National Heritage Memorial Fund

National Heritage Memorial Fund. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1980, it serves as a fund of last resort to save the most important parts of the United Kingdom's heritage for the public. The fund was created as a direct response to the loss of important heritage items and was conceived as a memorial to those who gave their lives for the country. It operates independently, making decisions on acquisitions and grants to prevent items of outstanding importance from being lost overseas or destroyed.

History

The fund was established following the passing of the National Heritage Act 1980, which received Royal Assent in March of that year. Its creation was significantly influenced by public campaigns to save important works, such as the effort to retain Turner's painting *The Blue Rigi* for the Tate Britain. The inaugural chair was Lord Charteris of Amisfield, who had previously served as Private Secretary to the Sovereign. Early in its history, the fund played a critical role in the acquisition of the St Cuthbert Gospel for the British Library, a manuscript of immense national significance. Over the decades, it has intervened in numerous high-profile cases, often working in partnership with institutions like the National Trust for Scotland and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Purpose and function

The primary purpose is to provide financial assistance towards the acquisition, preservation, and maintenance of land, buildings, and objects of outstanding importance to the national heritage of the United Kingdom. It acts as a fund of last resort when all other sources of funding have been exhausted, focusing on items at imminent risk of loss. Its remit is broad, covering everything from historic houses and nature reserves to industrial monuments and major artworks. The fund assesses applications based on the exceptional significance of the heritage asset, the level of public benefit, and the demonstrable urgency of the threat.

Governance and funding

The fund is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Its board of trustees is appointed by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and is responsible for strategic direction and decision-making on grants. Day-to-day operations are managed by a chief executive, currently Eilish McGuinness. Its core funding is provided directly by the UK Government through annual Treasury grants, distinct from lottery-derived income. This government endowment allows it to respond swiftly to emergencies, such as the urgent repairs needed for fire-damaged structures like the Glasgow School of Art.

Notable acquisitions and projects

The fund has been instrumental in saving a vast array of heritage. Key acquisitions include the purchase of the Mappa Mundi for Hereford Cathedral, the rescue of the Flying Scotsman locomotive for the National Railway Museum, and securing the archive of Winston Churchill for the Churchill Archives Centre. It has funded the preservation of natural landscapes, such as Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast, and archaeological sites like the Mary Rose in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. More recent projects include contributing to the campaign to save the Portland Collection of fine art for the Harley Gallery and supporting the acquisition of Dunrobin Castle's important archive.

Relationship with the National Lottery Heritage Fund

The fund is the parent body of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which was established under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. While the fund uses government money for urgent, high-risk cases, the National Lottery Heritage Fund distributes money raised by the National Lottery for a wider range of heritage projects across the UK. Both organizations share a board of trustees and administrative functions, but their funding streams and primary objectives remain legally and operationally distinct. This structure ensures a comprehensive approach, from emergency rescue missions to large-scale regeneration projects like those at the Piece Hall in Halifax.

Category:Non-departmental public bodies of the United Kingdom government Category:Organisations based in London Category:Heritage organizations in the United Kingdom