Saving our heritage treasures

We've invested £460million since 1980 to save over 1,450 outstanding heritage objects, places and landscapes for the people of the UK. Credit: British Museum

Discover our collection

The National Heritage Memorial Fund

Latest announcements and stories

A woman wearing blue gloves holding a piece of decorative Iron Age metalwork

News

It’s difficult to imagine a more extraordinary Iron Age discovery than the Melsonby Hoard

From its size and combination of objects to the way it’s changing perceptions about the north of England and inspiring the people of Yorkshire – learn more about the ancient find we helped to keep in its home county.

Close up of pocket chronometer showing the cover open with the hands shown at 10:10

Project

Timepiece that helped produce safe, reliable maritime charts saved for the UK

Our funding supports Royal Museums Greenwich to acquire, conserve and display Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy’s pocket chronometer. It’s a significant piece of Britain’s maritime and navigational history.

Union Flag from the Battle of Trafalgar shown close up

Project

Rare Union Flag from the Battle of Trafalgar to stay in the UK

We have awarded £400,000 to North East Museums to acquire the flag flown from the HMS Royal Sovereign, commanded by Newcastle-born Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.

Chapel Mill seen without its roof surrounded by fields and a blue but cloudy sky

Project

Roof restoration at Cornwall’s Chapel Mill

Our funding supports Tregargus Trust CIO to replace the roof at Chapel Mill, a Grade II* listed china stone grinding mill. 

Red squirrel standing at base of pine tree in Abernethy Forest, Scotland

News

Where you can visit some of the natural heritage we've saved

Since 1980 we've supported over 200 land acquisitions – find out more about why they’re important and where you can see them.

Bass Rock looking up to a gannet in the water and more gannets in flight above shown against the sky

Project

Two Scottish seabird sanctuaries saved

Our funding supports RSPB Scotland to acquire Bass Rock and Craigleith islands, in the Firth of Forth near Berwick, protecting the marine life that call them home.

View of the Temple of Apollo with the pool garden in front, surrounded by trees and greenery

Project

Temple of Apollo to be transformed into artists' space at Little Sparta garden

Our funding has helped secure the building, which will be used for accommodation and events. It sits at the heart of the world-renowned South Lanarkshire garden designed by poet and artist Ian Hamilton Finlay.

National Heritage Memorial Fund grant saves the Staffordshire Hoard

News

The formerly buried treasure we’ve helped put on public display

Over the past 45 years our grants have preserved 39 hoards of gold, silver and coins for the people of the UK – find out more about some of our favourites.