Victorian steam pumping station reopens under a new name. The London Museum of Water and Steam opens to the public on Saturday 22 March, (following a press launch on Friday 21 March), as part of the UN designated World Water Day
News
Herne Bay Clock Tower brought back to life
The project, which is being led by the city council in partnership with the Friends of Herne Bay Clock Tower community group, will see major refurbishment of the building together with new educational activities. Modern LED lighting will be installed, along with four webcams on the top of the Clock
News
Cirencester commemorations
Cirencester’s three heritage cornerstones: New Brewery Arts, Corinium Museum and the Parish Church, working in conjunction with Cirencester Archaeological & Historical Society (CA&HS), will create exciting exhibitions, learning opportunities and events designed to bring local histories out of the
News
Bradford YMCA to investigate Tea and Remembrance
The project will focus on the positive impact the YMCA made during the war through the provision of tea huts, providing much needed refreshment and respite for the troops. The project will run for a year and will have a 'home base' at Culture Fusion, on Thornton Road in Bradford’s city centre.Young
News
Pull out all the stops
The iconic Royal Festival Hall organ at Southbank Centre will be heard for the first time in public for nearly a decade on 18 March 2014 following its complete restoration and reinstallation by the Durham-based organ builders Harrison & Harrison, the company that built and installed the instrument
News
Oakwood’s clock will 'chime' for another 100 years
The Oakwood Clock has been an iconic feature in Oakwood for just over 100 years – ever since it was moved from Leeds City Market. Originally it served as a tram shelter but since the demise of the trams has been a meeting place, provided shelter and somewhere to sit for generations of people
News
HLF award to boost local joinery skills
Twelve participants will receive bespoke, structured training and assessment with experienced heritage contractors leading to the achievement of the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction) – Wood Occupations. The funding will also provide an opportunity for three local college