Heritage plays a key role in the economic, social and environmental regeneration of our City, Towns and Villages.
The Built Heritage and wider Historic Environment sets us apart as a place to visit and explore.
Heritage provides a unique backdrop and a source of inspiration for our vibrant arts and culture sector enjoyed by our residents and visitors.
OUR HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
When we talk about the historic environment, we mean the impacts of humanity upon our environment over time.
Examples of Heritage Assets are historic landscapes, archaeology, monuments, buildings and historic features
Such assets can be both formally protected or be identified as having some heritage interest.
OUR HERITAGE ASSETS
We have 862 archaeological sites and monuments, notably the City Walls, the 14th century Harry Avery Castle (Newtownstewart) and the 15th century Derg Castle (Castlederg).
There are 128 scheduled monuments in the Council are as well as 14 monuments in State Care.
We have 675 Listed Buildings
We have 9 registered historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes and 13 additional parks, gardens and demesnes
This includes: Historic Monuments; Listed Buildings; Industrial Heritage; Defence Heritage; Battlefields; Maritime Heritage; Historic Parks and Gardens; and Areas of Archaeological Potential.
Plans to alter any listed buildings requires Listed Building Consent which is administered by the planning division of the Council.
OUR HERITAGE AREAS
Within our Council there are identified areas of architectural and historic interest.
These are Conservation Areas and Areas of Townscape Village Character.
To celebrate Heritage Week, we thought we’d share some interesting facts about the Derry-Londonderry Walls.
OUR CONSERVATION AREAS
We have 5 Conservation Areas within the Council area, which are areas of special architectural or historic interest.
Sion Mils designated in 1977
Newtownstewart 1993
Historic City 1977/extended in 2006
Clarendon Street 1978/ extended 2006
Magee 2006
Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest.
OUR AREAS OF TOWNSCAPE CHARACTER
These areas have distinct character usually based on historic built form or layout. There are four Areas of Townscape Character identified from the Derry Area Plan 2011. This designation was not available at the time of the Strabane Area Plan in 1991.
Victoria Park
Bond’s Hill
Eglinton
Culmore
OUR MUSEUM & HERITAGE SERVICE
The Tower Museum and Guildhall contains many fascinating objects which tells us more about our heritage.
The Service also manages the City Archive and offers a Learning and Outreach Service, Genealogy advice and a range of exhibitions and events
One example is the stunning selection of architectural drawings submitted for by-law approval to the old Londonderry Corporation and the Londonderry Development Commission
