Leave a lasting legacy with a gift in your Will

By choosing to remember the Historic England Foundation in your Will, you help safeguard the irreplaceable historic spaces and landscapes that tell our nation’s story, preserving them for future generations.

Three children pointing and looking at an exhibit on display at Shrewsbury
Children exploring the exhibits at the newly renovated Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings. © Daniel Hopkinson, Historic England

Our historic environment is a valuable source of knowledge, belonging and wellbeing.

We need your support to rescue our at-risk historic places, restore them to life and honour the stories they hold. 

A gift in your Will ensures treasured heritage remains for generations to come.

How can a gift in my Will help? 

Your support could: 

  • Equip future heritage specialists with vital conservation skills 

  • Provide urgent support to buildings at risk 

  • Protect historic places while adapting to the challenges of a changing environment 

  • Educate and inspire future generations to discover and appreciate the history around them 

A simple way to leave a meaningful Legacy: 

Every gift, no matter its size, supports the meaningful work of protecting England's heritage for the future. Although you can make a Will yourself, we recommend seeking the advice of a solicitor to make sure your Will is correct and free from errors.  

Please remember that gifts left to registered charities in a Will are exempt from inheritance tax.

Shaping your gift around what matters most to you 

You are welcome to express a preference for how your gift supports Historic England’s work. As our priorities and needs change over time, the most helpful legacies are those left unrestricted, enabling us to respond to the heritage needs of the future. Please contact us if you would like to discuss the wording of your gift. 

Mother and daughter talking over statue of Charles Darwin at Down House. © Historic England

Can I leave an item to the Historic England Foundation? 

We are grateful for gifts of objects that strengthen or complement the Historic England Archive. If you are considering leaving an item, please contact us so we can confirm that it meets collecting criteria and can be cared for within the Archive. Guidance on the types of collections Historic England accepts is available on the website. 

Assets of value, including property, can also be left to the Foundation with the option for them to be sold to support heritage work.

Wording for Your Will

To help you shape the wording in your Will, you may find the following guidance useful: 

A specific amount (a pecuniary gift):

‘I bequeath to The Historic England Foundation (‘The Foundation’) of The Engine House, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EH, Registered Charity No. 1178368, the sum of £... to be used by The Foundation at its absolute discretion.’

A proportion of your estate (a residual gift):

‘I give (a share, for example one half/one third, etc.) of the residue of my estate to The Historic England Foundation (‘The Foundation’) of The Engine House, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EH, Registered Charity No. 1178368, to be used by The Foundation at its absolute discretion.’

If this wording is unsuitable for your requirements, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to discuss your situation and options. 

Contact Us

If you are considering leaving a gift in your Will or would value some guidance, our team is on hand to support you. We’re able to offer a confidential conversation about your wishes.

Please contact our team at [email protected] 

[email protected]
If you have already chosen to include the Foundation in your Will, you are under no obligation to let us know. However, we would be delighted to thank you personally and stay in touch to share updates on the positive impact your gift will make for generations to come.