Historic buildings can be important for many reasons. Conservation professionals refer to this as the SIGNIFICANCE of the building. Buildings can be significant in one or more of the following ways.
 Architectural and Aesthetic
 Historical
 Religious
 Community/Local
 Economic, Social & Political
Activity Idea
Give groups of students pictures of significant buildings. Individually, in pairs, or in small groups students can think about the ways in which these buildings are significant, and share their ideas with others. Any building could be used or this activity, but images of six listed buildings in the North East have been included here, along with some background information.
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Blyth Battery is a Coastal Defence Battery on the South East Northumberland coast, built in World War One and re-used in World War two, originally home to twin six-inch guns. A group of concrete structures remain, including a 1916 rangefinder tower, one of only a handful left in the world. The site is run as a heritage attraction by local volunteers.
The buildings are listed Grade II and a Scheduled Ancient Monument
SIGNIFICANCE:
Historical – home front defence during World War One and Two, military history, social history
Architectural – the rangefinder tower is a complete example of this type of building, and unique in the United Kingdom
Community/Local – the buildings are cared for and managed by the local community, the position of the building son the beachfront makes them a local landmark
Durham Cathedral was originally built in 1093, with alterations and additions at various times over the last thousand years. It is still in use as a place of worship and pilgrimage. The building sits in the centre of the Durham World Heritage
Site and is grade I Listed.
SIGNIFICANCE:
Architectural – the building has largely intact examples of Norman architecture, and is the oldest surviving example of a stone vaulted arch ceiling on such a large scale. The building is a landmark and can be seen rising above the city.
Historical – the Cathedral has links to the history of the city and university
Religious – Durham Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship for over 900 years, and runs around 1700 religious services a year
Economic, Social & Political- The Cathedral is part of Durham’s tourist appeal, bringing countless visitors to the city every year.
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Designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson and built by Dorman Long and Co. of Middlesborough, the Tyne Bridge was originally opened in 1928. The towers were designed by architect Robert Burns Dick and were to act as warehouses, although they were never used as such. It is a listed building and a symbol of Tyneside which is recognised across the world.
SIGNIFICANCE:
Architectural – Mott, Hay and Anderson, who designed the bridge, were also responsible for the Forth Road Bridge and
Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Historical – Longest single span bridge in the world when it was opened in 1928 by King George V.
Economic, Social, and Political – The Tyne Bridge is a crucial part of the infrastructure of Newcastle-Gateshead, with millions of cars and lorries crossing every year. The Tyne Bridge is managed by Newcastle City Council with input from
Gateshead Town Council. The classic silhouette of the bridge is used to market the region.
Community/Local – the Tyne Bridge is recognised not just in the North East but across the world as a landmark, The largest Olympic rings in the UK were hung from the Tyne Bridge to celebrate the 2012 games, and the Great North Run crosses the bridge. The bridge is an iconic symbol of the industrial heritage of the North East.
A grade I listed building, first referred to in 547AD. The building has a Norman core with later additions, and a great deal of 18 th and 19 th century alterations. Bamburgh Castle is located on the north Northumberland coast and belongs to the Armstrong family. It is currently a visitor attraction, a wedding venue, and a film location, as well as providing private accommodation for the family.
SIGNIFICANCE:
Historical – The building has been in continual use for nearly a thousand years, and has played a key role inin various wars and battles between Scotland and England. In the War of the Roses, Bamburgh Castle was the first castle to be defeated by artillery.
Economic, Social, and Political – Bamburgh Castle is central to marketing north Northumberland as ‘Castles and Coast’ country. In 2014, the site attracted 130,000 paying visitors, having a huge impact on the local economy.
Heritage Skills in Education is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Heritage Skills in Education is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Heritage Skills in Education is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Heritage Skills in Education is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Heritage Skills in Education is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund