Historic England has revealed its Heritage at Risk Register for 2024, a collection of more than 4,000 vulnerable buildings, ruins, gardens, monuments and more across England.
The annual register gives an overview of the state of the country’s most important historic sites while also funnelling funding into the most urgent restoration projects.
Each year, the register evolves as sites that were at risk but have successfully been saved are removed, while others in dire need of attention are added. This year’s list totals 4,891 sites, with 124 removed and 155 added. Of these 155, there are 69 buildings and structures, 55 places of worship, 24 archaeological sites, one park and garden and six conservation areas.
Crucially, the register opens the door to funding opportunities for those listed. In the past year, Historic England has assigned £8.14 million in grants for repairs to 191 sites. The organisation also works with partners such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Natural England to help bridge funding gaps while working with local authorities to deal with issues such as planning.
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Success stories of those places removed this year include one of Dorset’s most remarkable country residences, Sherborne House, built in 1720 and transformed into a valued arts venue. Then there’s the 1833 Goods Shed, part of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, thought to be the oldest example of its kind still standing, now repaired and part of a wider railway heritage regeneration project, and the 17th-century sandstone Hunningham Bridge in Warwickshire, damaged by road traffic, now repaired with additional traffic calming measures.
Historic England, the guardian of England’s historic environment, assesses Grade I and Grade II* listed properties as well as, specifically, Grade II listed places of worship across England and secular Grade II listed buildings in London to compile the Heritage at Risk Register.
The process began more than 30 years ago with the London Buildings at Risk survey, which was published from 1991 to 1997. In 1998, this was extended to the first National Buildings at Risk list, which has since taken on a much wider remit.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Sir Chris Bryant, Heritage Minister, said: “The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country…I hope that more will be saved thanks to their inclusion this year."
10 vulnerable sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2024
Waltham Windmill, Lincolnshire
A rare, six-sail Victorian windmill previously restored is at risk from rainwater decaying timber and gear cogs; it’s been granted £63,120 for repair works.
Kings Norton Old Grammar School, Birmingham
This 15th-century, half-timbered building, likely a priest's house, was restored 20 years ago but needs to be made watertight and protected from damp and rainwater.
Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire
Grade I-listed, this is among the best-preserved motte-and-bailey castles in England. Rebuilt after the Norman conquest, it needs, among other things, structural repairs to survive.
Kitchen Garden, Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk
In the grounds of a fine stately home, mid-19th century glasshouses, believed to be the work of Sir Joseph Paxton’s (of Crystal Palace fame), need structural restoration.
Heighington & Aycliffe Railway Station, County Durham
Originally a pub, it acted as the world’s first railway station from the 1830s before reverting to a pub in 1984; it’s been derelict since 2017.
The Roman Painted House, Dover, Kent
The building that protects colourful 3rd-century CE Roman wall paintings is no longer fit for purpose; it needs to be replaced with upgraded visitor facilities.
Hurst Castle, Hampshire
This Tudor fortress is at risk from erosion and rising sea levels but planning with English Heritage and the Environment Agency should save it for future generations.
St John the Evangelist, Sheffield, West Yorkshire
An imposing Victorian-era church on the site of a much older place of worship whose tower and 58-metre-high spire have been badly eroded by wind.
The Butterwalk, Dartmouth
A row of 17th-century merchants' houses, bomb-damaged in WWII, repaired in the 1950s but now suffering from decay in the roof, chimneys and guttering.
Smith Square Hall, Westminster, London
An early 18th-century church-cum-music venue, this Baroque-style, Portland Stone construction, nicknamed "Queen Anne's footstool", requires repairs to cracks and upgrades to facilities.
Main image: Hurst Castle/English Heritage
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