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Outstanding Universal Value

Maritime Greenwich is considered of Outstanding Universal Value to the world because of a number of key attributes that together help tell the story of Britain at sea, and of world time-keeping, navigation and exploration.

Attributes of Outstanding Universal Value

Characteristics of the cultural heritage which satisfy the conditions of authenticity and integrity for World Heritage status are known as attributes. Maritime Greenwich has eight key attributes which convey Outstanding Universal Value:

  • Architecture
  • Masterplan of buildings and designed landscape
  • The Grand Axis
  • The Royal Observatory
  • Town Centre and St Alfege Church
  • Royal Patronage
  • Relationship with the River Thames
  • Silhouettes

The Site also has other attributes which contribute to national and local values of the Site. Tangible assets are expressed in the form of historic buildings, street furniture and other fabric but there are many other values that evoke responses from the senses.

Our architecture

The architectural ensemble of the Queen's House, the Royal Observatory, the Royal Hospital and the Royal Park

Masterplan of buildings and designed landscapes

The masterplan of buildings and designed landscape is a cultural masterpiece

The Grand Axis

Wren's composition extends across the River Thames

The Royal Observatory

Recording the accurate position of the stars, and the home of the Prime Meridian of Longitude and world time

Town Centre & St Alfege Church

Greenwich town centre: a medieval street pattern, with key buildings including St Alfege Church, and a role through history

Royal patronage

A royal manor, associated with the British monarchy since the 15th century

Relationship with the River Thames

Royal power, navigation and the use of the River Thames as a highway since Roman times

Silhouettes

A silhouette of baroque buildings against a clear sky

Partners

  • Greenwich Hospital
  • Old Royal Naval College
  • Royal Borough of Greenwich
  • Royal Museums Greenwich
  • The Royal Parks
  • St Alfege
  • Trinity Laban
  • University of Greenwich
  • Visit Greenwich