FIVE CHURCHES ON HISTORIC ENGLAND’S HERITAGE AT RISK REGISTER

All Saints, Eyeworth, Bedfordshire

This grade I-listed church, dating from the 14th century, houses the tomb of Sir Edmund Anderson, who sat as a judge at the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots. It originally had an imposing tower, which was hit by lightning in 1967. It is listed as priority A: at “immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric”.

St Mary the Virgin, Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire

Pevsner describes the 13th-century St Mary the Virgin as: “the most impressive church in this part of the county”. The grade I church is built of stone, and still retains many original wooden fittings dating back to 1442. The roof needs urgent repairs, and there is rot in some of the timber inside. Its condition is listed as “very bad”.

St Wilfrid, Brougham, Cumbria

This chapel was constructed in 1659 by Lady Anne Clifford, who inherited the Brougham estate. It has excellent mediaeval woodwork and is noted by Sir John Betjeman in his works on English parish churches. It was one of only four places of worship built under Cromwell. It is in a situation of “slow decay”.

St Peter and St Paul, Chacombe, Northamptonshire

This grade I-listed church has 14thcentury wall paintings depicting the crucifixion of St Peter. Four of its six bells were cast in 1694, and it has a Norman font. It has been subject to heritage crime, and two pillars sport

Church of St Peter, Wrockwardine, Shropshire

There is no clear construction date for this church, but it is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Over the past 1,000 years there have been various additions, including a Jacobean pulpit and six bells which

graffiti carvings: one of a face, the other of a bishop. It has structural issues and its roof needs repairing.

have been tolling for 600 years. Its roof is in need of urgent repair.