How the men from the ministry saved England's heritage

[dipsydoodle]

It is 100 years since the British state began officially collecting historic buildings and sites - and opening them up to the public. The acquisition of hundreds of places saw the creation of what was, in effect, an outdoor museum of national history.

In England, much of the work of protecting and preserving the National Heritage Collection now lies in the hands of English Heritage.

Here, its chief executive Simon Thurley - author of Men from the Ministry: How Britain Saved its Heritage - looks back at why the extraordinary collecting frenzy happened in the first place, and how, to a certain extent, it continues today.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22616264 includes c. 7 minute video

[Laelth]

1. Good for the U.K. n/t

-Laelth