'A Future for Sandwell's Heritage' – Review to Raise the Profile Of
Appendix 1 Linking Archaeology & Tourism “An Exploration of the current and possible future strategy for heritage linked tourism in the borough” Select Committee on Heritage & Culture – July 2005 ‘Sandwell’s historic environment is unique, irreplaceable and vulnerable and has great cultural, educational and recreational value to present and future residents of the borough and its visitors.’ Sandwell’s heritage includes buildings, monuments, landscapes and collections. Place names point to its rich heritage, as do documents of people’s memories and personal stories. Finds from the area go back as long as 8000 years to the Mesolithic period and show evidence of continuous settlement since then. Finds have been excavated from Roman times and 5 Saxon settlements are mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Sandwell is fortunate enough to have many cultural and heritage sites, and important historic sites including the 12th century Manor House, the 12th Century Sandwell Priory, the mediaeval timber framed Tudor Oak House, the 19th Century Haden Hill House, the Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre and Bishop Asbury’s cottage attracting visitors from around the world. Heritage Tourism Heritage Tourism is a branch of tourism oriented towards the cultural heritage of the location where tourism is occurring. It has positive economic and social impacts, it helps preserve our cultural heritage, establishes and reinforces identity and facilitates harmony and understanding amongst people, it supports culture and helps renew tourism. The UK’s heritage is a major contributor to the country’s tourism industry. Heritage is a primary motivator for tourism to and within the UK. Strategic Context Tourism has a positive social and economic impact and is vital to the economic well being of the West Midlands and a growing sector of the regional economy.
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