Battlefields

Registration Selection Guide

The Register of Historic Battlefields was established in 1995 and is administered by Historic England. The National Planning Policy Framework (March 2012) sets out that registered battlefields are designated heritage assets of the highest significance.

This selection guide discusses first the definition of a battle, and outlines the changing nature of warfare in England between the late Saxon period and the seventeenth century – the compass of sites included.

The second half of the guide sets out the principal designation criteria – notably historic significance and the necessity of being able to locate securely a battlefield – before moving on to discuss other designation criteria such as archaeological potential, documentation, and biographical associations. A select bibliography gives suggestions for further reading. 

Contents

  • Introduction
  • Scope and definition
  • Historical summary
  • Principal considerations
  • Other considerations
  • Revision of the Register
  • Where to get advice
  • Acknowledgements

Additional Information

  • Series: Guidance
  • Publication Status: Completed
  • Pages: 24
  • Product Code: HEAG072

Accessibility

If you require an alternative, accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) please contact us:

Customer Service Department

Telephone: 0370 333 0607
Email: [email protected]

Also of interest