A rare piece of railway heritage is looking for a new future. Grade II listed Torre Signal Box in Torquay was built in 1921–22 for the Great Western Railway and still retains historic features, including surviving signalling equipment. Images: © Derek Harper, Tim Marshall (cc-by-sa/2.0)

At the end of last week, our team member Ross visited #LongfordCastle near Salisbury and shared these stunning photos. This Grade I listed country house, dating from the late 1500s, is a remarkable example of an #Elizabethan prodigy house, with later alterations by James Wyatt and Anthony Salvin.

We're pleased to be involved at an early stage in discussions about the future of Grade I listed St Peter's Church, Hornblotton, one of the South West's most original Victorian churches.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the heritage sector. Join our Carbon Literacy for Heritage training to build your understanding of carbon and the path to Net Zero. 📅 22 & 29 Sept | 19 & 26 Nov Book your place: hbap.org.uk/resources/tr...

Positive outcome for Grade II* Swan Hotel, Harleston, Norfolk. HB&P objected to proposals to demolish the historic stables at the rear of the site. We’re pleased a revised scheme has been submitted that will retain and convert the stables and cart shed to dwellings. 📷: everardcole.co.uk

What can the houses of Weardale tell us about the people who lived there? Join Historic Buildings & Places on 4 August for an online talk with Martin Roberts exploring the rich tradition of vernacular architecture across the dale. Find out more: hbap.org.uk/online-talk-...

We love sharing what Future Lab is up to... but have you ever wondered how it all started? 👀 From one chance conversation to a pioneering partnership, the story behind Future Lab is one of collaboration, curiosity and big ideas. Read how it all began: hbap.org.uk/how-future-l...

Less than a week to go! Join us online on 20 July at 6pm for a talk with Carys Aldous-Hughes, Director of Strata Florida Trust. Discover how one of Wales' most significant historic sites is being conserved for future generations. Book your place hbap.org.uk/online-talk-...

Casework Update: 🍻 One for your next pub crawl! The Test Match Hotel near Trent Bridge is a Grade II* listed #ArtDeco pub, celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved interiors. (1/2) Image 1: Test Match Hotel (credit Dave Pickersgill); Image 2: Interior of Test Match Hotel, (credit Greene King)

☀️ Just one week to go! Join us next Wednesday for our HB&P Summer Drinks. Whether you're a member or supporter, we'd love to welcome you for an informal evening of drinks and conversation. Free to attend, but spaces are limited. 📅 15 July, 5pm–7pm Find out more: hbap.org.uk/hbp-members-...

Meet the Future Lab Advisory Group (FLAG). The independent experts helping guide Future Lab, challenge ideas and connect research with practice. Find out who's involved and why their role matters: hbap.org.uk/introducing-... #FutureLab #Heritage #Research

We've objected to plans to demolish 68–69 Fenchurch Street. We believe this Edwardian building should be adapted, not demolished. The proposal would harm the character of the Lloyd's Avenue Conservation Area, and alternatives have not been properly explored. (1/2)

Join us on Friday 7 August for an exclusive guided tour of Blackpool Tower. The tour is expected to include the Ballroom, Circus, Tower Top, Silver Landing, other historic spaces, and a visit behind the Wurlitzer organ!. 🎟️ Free for HB&P members 🎟️ £7 for non-members Book: buff.ly/sTF4xa9

Fresh from our Valuing Seaside Heritage Symposium at Saltdean Lido, we're celebrating #NationalSeasideDay! 🌊 To mark the day, we're sharing the @seasidenetwork.bsky.social's 2026 Bucket & Spade List. Voting is now open! seasideheritage.org.uk/bucket-spade...

From a 12th-century Cistercian abbey to the conservation of historic farm buildings, Strata Florida has a remarkable story to tell. Join us online on 20 July at 6pm with Carys Aldous-Hughes of Strata Florida Trust to explore the site's past, present and future. Book here: buff.ly/BjCCqva

This photo is from 2022 — the reality today is thought to be worse. Castle Hedingham's Grade II* chapel (Essex, 1832) is approaching its second decade of disuse. The organ has since been stolen; more pews have gone. An approved single-house conversion found no buyer after 50 viewings. (1/2)

What makes a great partnership? In her latest Future Lab blog, Liz Power reflects on working with the Heritage Innovation Laboratory Oxford (HILO), and how collaboration can open up new ways of thinking, learning and solving problems. Read more: hbap.org.uk/future-lab-w...

On a recent visit our caseworker Ross inspected Broomfield House's remains, a C16 Grade II* listed building lost to arson. Enfield Council proposes consolidating surviving walls and chimneys and refurbishing the C18 water gardens.

This Grade II listed stable at Dunham Massey was created for the practical business of housing horses and storing hay, yet more than three centuries later they still showcase remarkable #craftsmanship and traditional building skills.

Did you know one of Cambridge's most remarkable historic libraries is hidden behind an elegant classical façade? The Pepys Building at Magdalene College was constructed over three decades from the late 17th century and remains home to the extraordinary library of Samuel Pepys.

A church designed to also be a landmark. Built in the 1750s for Hartwell House, St Mary's Church in Buckinghamshire is an early example of Gothic Revival architecture. Though now a roofless ruin, its octagonal form, rose windows and pinnacles still make a striking impression.

A proposed accessibility scheme at the Grade II listed Sandbach Literary Institution risks damaging its historic octagonal stair tower. HB&P has recommended an options appraisal to find a conservation-led solution that improves access without compromising the building. 🏛️ 📷: Ian Tresman

☀️ We’re hosting summer drinks in London — 15 July, 5–7pm at The Grocer, Spitalfields. A relaxed evening to connect with fellow members and supporters, meet the HB&P team, and hear about our work across England & Wales. Details & sign-up → hbap.org.uk/hbp-members-summer-drinks-2026/

Six months into Future Lab, our Director Liz Power reflects on a project that's already changing how we work — student internships, deeper research, and a brilliant partnership with HILO at Oxford. A candid read for anyone interested in the future of #heritage. 🏛️ Read it here: buff.ly/75sESU1

Yesterday we joined Wright & Wright Architects for a specialist talk and tour of Lambeth Palace — exploring the first major refurbishment of this extraordinary Grade I listed site in more than 70 years. 800 years of history. A £40m transformation. A new benchmark for sustainable heritage retrofit.

Could your professional expertise help support historic buildings and places? We are seeking volunteer #Trustees with: 🏛️ Built environment expertise 📊 Finance expertise Join our Board and help guide our work across England & Wales. Find out more: hbap.org.uk/about-us/job...

🌊 Only a handful of tickets remain for the Valuing Seaside Heritage Symposium. Join heritage professionals, policymakers, practitioners, academics and coastal stakeholders at Saltdean Lido on 26 June. 🎟️ Book now: hbap.org.uk/valuing-seas...

Our colleague Ross recently visited Buxton Opera House, a Grade II* listed theatre designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1903. With its grand stone frontage, ornate glass canopy and distinctive domed towers, its one of the finest examples of #Edwardian theatre #architecture.

Last chance to book! Join us tomorrow, 2 June, at 6pm for an online talk on the repair and restoration of A.W.N. Pugin's St Augustine's Church, Ramsgate. Free for HB&P members, £4 for non-members. All registered attendees will receive the recording. Book now: hbap.org.uk/online-talk-...

📣 We’re recruiting two new trustees at HB&P. We’re looking for people who can help shape the future of heritage across England and Wales through two voluntary Board roles: • Trustee: Casework • Trustee: Finance 📅 Deadline: 15 Jun 2026 Find out more: hbap.org.uk/about-us/job...