Historic England reveals the Lincolnshire buildings added to ‘at risk’ register

Historic England has today (Thursday 14 November 2024) revealed its Heritage at Risk Register 2024.

The Register gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places. It helps to ensure they can be protected and continue to be enjoyed in the future.

Heritage brings local communities together, inspires creativity and boosts economic growth. The latest research* shows that the heritage sector in the East Midlands region contributes £3 billion to the economy and employs 46,000 people annually (2022). In 2023, heritage tourism generated £1.3 billion in spend in the East Midlands and 18 million day visits were made to historic sites in the region.

Historic England works closely with partners and communities across the country to breathe new life into the places that need it most. This year alone,13 sites have been rescued and their futures secured in the East Midlands.

Historic England awarded £800,870 in grants for repairs to 15 sites in the East Midlands during 2023/2024. 

Many buildings and sites have been rescued with the help and commitment of local people, communities, charities, owners and funders, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

There are also buildings and places which need help. Over the past year, 21 historic buildings and sites have been added to the Register in the East Midlands because they are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

In total, there are 470 entries on the Heritage at Risk Register in the East Midlands in 2024 – eight more than in 2023.

Historic England Regional Director for the Midlands Louise Brennan said:

“Heritage is so important to the East Midlands. From our historic cities and towns, to treasured parish churches, windmills, and archaeological monuments, the heritage and character of these places plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy. This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The UK has an abundance of heritage sites across the country that attract tourists and provide jobs in local communities. Many of these are in desperate need of support.

“The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country. 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.”

SITES ADDED TO THE REGISTER ACROSS THE EAST MIDLANDS IN 2024 INCLUDE:

AT RISK: WALTHAM WINDMILL, BRIGSLEY ROAD, WALTHAM, GRIMSBY, LINCOLNSHIRE DN37 0JZ (GRADE II* LISTED)

Rare Victorian six-sail windmill which was in full working order prior to the sails being removed for major maintenance work. At risk due to rainwater seeping into the mill causing the wooden fantail to rot.

Waltham Windmill is unusual as one of the few six-sail working windmills in England.

Built in 1880 by millwright John Saunderson of Louth, it is the last six-sail brick mill to be constructed in Lincolnshire, replacing an earlier post mill on the site. The mill has been restored and continues to produce flour. It has original millstones and restored corn chutes. However, it is vulnerable to climate change, especially strong winds and heavy rain.

The mill has been added to the Heritage at Risk Register due to water penetrating the mill and decaying critical timber parts including the sails, the fantail spear and metal gear cogs. Urgent repairs are needed.

The mill is run by dedicated volunteers from the Waltham Windmill Preservation Society who regularly hold fundraising events to help pay for ongoing maintenance work.

Work has started to repair the mill helped by a £63,120 grant from Historic England.

Peter Kingsford, volunteer miller at Waltham Windmill Preservation Society said: “We are delighted Historic England has stepped in to help support us not only financially and but also technically, in this latest round of ‘must do’ repairs. These wonderful old buildings have so much to offer to show future generations how our forefathers worked to produce food for hundreds of years.”

AT RISK: THE HARLEQUIN 21 AND 22 STEEP HILL, LINCOLN, LINCOLNSHIRE LN2 1LT (GRADE II* LISTED)

21 and 22 Steep Hill was once a lively pub and second-hand bookshop and is one of the most complete surviving late medieval timber frame buildings on Lincoln’s famous cobbled hill.

Listed at grade II*, 21 and 22 Steep Hill dates from the 15^th century with later alterations and is on the site of an earlier 12^th century building. It was formerly known as The Harlequin Inn and was most recently a second-hand bookshop until its closure a few years ago.

It is at risk because it is vacant. Rainwater is seeping into the building and timbers are affected by death watch beetle. The beams on some of the floors have been propped up with scaffolding to prevent collapse and there are concerns over ongoing timber decay to the frame. The open hall structure and many original features still survive. These include an ornate carved stone fireplace and unusual carved 15^th century timber heads.

Historic England’s Heritage at Risk grant of £59,656 is funding Heritage Lincolnshire’s project involving repairs to the timber frame buildings next door at 40-42 Michaelgate (known locally as The Wonky House). These important grade II listed buildings will be let as holiday rentals and the income used to help fund repairs and secure a new use for The Harlequin.

AT RISK: HUSSEY TOWER, SKIRBECK ROAD, BOSTON, LINCOLNSHIRE PE21 6DH (GRADE II* LISTED)

Hussey Tower is a historic Boston landmark now at serious risk. The medieval tower is listed at grade II* and is also protected as a scheduled monument. It was built in 1450 for wealthy landowner Richard Bennington, collector of customs.

The monument includes the remains of the medieval brick fortified house at Hussey Tower which was later owned by Sir John Hussey, high sheriff of Lincolnshire and an influential member of the court of both King Henry VII and King Henry VIII. It is a rare example of the early use of locally produced brick. The tower is owned by Boston Borough Council and managed by Heritage Lincolnshire.

The tower has been vandalised and badly damaged over the years. Historic England has provided a grant of £26,119 for urgent repairs. Improved security and a programme of local community engagement including promoting heritage craft skills is helping to protect and enhance the tower.

Alice Ullathorne, Head of Heritage at Heritage Lincolnshire said: “Hussey Tower is a hugely significant and well-loved building in Boston. It has been the target of anti-social behaviour and vandalism for several years. We are so grateful to Historic England and Boston Borough Council for providing the funding for us to repair the building and work in partnership with Boston College to promote heritage skills and change the narrative about the site.”

AT RISK: HORNCASTLE CONSERVATION AREA, LINCOLNSHIRE

Horncastle Conservation Area is at risk due to several historic buildings in the Conservation area being vacant and in poor condition, and others having lost traditional features.

Horncastle is a historic market town, with a wealth of listed buildings, historic buildings of local interest and the remains of a Roman wall circuit. The vibrant conservation area consists of a mixture of residential and commercial buildings centred around a busy marketplace featuring the Edward Stanhope memorial – a benefactor to the people of Horncastle.

The conservation area has been identified by East Lindsey District Council’s conservation advisers as having several historic buildings which are vacant and in poor condition. This along with the loss of traditional features such as timber sash windows, doors, and roof coverings, is eroding the special character of the area, placing it at risk. The aim is to put this right and enhance this characterful historic town.

HEADLINE STATISTICS IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

The Heritage at Risk Register 2024 reveals that in the East Midlands:

• 142 Buildings or Structures
• 162 Places of Worship
• 6 Parks and Gardens
• 0 Battlefields
• 0 Wreck Sites
• 75 Conservation Areas
• 85 Archaeological Sites

.. are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate change

In total there are 470 entries across the East Midlands on the 2024 Heritage at Risk Register

If a local historic site is added to the Register, how can the public help?

• Historic England has dedicated toolkits on its website for Heritage at Risk and Caring for Heritage and provides expert advice to owners, local authorities and communities.

• Historic England works creatively with owners and communities to deliver new visions for how these historic places can be used again and can provide grant aid.

• Historic England supports communities to come together, connecting interested parties to raise awareness and additional funds.