Libraries and leisure

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

Monuments are discrete, localized items of obvious historical interest, such as a known settlement, Victorian aqueduct, or Romano-British villa. They are reference points in the landscape. Many ancient monuments are scheduled and protected from damage under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979).

Once an ancient momument is scheduled, consent for any works is required from the Secretary of State. The site of a monument includes any adjoining land that may be considered important to the monument's conservation.

Most scheduled monuments are archaeological sites or ruined buildings. Ecclesiastical buildings in use or inhabited buildings cannot be scheduled. Not all ancient monuments are scheduled, the term "ancient monument" actually has a wider meaning that includes both scheduled monuments and any other monument which the Secretary of State decides is of national importance.