Scheduled ancient monuments

Nationally important sites and monuments are given legal protection by being placed on a 'schedule'. Only man-made structures, features and remains can be scheduled. It is the only legal protection specifically for archaeological sites, and is only applied to sites of national importance, and even then, only if it is the best means of protection. Buildings and structures that can be made useable are generally best protected by listing.

Potential sites are identified by English Heritage but the final decision of whether to add them to the Schedule is made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The term ‘monument’ covers the whole range of archaeological sites, so they may not always be ancient or visible above ground. There are over 200 ’classes’ of monuments ranging from prehistoric sites to WWII defences.

This national list of monuments has been maintained since 1882, and the preservation of these sites is given priority over other uses. Some sites may be partly listed and partly scheduled, but the Scheduling will always take precedence. The Ancient Monument and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 states that Scheduled Monument Consent must be granted by English Heritage in writing before any work can commence. Consent cannot be granted retrospectively and applies to works both above and below ground. It is always advisable to contact English Heritage during the preliminary stages of any intended works.

More information can be found on the English Heritage website or by the contact details above.

Within Plymouth there are currently 37 Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Although the majority of these monuments are connected with the defence of the city, such as the Palmerston Forts, Drake’s Island and Plymouth Castle, others reflect the city’s earlier history such as Worth’s Bone Cave in Cattedown and Burrow Hill Round Barrow in Plymstock. Information on these monuments can be obtained by contacting the Design Team.

Currently the entire system of protecting archaeological and historic sites is being reviewed, and it is expected that changes to the system will be announced shortly.