Historic buildings at risk of being lost go on register
HISTORIC England has released a list of buildings in the Burton and Swadlincote area which it says are in jeopardy on its annual Heritage at Risk Register for 2022.
The list provides a snapshot of the “critical health” of historic places and those most at risk of being lost due to neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Among the buildings in the Burton area on the list are Sinai House, the most historic in the town. The 15th century Grade II listed house, off Shobnall Road, is famously thought by some to be the site where the Holy Grail could be buried.
Over the past year, 41 historic buildings and sites have been added to the register in the Midlands. Nationally, 175 historic buildings and sites have been added to the register because of their deteriorating condition, and 233 have been saved and their futures secured.
Chief executive of Historic England, Duncan Wilson, said: “As the threat of climate change grows, the reuse and sensitive upgrading of historic buildings and places becomes ever more important. Finding new uses for buildings and sites rescued from the register avoids the high carbon emissions associated with demolishing structures and building new.”
These are the buildings and structures currently featured on the list in Burton and South Derbyshire.
Some of the properties have been given a letter grading, with how urgently action needs to be taken. The most urgent cases are designated as class A.
Walton Hall, attached stables and garden wall, Main Street, Walton: The guide says: “Small early 18th century country house in red brick with stone detailing, effectively a symmetrical box. Grade II outbuildings are in a poor condition. The hall is in new ownership and a phased programme of works is underway. Category C: Slow decay; no solution agreed.”
Brizlincote Hall Farmhouse, Brizlincote Lane, Bretby: The guide says: “Country house, now farmhouse. Built in 1707 for the Second Earl of Chesterfield in red brick and sandstone ashlar. The building has been deteriorating for many years and stone- work is heavily weathered.
“There are numerous defects, such as missing and broken masonry elements and eroded and spalling brickwork. The rainwater goods have historically leaked, which is causing damage to the fine panelled interior. Priority
C: Slow decay; no solution agreed.”
Sinai House, Shobnall, East Staffordshire:
The report said: “Mid-17th century timber framed house, one wing of which was repaired some years ago. The remainder is in very poor condition and continues to deteriorate. It is in critical condition with areas of partial collapse, but no agreed plans for its repair. Priority A: Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed.”
Coalbrookdale footbridge, Egginton: The report said: “Footbridge, 1812. Cast-iron curved bridge. Bears the inscription ‘Coalbrookdale 1812.’ Structurally unsound. Sections of the ironwork are missing or corroded. The upstream flood arches have partially collapsed. The brick abutment walls are in need of consolidation and repair. The sluice gate appears to be non-functional.
“Initial discussions were held with the landowner about options and funding. Priority A: Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed.” Four bottle kilns at T G Green Pottery, John Street, Church Gresley, Swadlincote: The report said: “Four 19th century bottle kilns and surrounding factory complex of the T G Green & Co pottery, which is particularly famous for its ‘Cornish Ware.’ The buildings are vacant and have suffered from vandalism. “Long standing defects to roof coverings, rainwater goods, and unsecured openings have not been addressed. Roof trusses have failed causing major collapses. The owner has applied to demolish selected buildings. “Historic England has discussed a grantaided condition survey with the owner and council. The council instead intends to work on a feasibility study for the site, but no progress has been made. Priority A: Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed.” Church of St George and St Mary, Church Street, Church Gresley: The report said: “Largely 14th century church, incorporating part of a 12th century monastic church. The tower is 15th century and the remainder is 18th and 19th century. The church lies to the north of a former colliery site and there is a history of structural movement, including to the stair turret.
“The National Lottery Heritage Fund Grants for Places of Worship scheme grant aided localised tree management, drainage and turret structural repairs in 2015. The nave and chancel slate roofs are in poor condition.
“There is also a loss of fabric at parapet level. A 2020 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for development work has been completed. Priority D: Slow decay; solution agreed but not yet implemented.”
Overseal House, 10-14, Acresford Road, Overseal: The report said: “Four red brick houses, now one, of late 18th century with early 19th century additions. Believed to have been built for Joseph Wilkes, a local industrialist. The building has fallen into disrepair in recent years.
“Formerly a guest house, the current occupiers plan to refurbish the property. There is evidence of localised structural movement, which may be stable, external joinery is in poor condition and it is evident that there has been water ingress through the rear bay roof. Externally, paths and steps have been’ lost’ under undergrowth. The ha-ha is deteriorating. Priority C: Slow decay; no solution agreed.”
Church of St Margaret of Antioch, Main Street, Blackfordby: The report said: “A prominently sited church built 1856-8 by H I Stevens. It replaces an earlier church and includes a 18th century monument and a fragment of medieval stained glass in the chancel. The nave has a five-bay hammerbeam roof.
“The church is suffering from blocked gutters, slipped slates, plant growth to the spire and undersized rainwater goods. Temporary covering of the west end gable after partial collapse of the external skin in 2020 was undertaken with grant support from Historic England’s Covid 19 Emergency Heritage at Risk Response Fund.
“Repairs to the west end gable were due to start in spring 2022. Priority B: Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; solution agreed but not yet implemented.”