ABSTRACT
My purpose in this chapter is to explore ways in which a distinctive cultural construct, which I have termed the ‘rural–historic’, has permeated the production and experience of heritage tourism in England. The chapter suggests that in doing so the rural–historic has sustained a pervasive and enduring version of the national past that contrasts strongly with England’s urban–industrial history. The latter, with its cultural motifs of modernity and production, social class division and multiculturalism, represents something of an unwelcome intrusion on these representations of the country’s heritage. The rural–historic on the other hand presents a narrative that, on the surface at least, presents a more socially cohesive and collective vision of cherished national mythologies and imaginary values. Laurajane Smith’s (2006) concept of an ‘authorised heritage discourse’ (AHD) provides a theoretical framework through which to examine the rural–historic both in theory and in practice and, using the touristic representation of English parish churches as an example, I demonstrate the abiding strength of a cultural construct that works to express a binding sense of nationhood and identity.
