The English Heritage Trust is a new independent charity which from 1 April 2015 will look after – on behalf of the nation – the National Heritage Collection, consisting of more than 400 historic sites across England including Stonehenge, Dover Castle and some of the best preserved parts of Hadrian's Wall. Through these sites, it will bring the story of England to life for over 10 million visitors each year. It is licensed to manage the National Heritage Collection by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England.

Professor Hutton is a former Commissioner at English Heritage and a former Chairman of the Designation Review and Remuneration Committees. He is also Chairman of the English Heritage Blue Plaques Panel.

Sir Tim Laurence, Chairman of the English Heritage Trust, said: ‘As we launch the new English Heritage charity, I am delighted to welcome on board our new trustees. They all bring a wealth of vital experience and will help us establish the new charity, deliver our major investment programme and help us reach our goal of financial self-sufficiency.’

Professor Hutton said: ‘This is a wonderful honour and a wonderful opportunity, and I am so proud that it is my university which has provided the historian for this particular role.’

Professor Michael Basker, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, said: ‘Ronald Hutton’s appointment to the Board of Trustees which is to manage English Heritage is a tremendous accolade. I am delighted that Ronald’s standing as one of the UK’s pre-eminent historians is recognised at the very highest level of public service.’