Englander 1

A National Conference from English Heritage

Anyone going?

16th – 17th October 2007
St. Mary-in-the-Castle, Hastings.
A National Conference from English Heritage

Seaside Heritage Conference : News & Events : Archaeology & Buildings : Research & Conservation : English Heritage

The seaside holiday and the seaside resort represent a distinctive facet of England’s heritage and occupy a special place in the nation’s psyche.

Since the early 18th century, when a handful of people first sought improved health by bathing in the sea, to the millions of people who still head each year to the coast, the lure of the sea has been a fundamental part of English and British life. It has transformed settlements around the coast from small working towns into large resorts whose strongly urban character is disguised by the presence of the beach and sea.

At English Heritage, we firmly believe that the historic character of our seaside resorts can play a key role in their regeneration and renaissance.

To this end, we are hosting a two-day conference in October 2007 to engender more understanding and appreciation of the history and architectural heritage of seaside towns, and to explore how their historic assets can contribute to the economy, quality of life and regeneration.
The conference features a wide range of speakers including leading academics in seaside history and heritage, and key figures from local, regional and national bodies concerned with the future of seaside resorts, and will explore:

The history and architecture of seaside resorts in England, Scotland and Wales
Maritime archaeology of seaside resorts
Characteristics of seaside architecture
The challenges facing seaside towns (as evidenced by the recent Select Committee Report on Coastal Towns)
Heritage protection of seaside resorts – is it adequate?
Success in regenerating seaside resorts through the arts and creative industry
A panel discussion of the role of heritage in the future of seaside resorts and the launch of English Heritage’s policy on coastal towns