Try and spot some of the clues that tell us about how we have managed the climate and environment in the past and the ongoing effects on the historic environment.
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What do these things tell us?
Historic flood markers
These offer us a record of historic flooding events, which we can analyse in combination with other historical records and archaeology, to enable us to understand the frequency and severity of floods in the past.
Canals
During the 18th century, Britain's landscape began to be criss-crossed with a network of canals, mainly to transport goods and access new markets. These man-made waterways enabled people to control drainage and water levels, and ensure that precious cargo wasn't at the mercy of the natural environment.
Sash Windows
Throughout history, the shape, size and function of windows have varied widely. The sash window came into fashion in the early 18th century, and offered a much more sophisticated system of ventilation for houses. In more modern times, they are a sustainable option that can be easily replaced, repaired or recycled.
Erosion
Rapid, man-made changes to our climate is having a damaging effect on the UK's coastline. Coastal erosion poses a risk to both people and their homes and the historic environment.
Find out more from the Historic Environment.
Storm Drains
Storm drains are designed to drain excess rain water and flood water from surfaces that cannot absorb them, like pavements and concrete. You will often see them in places that are at risk from flooding or have regular storms. Until the mid-19th century, the UK's drains and sewers were just open ditches. The “Great Stink” in 1858 finally persuaded Parliament to allocate £3.5 million to improve London’s sewerage.
Weathering
Weathering is the breakdown of material by the action of rainwater, extremes of temperature, and biological activity. The effects of climate change speed up this process, for example, in the process of carbonation, where rainwater and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere combine to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid dissolves minerals within the rock, weakening the structure and resulting in damage and wear.
Windmills
Humans have been using the wind for power for centuries. In the UK, windmills started appearing from the late twelfth century, chiefly for milling grain, but later they were also used for managing water and draining the fens in East Anglia.
Cobbles and paving
Without paving, heavy rain quickly turns roadways to mud. The Romans were prolific and highly skilled road builders and pavers, with major roads often stone-paved and metaled, cambered for drainage, and flanked by footpaths, bridleways and drainage ditches. Traditional cobbles and paving is designed to be flexible, with stones embedded in sand or grit.
Ventilation bricks
An airbrick is a special type of brick with holes to allow fresh air to circulate beneath suspended floors or in cavity walls. This prevents moisture building up due to trapped cold or damp air and also ventilates in warm weather. They have been used to cope with seasonal changes for centuries, and are still used today. You might see some ornate examples on older houses.
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