Colonial past must be in mainstream of UK history, says new English Heritage chief

This article was first published by The Guardian.

Stories about the legacy of slavery and colonialism must be central to the way museums and heritage organisations present their collections as part of “a new chapter of what heritage is about”, the incoming head of English Heritage has said.

Nick Merriman said a focus on the country’s often highly problematic colonial role “[has] to be part of the mainstream narrative about British history”, and should not be confined only to historic properties, statues or artefacts that had a direct link to slavery or imperial wealth.

“We must expand our mainstream public historical narratives to include the complex, nuanced and difficult stories of slavery and empire,” he said. “This isn’t political correctness, wokery, or changing history … This is simply good history and expanding the range of narratives to introduce more complexity is better history.”

@UK_ICOM