Wandsworth residents said to be happiest thanks to historic local landmarks
Published: Friday, March 22, 2024
According to a report in The Times newspaper (Thursday), people living in Wandsworth are among the happiest in the country due to the close proximity of so many heritage sites across the borough.
Share this
A study by Historic England – the nation’s heritage watchdog – has concluded that living near to historic parks, buildings and monuments makes people happier.
And this level of happiness increases the closer you live to a historic asset.
The Times reports that using detailed statistical methodology the researchers judged Wandsworth top of a national league table of heritage related happiness.
They also concluded that a monetary value could be put on this heritage benefit. Using a mechanism designed by the Treasury, the study found living close to historic sites can improve your quality of life by the value of £515 a year.
“For the first time we have robust economic evidence that heritage makes a significant contribution to people’s quality of life,” said Lord Mendoza, the chairman of Historic England.
“We all value the role that green spaces play in ensuring wellbeing: this new ground-breaking research shows us that the everyday local heritage found in towns and cities across England plays a comparable and valuable role.”
The borough’s rich historical heritage is expected to play a prominent role in activities marking next year’s London Borough of Culture celebrations after Wandsworth was awarded London Borough of Culture 2025 earlier this month.
Throughout the year the borough will stage a series of events celebrating and highlighting Wandsworth’s unique culture and heritage.
Subscribers to The Times can read the article here
