The fifth Historic Photographer of the Year awards are open for entry, with both amateurs and professionals invited to submit images. Rather than asking entrants to head out and explore the world’s best historic and cultural sites with many Covid 19 restrictions still in place, the organisers are instead seeking entries already captured – so there might well be something in your archive.

Michael Marsh won last year’s contest with this memorable shot of Brighton Pier

The judges include TV historian Dan Snow and award-winning heritage photographer and 2017 winner, Matt Emmett. This year’s Awards include several specialist categories focusing on crucial periods and regions of history, including the Historic England category and the Where History Happened category.

“With photographers combing through their archives, last year saw a fantastic array of entries covering everything from ancient Roman cities to Victorian piers and picturesque medieval churches,” said Matt Emett. “Historic Photographer of the Year shines a light on the history that exists all around us, opening our eyes to the wonders that sit on our doorstep and we want people to tell the story of the these.”

Martin Chamberlain won the ‘Where History Happened’ category last year

Entries will be judged on originality, composition and technical proficiency alongside the story behind the submission and its historical impact.

Entrants will get the chance to win a range of prizes including a special behind-the-scenes heritage experience from Historic England. For full details see www.historicphotographeroftheyear.com