Customers Brokers
Proudly part of the Benefact Group
Union Jack flag icon Canada flag Canada Ireland flag Ireland
News & press office Responsible business Careers Investor relations
Contact us Risk management Make a claim
Union Jack flag icon Canada flag Canada Ireland flag Ireland
Customers
Church
Insurance specialisms
Financial advice
Resources
Brokers
Insurance specialisms
Schemes
Resources
Risk management Make a claim

Historic Britain insurance

Specialist insurance for castles, historic houses, stately homes, palaces, gardens and more.

Heritage risk management

Protecting the nation's historic landmarks

We have over 135 years of experience protecting heritage buildings and understand the complexities you face when caring for them. 
The team work closely with artisan repairers, experts in restoration and skilled craftspeople to ensure the professional and sympathetic restoration of all things irreplaceable. Our long term, strong relationships with key bodies in the heritage sector mean we’re part of the communities in which we serve.

What's covered?

Buildings and contents cover

Including archaeological costs, seasonal stock increases and minor contract works.

Liability covers

Including Hirers’ liability and Trustees’ and Management liability.

Business interruption

Including loss of attraction and archaeological digs.

Fine art cover

Including new acquisitions and cover for exhibitions and items on loan.

Legal expenses

Including employment disputes and compensation awards.

Reputational risks

Support includes legal and Public Relations costs.

Loss of licence

Including wedding and premises licences.

Documents

information icon

The summary of cover is an outline of the standard cover provided under the policy and is not personalised to you. The cover you choose will depend on your circumstances and will be shown on your policy schedule. The schedule will also detail some changes we have made relating to infectious and communicable diseases and cyber-related incidents.
Historic Britain insurance summary of cover (PDF)
1 September 2025
Heritage - risk appetite guide (PDF) - Broker use only
10 July 2018

Why choose Ecclesiastical?

  • Practical guidance from our risk team - including help with building valuations, access to a comprehensive library of resources, and a dedicated risk helpline.
  • Personalised claims support - direct contact with the specialist handling your case, for clear communication and a smoother experience.
  • We believe that better business can better lives - we're proudly part of the Benefact Group and donate our available profits to good causes.

Heritage risk management

Risk support, templates, guides and checklists to help your organisation manage risks well.

Heritage risk support

Ecclesiastical Heritage Index

EHI tracks the cost of materials and labour for traditional construction methods, reducing your risk of underinsurance.

How it works

95% Claims Satisfaction

Ecclesiastical Property Claims Customers 2025, responses from 540 customers who had their claim settled.

Claims

Need a quote?

Our insurance products are only available through a broker.

Awards and accreditation

Related products

Arts and Culture insurance Art & Private Client Heritage Business & Leisure
Fine Art insurance Customer helplines

Experiencing financial difficulty?

If you are struggling to make payments for affordability reasons or logistical issues, please contact us (or your broker) as we may be able to support you with practical help.

MoneyHelper | GOV.UK | Citizens Advice

Contact us

More heritage articles..

Insight

Protecting heritage in a warming world

Jo Whyman, Director of Risk Management at Ecclesiastical explains how climate change is creating a new challenge for those who steward our historic buildings.
Risk management

Guidelines on caring for fine art

Preventing everyday damage to fine art when on display, in storage or in transit.
Insight

Ecclesiastical Heritage Index

The Ecclesiastical Heritage Index (EHI) is the first of its kind and is exclusive to Ecclesiastical customers. It tracks the cost of materials and labour associated with buildings of traditional construction to reduce the risk of underinsurance.

Insight

What’s the value of a valuation?

Insurers and brokers talk a lot about valuations and how important they are. But why is this and what does it mean?
Insight

Are lab-grown diamonds our new best friend?

Jewellery expert Mary Collins from Mappin & Webb tells us about laboratory-grown diamonds; their increase in popularity, how they differ from natural diamonds and what you and your clients should be aware of.
Insight

The cost of history

Identifying risks to some of our controversial historic assets.
Insight

Heritage Risk Barometer 2022

The heritage landscape is full of concerns and challenges, but those who safeguard our heritage are resilient, passionate, and ingenious.
Insight

Looking after a heritage building

Considerations of looking after a heritage building.
Insight

Art Market Review 2022

The Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report 2023¹ reports that global art sales increased by 3% to an estimated $67.8bn, taking the market above its pre-pandemic level in 2019.
Insight

Art Market Review 2023

Following two years of growth in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, the global art market stalled in 2023.

Insight

Art Market Review 2021

Resilience is a keyword in the 2022 Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. Looking back over 2021, the art market bounced back strongly from the COVID-19 driven challenges of 2020.
Insight

Art Market Review 2024

The overall performance of 2023 was elevated largely through the unexpected recovery of the China and Hong Kong markets.