Historic England announce boost for stricken heritage sector

The Mary Rose Museum © Hufton + Crow

Historic England has announced £1.8m in grants for 70 projects to help tackle the impact of Coronavirus on the heritage sector.

The grants range from social distancing guidance for archaeologists during digs, to supporting voluntary organisations and craft workers such as stonemasons, to emergency funding for King Henry VIII’s flagship the Mary Rose – the shipwreck is at risk of deteriorating if funds dry up for specialist climate-controlled conservation work on its hull.

The Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund was set up in April in response to Historic England’s survey of heritage organisations which revealed the adverse impact of Coronavirus on the sector. The grants will help organisations, voluntary groups and self-employed contractors survive the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic, and to prepare for recovery.

Applicants were invited to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to address financial difficulties arising from Coronavirus and for grants of up to £50,000 for projects and activities that reduce risks to heritage by providing information, resources and skills.

The fund was over-subscribed, attracting around 300 applications.

Applications included innovative ways of engaging visitors and volunteers while historic places are closed and online training for conservation skills.