13th Century Manor Saved by Community, Removed from At-Risk Register

A 13th Century manor house, which had become so overgrown that its walls were no longer visible, has been preserved by a community “despite all odds.” Beaurepaire, situated near Bearpark in County Durham, was delisted from Historic England’s at-risk register this week, following extensive work by volunteers to revitalize the site. Rebekah Watkins, founder of the Dream Heritage group that orchestrated the initiative, reported that the location now attracts numerous visitors and is being appreciated. Volunteer Bill Hindmarch stated he was “proud” and “somewhat amazed” by the achievements. Beaurepaire, near Durham City, once served as a rural sanctuary for the priors and monks of Durham Cathedral, but in recent years, it had become a site for anti-social behavior. Ms Watkins commented, “You could tell the site had had vandalism and was attracting negative visitors when we first got involved.” The restoration project engaged more than 50 volunteers, with ages ranging from two to over 80 years old. Ms Watkins explained that when they commenced the work, just before the initial coronavirus lockdown in 2020, the rooms were so “full of bramble” that entry was impossible, and walls were obscured by thick ivy. She noted, “After a month or two you could see that we were working from room to room and reclaiming the site.” Ms Watkins added, “As room by room got transformed, I think it brought energy and enthusiasm.” Mr Hindmarch remarked: “Looking at the site now, I’m proud and somewhat amazed at what we have achieved.” Durham County Council oversaw the renovation, stating its responsibility to ensure the works “did not impede on existing or undiscovered ancient structures.” Steve Bhowmick, the council’s environment and design manager, affirmed that the site had been restored “for the benefit of the community” thanks to Dream Heritage’s efforts, and that the local authority was “pleased” to see its removal from the at-risk register. Ms Watkins expressed being “over the moon” and “quite surprised” upon discovering the site was no longer on the list. She stated, “Despite all odds, despite a lot of it having to be hard work, we saved it and we get so many visitors to the site and so many people appreciate it.” She now seeks to encourage individuals to recognize that they are “the key to saving a lot of these historic space and places that are currently unloved.” She concluded, “We need to turn that frustration into motivation, innovation and, ultimately, action.”