Historic England’s Crowdsourcing Quest: Uncovering Hidden Histories
Background
Since 1882, Historic England has maintained the National Heritage List for England, a comprehensive inventory of historically significant places across the country. This list includes iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Shakespeare’s birthplace. However, it also encompasses lesser-known sites that even historians may not be entirely familiar with.
The Need for Crowdsourcing
To fill in the gaps in knowledge about these lesser-known sites, Historic England is turning to the public for assistance. The agency believes that members of the public may possess valuable information, photos, and stories that can shed light on these enigmatic places.
Weird and Wonderful Sites
Among the 21 sites that Historic England is seeking more information on are some truly intriguing and unusual places. For instance, they are interested in learning more about:
- The Cavendish Lab of Experimental Physics in Cambridge, where Lord Rutherford first split the atom in 1929.
- The headstone of Hannah Twynnoy, a barmaid who was killed by a tiger in 1703, believed to be the first person in Britain to die in such a manner.
- The Anti-Aerial Bombing Memorial, erected in Essex in 1935 as a protest against the use of air bombs.
- The grave of Bullie the Bullfinch, who could sing ‘God Save the Queen.’
- England’s first mosque, built in Liverpool in 1887.
- The hut in Gloucestershire where the first English smallpox vaccination was performed in 1796.
- Perrot’s Folly, a tower that is believed to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Two Towers.
How to Contribute
Historic England encourages the public to share any relevant information they may have about these sites. This could include:
- Photos or postcards
- Personal recollections or family stories
- Documents or newspaper articles
- Links to online resources
Benefits of Crowdsourcing
By involving the public in this crowdsourcing initiative, Historic England aims to:
- Enhance the accuracy and completeness of the Heritage List for England.
- Uncover new insights into the history of these sites.
- Foster a sense of ownership and connection between the public and their heritage.
Call to Action
Historic England invites everyone to participate in this exciting crowdsourcing project. By sharing their knowledge and memories, the public can help to enrich our understanding of England’s rich and diverse history. To contribute, visit the Historic England website or contact the agency directly.