Historic England has revealed the historic sites most at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development by publishing the Heritage at Risk Register 2020.
The register provides an annual snapshot of the critical health of England’s most valued historic places, and those most at risk of being lost. In total, 18 sites in the South East have been added to the Register because of concerns about their condition.
Over the last year 20 historic buildings and sites in the South East have been saved thanks to the determination of local communities, charities, owners, local councils and Historic England, who together want to see historic places restored and brought back to life. This includes Whitwell Church, in Whitwell…
Whitwell Parish Church is unusual as it is formed from 2 separate medieval chapels built side by side and largely re-built in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Grade II* listed building was at risk mainly due to stone decay and issues with water penetration, which have now been addressed thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.
Historic England would like to acknowledge the contribution of local resident Rose Ashton, the driving force behind the successful fundraising and repair work at Niton Church nearby, who also lent her knowledge and experience to the repair works at Whitwell, achieving a lot before passing away in January 2019. Sadly, she did not get to see the completed repairs which were finished earlier this year.
Emily Gee, Regional Director for Historic England in London and the South East, said:
“It is the varied tapestry of our historic places that helps us define who we are. In testing times, heritage can give us a sense of continuity and bring us solace. We also know that investing in our historic places can help boost our economic recovery.
“Across the South East, the places rescued from the register this year show us that good progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go and many more historic buildings and places which need love, funding, strong partnership working and community support to give them a brighter future.”
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The Heritage at Risk Register 2020 reveals that in the South East the following are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate change:
- 154 Buildings or Structures (Grade I and II* listed buildings and structural scheduled monuments across England, plus Grade II listed buildings in London)
- 75 places of worship
- 147 Archaeology entries (non-structural scheduled monuments),
- 25 parks and gardens
- 3 protected wreck sites
- 66 conservation areas
In total, there are 470 entries across the South East on the 2020 Heritage at Risk Register.
