Our Priorities
Items from the Hailes Abbey Collection on display at the site.

Collections Policies and Governance

We look after a collection of over a million objects spanning six thousand years. These range from prehistoric flint tools to 20th-century Cold War technology. You can see these items displayed at our sites, and we keep them in suitable conditions at our stores across England. Our research helps us better understand and care for our collections and sites.

Read on for details of our collections policies, and how the collection is governed. Information about objects covered under immunity from seizure are also listed on this page. 

Our Collections Policies

Our collections continue to grow thanks to new research and archaeology. These policies govern what we collect, and how we look after the items in our care. If you have anything you think would help us understand our places better or you would like to donate an item, why not get in touch. 

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  • Immunity from Seizure

    English Heritage can provide immunity from seizure for cultural objects under Part 6 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcements Act 2007.

    In order to be protected, the conditions set out in section 134 of the Act must be met when the object enters the UK. Namely:

    • The object is usually kept outside the UK
    • It is not owned by a person resident in the UK
    • Its import does not contravene a prohibition or restriction on the import of goods, imposed by or under any enactment, that applies to the object, a part of it or anything it conceals
    • It is brought to the UK for public display in a temporary exhibition at a museum or gallery
    • The borrowing museum or gallery is approved under the Act
    • The museum or gallery has complied with the requirement prescribed in the Protection of Cultural Objects on Loan (Publication and Provision of Information) Regulations 2008 about the publication of specified information about the object. The Regulations require the information to be published on the borrowing institution’s website for at least four consecutive weeks before the object enters the UK ending the day before the day on which the object is brought into the UK.


    For further information on immunity from seizure, please refer to the DCMS website.

    For further information on English Heritage policies and procedures, please refer to the following documents:
    • English Heritage Collections Development Policy
    • English Heritage Due Diligence Policy (2024)

    Read the full policy

    For any enquiries in relation to this policy, please contact us using the button below.

    Contact Us

  • Oral History

    Oral history is the recording of memories, experiences, feelings, opinions and lives about individuals and groups from different communities. It is an extremely important research area for us, revealing information and stories that may not be found in other records, and helps us connect everyone to our sites and collections.

    Read our strategy

    Read our research standard