Catalogue description Records created or inherited by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England

The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (commonly known as English Heritage until 2015 and subsequently as Historic England) was created by the National Heritage Act 1983 and began operations in 1984, taking on heritage functions previously exercised by the Ancient Monuments Board for England, the Historic Buildings Council for England and the Department of the Environment. The Act gave the new body responsibility for securing the preservation of ancient monuments and historic buildings; promoting the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas; and for promoting the public's enjoyment of, and advancing their knowledge of, ancient monuments and historic buildings and their preservation. In addition, the Commission provides funding and support for archaeological excavations, which are undertaken largely by independent archaeological units. The remit of the Commission does not cover Hampton Court, the Tower of London and other Royal Palaces.

The Commission was originally responsible to the Secretary of State for the Environment, then to the Secretary of State for National Heritage between 1992 and 1997; to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from 1997 to 2017; and, since 2017, to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Following a merger in 1999, it took on the functions of the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, including responsibility for the National Monuments Record (now part of the Historic England Archive).

In April 2015 responsibility for the protection of the National Heritage Collection was transferred to a charitable trust. The old English Heritage separated into two parts: a charity that looks after the collections, and Historic England that champions the nation's wider heritage, running the listing system, dealing with planning matters and giving grants.

The Commission comprises between eight and seventeen individuals appointed by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for their expertise in relevant areas such as history, archaeology, architecture, preservation of monuments, town and country planning, tourism, commerce, finance and local government. It meets regularly and has responsibility for setting the overall strategic direction for Historic England and ensuring that it complies with any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds. Responsibility for implementing the decisions taken by the Commission and the day-to-day management of Historic England rests with the Chief Executive and, in turn, the senior management and staff of the organisation. The Commission’s work is also supported by advisory committees whose role is to provide it with expert advice on its statutory functions under the 1983 Act and other legislation.