Historic England revealed their 2024 at Risk Register on Thursday (14th November), which identifies structures most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Every year, buildings are taken off the list because of restoration work, while others are added or risk rating changed because of deterioration to the buildings and structures.
In Penrith, the only buildings on the 2024 list are St Andrews Church and Christ Church.
The Grade one listed St Andrews Church with its prominent red sandstone west tower dates back to the 12th century with the rest of the church rebuilt in 1720 in red sandstone. The church has been restored several times throughout its history. The roof is almost flat, and efflorescence around the parapets indicates the parapet gutters are failing. Failing downpipes have led to staining of the walls and inside there are many patches of damp, with peeling plaster.
Historic England has listed the church on the at risk register saying it’s in poor condition due to slow decay of the building with no solution agreed to address the issues and decay of the prominent town centre building.
Christ Church a grade two listened building was built in 1850 by Travis and Magnell in an early Perpendicular style. Constructed of coursed red sandstone, with slate roofs and a large east window. Is listed on the at risk register as a slightly better “fair” condition but also suffering from slow decay. Historic England have said the the church has a solution agreed to address the issues impacting the building but these not yet implemented by the church.
Just outside Penrith, Historic England have also listed The Old Kiln at the former Wetheriggs Pottery Clifton as Generally unsatisfactory with major localised problems and suffering from extensive erosion.
The Wetheriggs site covered by the risk register listing includes the old kiln a grade two listed building and an old clay pit that is a Scheduled Monument.
The former Wetheriggs potters was approved by the former Eden District Council in 2020 to be converted in to a luxury housing development that has seen all but the former Kiln property cleared and 5 large properties built on the site with the Kiln also approved to be included as part of a new luxury home currently under construction.
Also on the list is the Chapel of St Wilfred of Brougham adjacent to Brougham Hall built for Lady Anne Cliford in 1658. Constructed of sandstone and slate with a west bell cote, the interior has elaborate joinery and plasterwork.
Historic England have said the building is in poor condition and facing Slow decay with no solution agreed to address the condition of the grade two listed building That among its issues includes the linings of the cornice gutters that have failed, allowing the walls of the chapel to become saturated with destructive consequences for the interior and the chapel’s elaborate joinery and plasterwork.
Duncan Wilson, Chief ExecutiveHistoric England said “Heritage is so important to this country. It plays a vital role in our society and boosts local economy. This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most. 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.”
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. From Hexham Historic High Street to Brighton's Saltdean Lido, many beloved sites have been removed from the list this year and I hope that more will be saved thanks to their inclusion this year.”
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