‘Little Dorrit’s church’ among heritage sites now at risk

THE world’s oldest gasholder, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion gardens and “Little Dorrit’s church” have been added to the list of heritage sites at risk.

The Heritage At Risk Register 2017 from government heritage agency Historic England reveals 5,290 historic buildings, places of worship, gardens, battlefields, protected wrecks and conservation areas are under threat.

The figure is down on last year, with 387 sites rescued from decline or decay, while 328 were added to the list.

Historic England warns the high number of conservation areas on the register this year – the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the designation – is of “particular concern”, with 47 historic town areas added in 2017.

There are now 512 conservation areas at risk, facing common problems such as unsuitable replacement windows, doors and extensions and neglected green spaces.

Among the sites added to the list this year is Royal Pavilion Gardens in Brighton, designed by John Nash, which has been affected by increased popularity since a restoration in the Eighties with its character being further eroded by a “disparate” range of fencing, litter bins, signs and lighting.

And the Church of St George the Martyr in Southwark, south London, often referred to as Little Dorrit’s Church because it features in Charles Dickens’s novel is on the list because of its poor condition.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Across England, hundreds of fascinating buildings and places full of history are still at risk and in need of rescue.

“The historic environment has a profound impact on our culture and identity as well as our economy, both locally and nationally, and it’s irreplaceable.”