Church with Leaking Roof Among New Additions to Heritage at Risk Register

A leaky roof is endangering nationally significant 15th-Century paintings hidden within the ceiling of a church. Christchurch Priory in Dorset is among numerous locations that Historic England has placed on its Heritage at Risk register. The Reverend Canon Charles Stewart expressed gratitude, stating, “We’re very grateful.” He considers the acknowledgment of their predicament crucial for preserving the 900-year-old structure. Stewart added, “If a national body like Historic England says it’s important and it is at risk, that should carry quite a lot more emphasis than we could manage on our own.” The priory had already initiated discussions with Historic England in 2021 regarding a proposed work schedule when, without warning, water started to seep through the extensive nave roof. During an interview with Radio Solent, Mr Stewart revealed: “The bit the public doesn’t see is, underneath the roof, concealed by the 19th-Century ceiling, there is a stunning 15th-Century wooden beamed roof that has painted decorations on it which are of at least national, if not international, importance.” He further noted, “We’ve got our estimates and are going out to trusts and donors for funding, and having Historic England’s view on this can only help us.” Currently, over 4,800 locations throughout England are designated as being vulnerable to neglect, deterioration, or unsuitable development. This figure encompasses approximately 1,000 churches, many of which, similar to the priory, suffer from leaking roofs. In Berkshire, the Church of St Gregory in Welford’s 2017 application for lottery funding was denied, and it continues to be listed on the register as its roof still requires repairs. On the Isle of Wight, in Cowes, Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund contributed to the funding for repairs on the tower and north roof of the Church of St Mary. However, additional work is still necessary for other sections of the edifice. Although numerous sites still require intervention, a significant number of others have been removed from the register. A 15th-Century barn located on the Hampshire estate, known as a filming location for Downton Abbey, has been “saved.” It had previously been classified as at risk because of leaks and deteriorating joists. The restoration of the Grade I-listed barn, which is part of the Highclere Estate belonging to the Earl of Carnarvon, received partial funding from an increase in tourism to the adjacent castle. Additionally, in Oxfordshire, the remnants of an Elizabethan manor house at Hampton Gay have undergone repair and stabilisation. This occurred after Historic England assisted the landowner in applying for Countryside Stewardship Funding. The 16th-Century structure, which was consumed by fire in 1887, was once part of a modest community now safeguarded as a “deserted village.” Rosie Byford, representing Historic England, characterised the register as an “annual health check” designed to identify locations that “need a bit more love and care to ensure they are there to enjoy” for subsequent generations. She further stated, “It is often the owner or a member of the community that will come to us and start the conversation.” BBC Dorset can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.