Two historic sites in West Leeds have been shortlisted in the ‘Everyday History Heroes’ competition to uncover places that celebrate the everyday people who shaped the nation
Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga OBE launched the major new public award inviting the nation to vote for their favourite hidden heritage gems across the country.
Created by a partnership between Heritage Open Days and UK family history website, Findmypast, the ‘Everyday History Heroes’ award celebrates the historic and cultural sites that champion the stories of ordinary people – from nurses and miners to teachers, soldiers and changemakers.
The award centres on the grassroots histories that often go untold: the communities who powered industries, stood up for their beliefs, and built modern Britain.
The Hollybush Conservation Centre in Kirkstall and Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground in West Leeds were selected from by a judging panel after England’s historical organisations were invited to put forward their bids for entry last month.
Once a pioneering Victorian rhubarb farm, Hollybush Conservation Centre now uses local heritage to connect people with the joys of the outdoors. Today, the site—managed by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)—celebrates this heritage with community events, such as the Rhubarb Roots project and annual Plant Sales & Rhubarb Fayres.
Hazel Smoczynska, Community Hub Support Officer at TCV Hollybush, said: “Today, the site—managed by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)—celebrates this heritage by teaching traditional conservation skills and natural crafts, coordinating community history projects like ‘Hollybush Histories’ and ‘Rhubarb Roots’, and running family-friendly green events.”
Saved from neglect through an extraordinary community effort, the 250-year-old Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground has become a living monument to the people who shaped the local area.
Volunteers have researched the lives of thousands of those buried there, uncovering stories that span generations and reconnecting families worldwide with forgotten stories.
Richard Hainsworth, Chairperson of Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground Charity, said: “This nomination recognises the incredible commitment of the volunteers who have worked to rescue, restore and research Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground.
“Every gravestone and previously unmarked grave represents a story worth telling, and we’re proud to help reconnect people both worldwide and local with those whose lives built the area we know today.”
Also nominated is Otley Courthouse Project, which has transformed a former police station, courtroom and cell block into a place where local history can be experienced. Volunteers have spent years uncovering the lives of police officers, prisoners, cleaners and solicitors who passed through its doors, bringing these new stories into focus for the local community.
Historian David Olusoga is encouraging people to get involved and explore these sites as local gems.
“History isn’t just about the famous names we learn in school – it’s about millions of ordinary people whose actions shaped the world we live in today,” he said.
“We want to celebrate the amazingly diverse heritage and cultural sites that help us connect with people of the past, and understand how families and communities like our own lived, worked, and made their mark. I encourage everyone to explore the shortlist, discover a hidden gem near you, and cast your vote.”
A total of 24 sites and teams have been shortlisted across England. The shortlisters feature a diverse mix of hidden gems and each represents a unique or unexpected interpretation of everyday history, rooted in local communities and heritage.
The public is now invited to vote for their favourite site, helping to crown England’s first-ever Everyday History Heroes. Voting is open until 31 August, with a national winner and seven regional winners to be announced on 10 September. Winners will receive a donation to help fund their community initiatives.
To encourage locals to experience the sites for themselves, each of the shotlisters is offering a free Heritage Open Days event during September.
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