Make History on National Heritage Day

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Stephen Fry joins attempt to break visitors records at local historical sites

The Civic Trust, English Heritage, the National Trust and Historic Houses Association have called for everyone in London to help make history by supporting the biggest free access day to major heritage sites that has ever been held in the UK.

On Saturday 9 September 2006, iconic heritage sites such as Chiswick House, Syon House and Osterley Park House will be among the top heritage sites participating in what promises to be the largest mass participation cultural event this year.

Drew Bennellick, Head of Regional Partnerships for London at English Heritage, said "English Heritage, the Civic Trust, National Trust and HHA are calling for more than a million people nationwide to break visitor records for one day and show how much they care about our heritage. We're urging everyone to become involved and visit a top local historic site for free on Saturday 9th September and prove that History Matters to them."

Writer and actor Stephen Fry - who helped launch the History Matters campaign, described the day as a rally for heritage "Now is the chance for every citizen young or old, rich or poor to vote with his or her feet and demonstrate their commitment to our heritage by visiting a property or historic site," he said. "Vast numbers will prove that people believe 'History Matters' and that the built heritage is not just an elite middle-class pre-occupation but the passion of the entire nation. Just do it - as Henry V would say: 'Gentlemen in England now abed will hold themselves accursed they were not here...'"

"History Matters - pass it on" is the first time that the whole heritage sector has come together to work on a single, unifying campaign. Launched in July 2006 with Stephen Fry, David Starkey and Bill Bryson, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of history in our everyday lives, to encourage involvement and build public support in looking after our history and heritage - today and in the future.

Properties ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples will be taking part, and this is a unique opportunity to learn more about local heritage. A wide range of tours, events and activities also take place, bringing local history and culture to life.

Other heritage sites opening free of charge on 9 September 2006 are:

• Apsley House, Westminster - home to the Duke of Wellington displaying some of his vast collection of art, silver plate and trophies.
• Carlyle's House, Chelsea - once the hub of Victorian literary society, this classic Queen Anne House boasts many authentic features and a tranquil walled garden just moments away from the bustle of the King's Road.
• Fenton House, Camden - an exquisite 17th century country house with walled garden and 300-year-old apple orchard. The house contains an important collection of early keyboard instruments.
• Ham House, Richmond - reputedly on of the most haunted houses in Britain, this is a unique example of fashion and power in Restoration England at the heart of court life and intrigue.
• Jewel Tower, Westminster - dating back to 1365 the Tower, or King's Privy Wardrobe, housed King Edward III's treasures. It survived the Great Fire of London and holds an exhibition about parliament past and present.
• Marble Hill House, Richmond - built for the mistress of King George II, Henrietta Howard, Marble Hill was intended to be an Arcadian retreat and became renowned as a salon for literary wits including Lord Herbert and Alexander Pope.
• Osterley Park House, Hounslow - a Tudor house transformed into an 18th century neo-Classical villa with Robert Adam interiors, beautiful pleasure grounds and lakes.
• Syon Park, Richmond - home of the Duke of Northumberland, the house was built on the site of a medieval abbey founded by King Henry V. It has links with King Henry VIII, the gunpowder plot and the American war of Independence.
• Wellington Arch, Westminster - commissioned by King George IV as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace, the Arch contains three floors of exhibits telling its history, including its time as London's smallest police station.

To find out more about participating properties and opening times in your area, visit http://www.heritageopendays.org or call 020 7539 7921 (lines are open until 8 September, Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm). For more information about the History Matters - pass it on campaign and how to become involved, visit: http://www.historymatters.org.uk.

September 1, 2006