An 800-year-old church and what is considered to be the world's first railway station are among the sites deemed to be at risk by Historic England. Seven historic sites from North East England and Cumbria have been added to the agency’s registries, highlighting concerns of neglect, decay, or inappropriate development. This year marks the 26th annual release of Heritage at Risk listings, as the organization aims to protect valuable parts of the country’s history.
Among the newly identified places under threat is the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church in Kendal, Cumbria, famed for its stunning architecture and rich history. Also noted is the Heighington & Aycliffe Railway Station, located in County Durham, which is celebrated as the oldest railway station globally, and the remains of the former Berwick Grammar School, which has found itself languishing since closing its doors back in 2015.
Historic England released its latest at-risk update which includes 155 buildings added to the 2024 Heritage at Risk Register. This compilation serves to raise awareness about historically important sites requiring support to avoid deterioration or loss.
Heighington & Aycliffe Railway Station
Dating back to 1826, Heighington & Aycliffe Railway Station is notable for being possibly the world's first railway station, establishing itself along the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which was the first steam-powered passenger railway line. Originally envisioned as a public house, the station played host to the famous Locomotion No 1 during its early days. After operating until the 1970s, the site saw its fortunes fall drastically. The building operated as a pub from 1984 until it closed permanently in 2017 and has since fallen derelict.
The Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway have initiated campaigns aimed at restoring this once-bustling station, realizing its historical importance and the role it played during the industrial revolution.
Church of Holy Trinity, Kendal
The Church of Holy Trinity, recognized for its Grade I listing, carries significant historical weight. The nave of the building dates back approximately 800 years, though the site itself has seen religious activity since the Anglo-Saxon period, as indicated by references found in the Domesday Book. Its architecture is marked by five aisles and numerous large stained-glass windows, creating both space and light within.
Originally able to accommodate up to 1,100 congregants, recent years have seen the church grapple with challenges likely stemming from both low attendance and the costly upkeep associated with maintaining such a historic site.
Berwick Grammar School
The former site of Berwick Grammar School is another site struggling to maintain its dignity as it sits vacated, having been closed since 2015. This Georgian mansion house, which opened its doors as a grammar school back in 1866, saw extensions added over the years and had its last major renovation completed long before it ceased operations.
The condition of the building has deteriorated significantly since it was taken over by the Berwick Youth Project. Current planning and necessary consents have been granted for its redevelopment for residential purposes, but progress remains slow.
Historic England’s chief executive, Duncan Wilson, emphasized the importance of heritage sites, stating, "Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage people value so much." This sentiment epitomizes the agency's vision to revitalize historic places and invigorate local economies.
Besides the sites added to the risk register, various properties have been successfully removed from the list after effective maintenance and conservation efforts. These success stories include the recently restored medieval streets of Hexham, which are flourishing due to significant investment and community involvement.
The agency noted there are also improving conditions for other areas, such as the Goods Shed built back in 1833, which was previously recognized as at risk but has now been transformed to serve as a visitor attraction.
Despite the concerning state of many historical sites, Historic England reports progress is evident as sites continue to be removed from the risk list after conservation efforts yield results. A significant achievement highlighted is the regeneration of the Hexham conservation area. The medieval streets, once stricken by vacancies and disrepair, have now been successfully restored to offer much more than just history.
The call to action remains clear: awareness and local engagement are pivotal for protecting the country’s rich heritage. Historic England hopes the public can rally around places like Heighington & Aycliffe Railway Station and the Church of Holy Trinity, ensuring they do not disappear from the historical narrative.
With the 200th anniversary of Heighington Station approaching, campaigners are seeking to collect necessary funds for restoration efforts. Public appeal and assistance remain as potent tools to rejuvenate these authentic slices of history, as proactive measures could spell the difference between survival and inherent decline.
Historic England’s 2024 Heritage at Risk Register encapsulates the fragility of heritage and the imperative action needed to confront issues of neglect and decay. The acknowledgment of these sites inspires community and nostalgic memories of the richness of history they embody, urging collective efforts aimed toward their preservation.
Are locals prepared to band together to breathe new life and care back to these endangered treasures of the past? Only time will tell if the resilience of local heritage will triumph amid modern challenges.
