What is the ‘historic environment?’ The Editorial Board discussed this question rather vigorously, and agreed — I think — to leave the definition open. As one who has argued against a narrower definition — or any definition at all — I’ve been asked to kick off this recurrent feature of the journal by outlining what I take the ‘historic environment’ to embrace. I’m pleased and honoured to do so. Clearly archaeological sites — both terrestrial and submerged — together with their contents, and material taken out of them, are parts of the historic environment. So are old buildings, structures, and designed landscapes (parks etc.) to which people ascribe historic and cultural significance. There is less automatic agreement on some of the following, but I believe that they are just as deserving — at least as deserving — of consideration, in this journal and elsewhere:

The historic environment encompasses all sites, structures, and landscapes with historic and cultural significance, including natural features, landscapes, and cultural landscapes.

My Historic Environment

Key Takeaway: The historic environment encompasses all sites, structures, and landscapes with historic and cultural significance, including natural features, landscapes, and cultural landscapes.