Market Place by Frederic Kitton
What is Heritage?
I have called this series of programmes heritage, so what do I mean by the word heritage?
Heritage is essentially what we inherit from the past – our legacy from previous generations. It's a collection of tangible and intangible assets that shape our identity, culture, and society.
In these programmes, I am discussing St Albans' tangible heritage. This includes physical remains, the built environment in which we live, like buildings and monuments: for example the Roman Theatre, the Cathedral, the Clock Tower, old buildings in the city’s streets, like French Row, Market Place, the Historic Alleyways and, of course, not forgetting the many pubs which were once inns and beer houses that proliferate over the city.
I am talking to people about their views on the heritage of St Albans and why we should value it. Heritage has been described as a bridge between the past, present, and future. It provides us with a sense of belonging, and inspiration, but also there is a responsibility to preserve this heritage for future generations. Tangible heritage, those physical reminders of our past, should be conserved because it is about our identity and belonging: tangible heritage provides a physical connection to our ancestors and cultural roots, and shared heritage can foster a sense of community and belonging.
Heritage also makes an important contribution to Education, by helping historical learning: offering firsthand insights into past societies and their culture. Studying tangible heritage can also be creative, inspiring new ideas and artistic expression.
There are also economic benefits: well-preserved heritage sites attract visitors, boosting the local economy through tourism and creating employment opportunities.
Heritage can provide valuable data for scientific research, so studying tangible heritage can help us understand past events and processes.
There is also an ethical dimension to heritage. We have a moral obligation to preserve heritage for future generations. At the same time conserving our tangible heritage shows respect for the past and its creators.
Finally, we have to remember tangible heritage is a non-renewable resource. Once lost, it cannot be replaced. By conserving it, we safeguard a vital part of our shared history and culture.
Below are the dates Radio Mix 92.6 programmes. If you miss them, don't worry as later podcasts will be available.
They take place on Wednesdays from 19.00 & are repeated on Sundays from 18.00 https://mix926.com/programme-promotion/new-series-on-local-heritage/
St Albans Roman Theatre
1. 6th Nov & 10th Nov : Ancient History (Verulamium Museum) - David Thorold, Curator, Pre-historic to Mediaeval, at St Albans Museums.
St Albans Abbey Cathedral
2. 13th Nov & 17th Nov: Mediaeval (St Albans Cathedral) - Stephen de Silva, MBE a volunteer guide at the St Albans Cathedral for over 40 years.
3. 20th Nov & 24th Nov: Post Dissolution and Civil War (White Hart Tap Pub) – Dr John Morewood, President of St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society (SAHAAS)
The Grange, now the Saint & Sinner Pub
4. 27th Nov & 1st Nov: Conservation Civic Society (The Grange: The Saint & Sinner) – Robert Pankhurst ,a Trustee of St Albans Civic Society and a member of Conservation 50 and Blue Plaques St Albans
The old Town Hall, now St Albans Museum+Gallery
5. 4th Dec & 8th Dec: Heritage Tours (The old Town Hall: St Albans Museum +Gallery) – Terry Turner, Chairman of the St Albans Tour Guides Association.
St Albans Civic Centre
6. 11th Dec & 15th Dec: Today (Margaret Wix Room, St Albans Civic Centre) – Cllr Anthony Rowlands, Vice Chair of the Public Realm Committee and, among other responsibilities, Lead Councillor for Heritage.
St Albans Market Cross and Mrs Worley's Fountain, which is now to be found behind the St Albans Registry Office (once St Albans Prison)
7. 18th Dec & 22nd Dec: A newcomer to St Albans (at her home): Eli Koshevec (from North Macedonia)
Many thanks to the sponsors of these Heritage programmes: St Albans Cathedral, St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society, City & District of St Albans Tour Guides and Conservation 50.
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