Basically, the older the building is the more likely it is to be listed. All buildings built before 1700, and most buildings built between 1700 to 1840, are listed. After 1840, so many buildings were put up that only the best examples of particular types get listed. Buildings that are post-1914, and that are of outstanding quality or are under threat are also chosen for listing.

Later buildings are listed by theme, such as cinemas or industrial buildings. Some otherwise unremarkable buildings have been listed for their historical associations.

To find out if a building is listed:

• Consult your local library.
  
• Telephone the Listed Buildings Information Service on
  020 7208 8221.
  
• If you think a building in your area should be protected, you can submit it for 'spot' listing by contacting the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

For further information on listed buildings, contact the following:

Amenity societies
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings gives technical advice on old buildings and can suggest tradesmen to carry out work. It runs an information line on weekday mornings.
Tel: 020 7377 1644.

The Georgian Group, as the name suggests, specialises in all things Georgian. It sells a good range of pamphlets, and administers a small grant fund for Georgian buildings. E-mail: office@georgian-group.org.uk 

The Victorian Society campaigns on behalf of Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Tel: 020 8994 1119; fax: 020 8995 4895.

The Twentieth Century Society Tel: 020 7250 3857.

The Ancient Monuments Society was founded in 1924 for the study and conservation of ancient monuments, historic buildings and fine old craftsmanship. Tel: 020 7236 3934; fax: 020 7329 3677.


The Vivat Trust is a charity dedicated to rescuing important listed buildings and providing them with a new use by letting them as luxurious holiday accommodation.

The Landmark Trust is a building-preservation charity that was founded to rescue worthwhile historic buildings from neglect, and to restore them. These are also let as holiday accommodation, and the income from letting contributes to their upkeep.

Images of England is a wonderful site where volunteer photographers are cataloguing all the listed structures in England.

John and Ruth Howard Charitable Trust gives grants of up to £4,000 for secular buildings that are open to the public. Tel: 020 8459 1125.

Useful Government departments and bodies: