Image: Saltdean Lido was removed from this year's list after restoration © Historic England Archive
There are now more sites deemed at risk of being lost than in 2023, but the year has seen several major sites saved.
Historic England has published its annual list of English historic buildings and places it deems at risk of being lost.
Its Heritage at Risk Register 2024 now has a total of 4,891 entries on the Heritage at Risk, 20 more than in 2023.
Over the past year, 155 historic buildings and sites have been added to the Register because they are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Among the sites removed from the list this year includes the Grade II* listed St Pancras Old Church at Kings Cross, one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in London. The building had been suffering from movement, causing significant cracking which required structural repairs and stablisation, which has now been completed.
Also saved is the Grade I listed Calverley Old Hall in West Yorkshire, a medieval house and the former manorial seat of the Calverley family. On the list since 2016, it has since attracted grant funding including from the Culture Recovery Fund, administered by Historic England, and a large award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This enabled the Landmark Trust to repair and transform the site. During works, a remarkable chamber of wall paintings was discovered, now dated to around 1560.
Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country. From Hexham Historic High Street to Brighton’s Saltdean Lido, many beloved sites have been removed from the list this year and I hope that more will be saved thanks to their inclusion this year.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most. It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy our valued heritage.”
New to the Register this year is the Grade I listed Tamworth Castle in Staffordshire. Despite being one of the best-preserved motte-and-bailey castles in England, it has suffered from structural movement and extensive repairs are needed. Tamworth Borough Council funded an initial phase of repairs in 2023. Historic England has awarded funds for structural and other investigations to inform further repairs.
Also at risk for the first time this year is the The Roman Painted House, in Dover, Kent, a Scheduled Monument. The remains of an early 3rd century AD building would have provided accommodation to travellers on official business, said Historic England. Unearthed in the 1970s, large masonry walls, an underfloor heating system, and areas of intact painted plaster have survived the centuries. However the protective building which covers the archaeological remains is no longer fit for purpose, leaving the wall paintings vulnerable. Dover District Council and Historic England are working together to improve the conservation, visitor experience and interpretation of the Painted House.
