Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society – Grants and Prizes
The Society was founded in 1855 “to promote the study of the history, archaeology, antiquities, and architecture of the county”, it currently offers three types of grants, Research, Acquisition and Public Heritage, an annual Dissertation Prize was launched in 2023.
2025 Dissertation Prizes in Leicestershire & Rutland Archaeology and History
Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society awards four annual dissertation prizes for extended projects that focus on the Archaeology and/or History of Leicestershire and/or Rutland. There are two prizes for Archaeology, for the best Undergraduate (BA/BSc) and the best Post-Graduate (M-level) dissertations, and two prizes for History, one for Undergraduate and one for Postgraduate levels. The subject area includes comparative studies, where Leicestershire/Rutland is one of the main comparisons used, and projects where case studies from the county are the majority of those used. It also includes art and design histories, and museum and heritage studies where the focus is on Leicestershire and/or Rutland.
The 2025 prize is for dissertations written during the 2023-24 academic year. Dissertations should not previously have been published or be in publication.
Each prize winner will be awarded £250 and the opportunity to publish some of their work in the Leicestershire Historian. The abstract will be published on the LAHS website. There will be an opportunity for the winners to present their work at the annual members’ evening. The winners will also be awarded LAHS membership for one year.
More information, guidelines and application forms here
The Acquisition Fund
The Acquisition Fund exists to support the purchase of historic items by accredited organisations that have significant value to the Heritage of Leicester and Leicestershire which can include historic and archaeological objects (including Treasure), paintings, archival material (including photographic) and other materials that are considered to be relevant.
Projects the Acquisition Fund has supported include At Risk War Memorials Project funding for the purchase of Humberstone Road Congregational Church’s Great War Roll of Honour.
More information, guidelines and application forms here
Research Grants
A research fund was established in 1923 and since that date additional sums of money have been added to the initial investment. The original trust deed speaks of using the income arising from the fund for “…such work of archaeological or antiquarian research as the Trustees think fit.”
More information, guidelines and application forms here
Public Heritage Fund
This fund exists to provide grants to history and heritage societies and projects within Leicestershire and Rutland, which will enable engagement with, and the presentation of research to the general public.
Projects the fund has supported include:
- Greater Wigston Historical Society which was awarded a grant towards the purchase of an interactive Smart Board for Greater Wigston Heritage Centre to enable easier engagement with the collections by their visitors, volunteers and local school children.
- The Priory Church of St Mary and St Hardulph, Breedon on the Hill successfully applied for a grant to install three interpretation panels in the church porch, explaining the national significance of the building and its Early Medieval sculptures.
- Hallaton Museum was awarded funding to pay for design and print of an updated version of their Hallaton Treasure exhibition.
- Kirby Muxloe History Group received funding towards the development of a new website to promote the history and archaeology of the village.
More information, guidelines and application forms here
Please note that this content was not originated by FCELH but it has been posted here because it may be of interest to members and others interested in English local history. For any queries please contact:
Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society,
The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ
