Learn - Heritage Inspired

We want you to get the most out of your visits to our fine heritage faith sites.

Very few ancient sites are built in the style of one architectural period, and their history can be traced through the jigsaw of architectural styles. We can help you unlock the puzzle, read the symbols and discover the hidden gems in each and every one of our sites.

Our heritage talks and courses explore many aspects of local history and heritage, and are open and accessible to all. We hope to see you soon!

Heritage Talks

South Yorkshire has a huge community of people interested in local history and heritage.

There are at least 500 local groups who meet regularly in South Yorkshire. There are even more individuals, families and groups of friends who get together to visit and appreciate our local heritage sites.

We have developed a series of illustrated talks and workshops, each examining an aspect of local history and heritage. They are delivered by our Local Heritage Officer, and are an accessible introduction to the history and heritage of our area, looking specifically at our heritage faith sites.

Why not come along and find out more about the heritage on your doorstep!

Group Talks:

We offer three FREE heritage talks to all local groups across South Yorkshire. They are: Churches (& other faith sites) in SY; Abbeys and Castles in SY; and, Symbolism in SY.

Each talk features original photographs, lasts around an hour and we provide all the equipment needed. For more information about content please give us a ring.

To book a talk CLICK HERE.

Public Talks:

We regularly arrange talks and workshops open to the general public, at venues across South Yorkshire. Topics include: Saxon & Norman Architecture in SY; Medieval Architecture in SY; Renaissance & Victorian Architecture in SY; Green Men, Gargoyles & Grotesques; and, Hidden Heritage in SY.

We advertise these talks in local press and via our website, or you can find out about them by joining our ailing list and receiving our newsletter.

Visit our EVENT SECTION to find out more.

Heritage Courses

Would you like to learn more about our local history and heritage?

We have developed local heritage courses, exploring the history and heritage of our area in more detail.

Each course is led by our Local Heritage Officer, and features heritage talks, discussions, workshop sessions and site visits. The courses are open to all and are held across South Yorkshire at regular intervals. They are advertised in local press, via our website and in our newsletter.

Making sense of the stones:

An in depth exploration of the history and heritage of this area, within the context of a national picture. We explore the contribution of faith to our built, landscape and cultural heritage, and how ancient beliefs and religions contributed to the development of the major faiths. We examine Celtic sites, standing stones, earthworks, burial mounds, Roman beliefs and sites and the introduction of Christianity. From there we consider the Saxons occupation of eastern England, the return to paganism, the Christianisation of Britain, and the Vikings effect on churches and monasteries. Moving on we look at the Norman invasion, the huge church and cathedral building programme, changes of architectural styles, the Reformation and the Civil War. Then finally through the classical renaissance, the industrial revolution and Victorian gothic revival to modern architecture and the current redevelopment of many faith sites.