Heritage
South and west London is unusual in its rich natural and built heritage. It encompasses everything from grand Tudor Palaces and handsome Victorian high streets, through to WW1 munitions factories and WWII air raid shelters. Our role at Habitats & Heritage is to ensure this rich heritage is conserved, celebrated and treasured for everyone to enjoy.
We work with partners including Historic England, local authorities and community stakeholders to care for and conserve the area’s important historic buildings – these are often listed structures on the Heritage At-Risk register. Not only does this work enable us to conserve the historic fabric of south and west London, we seek to bring these wonderful buildings back to life so that they enhance and benefit the local community. Already in our care is the Grade II* mausoleum of Sir Richard and Isabel Burton in Mortlake, and Grade II listed Grove Gardens Chapel in Richmond. We are also engaged in several other sites including the Thames Eyot Boathouse in Twickenham and Kilmorey Mausoleum in Isleworth.
In addition, we connect and engage people with the history and heritage on their doorstep. In doing so, we work with local schools running classroom sessions and providing educational resources for teachers. In partnership with the Mortlake and East Sheen Society we enable local primary schools to visit a WW2 air raid shelter. Each year 600 pupils experience what life would have been like during the war, bringing history lessons to life. Every September, Habitats & Heritage participates in Open House London, allowing free access to some of the incredible historic sites across south and west London. We have also developed a heritage challenge in collaboration with Adventure Lab, where you find clues to complete trails and explore Twickenham and St Margaret’s.
Habitats & Heritage believes everyone should have the chance to experience and enjoy the rich history of south and west London and make it part of their story too. You can find out more about some of the conservation, restoration and education projects we are involved with below.
Our heritage programme is proudly supported by
