Exceptional heritage

The Isles of Scilly National Landscape holds an extraordinary heritage, underpinned by some of the most valuable archaeology and close-knit communities in the country.

Bant’s Carn burial chamber: Sam Moss

There is nowhere in Britain with a greater density of ancient monuments than Scilly. People first settled in Scilly in the Bronze Age, at least 4,000 years ago. We have been leaving our mark ever since.

There are nearly 250 Scheduled Monuments in and around Scilly, from Bronze Age entrance graves to World War II pillboxes. With many of the Scheduled Monument designations covering large areas – such as the single designation which covers the whole of Samson – around 1,000 individual archaeological sites are encompassed by this top level of protection, including everything from prehistoric field systems to Tudor forts and castles, Civil War defences and settlements through the ages. The maritime heritage of the islands are also exceptional, from lighthouses and pilot gig sheds to the wrecks of over 700 ships. 

Photograph of Innisidgen Upper burial chamber on St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Innisidgen Upper burial chamber: Natalie Rance

English Heritage have some sites in their guardianship. Many others are looked after by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Tresco Island and farm tenants, all under the watchful eye of Historic England. With support from the Isles of Scilly National Landscape, the Wildlife Trust helps facilitate a Community Archaeology Group with monthly volunteer tasks to care for our rich cultural heritage. 

Photograph of several volunteers trimming shrubby vegetation as a part of the Community Archaeology Group on Tean.

Community Archaeology Group on Tean: Rhianna Pearce

You can view and explore the designated heritage on Scilly using the dashboard below.