Heritage at Risk on the Coast Care “Patch”
Following last week’s Blog we’ve had some great feedback and interest in Heritage at Risk. We’ve also been asked about places on the register in our “patch” so we’ve put together the list for you to have a look at. Will you be the person or group to volunteer to help make a difference and protect our amazing Historic Environment?
Bondgate Tower, Bondgate Within, Alnwick
Scheduled Monument and Listed Building grade I, CA
The east gate of the former town wall, built circa 1450 by the second Earl of Northumberland. Consists of a recessed central portal between two projecting semi-octagonal towers. The main defects relate to damage from high-sided vehicles passing through the central portal. Further impact of a similar nature could cause a serious collapse.
General Lambert's House, 31 and 33, Narrowgate, Alnwick
Listed Building grade II*, CA
Early-C19 townhouse in plain ashlar, with three storeys and a basement. Most of the original interior detailing is still present. The building is vacant and deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance. A condition survey has been prepared and the owner is looking to convert the building to a new use.
The Palace, medieval house and Tudor supply base, Holy Island
Scheduled Monument, CA
Rare survival of a group of medieval buildings in a courtyard arrangement. The exterior north wall is suffering from localised areas of collapse. In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on the Heritage Coast. In 2014, The Palace was included in the Peregrini Landscape Partnership project and a repair scheme is now underway.
Barmoor Castle, Barmoor, Lowick
Listed Building grade II*
Country house of 1801 that incorporates earlier masonry. The building received grant-aid towards repairs in 1986 but further deterioration has occurred. A grant was offered by Historic England in 2011 towards a package of project development works. That work, which included the preparation of a conservation plan and condition survey, is helping to inform discussions about the site's future.
Church of St James, Middle Road, Shilbottle
Listed Place of Worship grade II*
Built in 1884, and incorporating fragments from an earlier C12 church, St James is cruciform in plan with a central tower, south porch and north vestry. The tower roof is covered with felt and is allowing significant water ingress. Rainwater gutters and pipes also require overhauling. A grant was accepted in 2016, through the Heritage Lottery Fund Grants for Places of Worship scheme, to enable a repair programme to be drawn up.
10 Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Scheduled Ancient Monuments are very often on private land and as such cannot be accessed without permission.
Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the Coast Care area are impacted on by a variety of pressures including:
- Coastal Erosion
- Forestry
- Arable Ploughing
- Burrowing Animals
- Scrub and Tree Growth
Amble Conservation Area
Including 18 Listed Buildings the Amble Conservation Area is listed as being in “Very Bad” condition. Fortunately however following significant management and investment its condition is “Improving Significantly”. There is however still more work to be done to remove it from the Heritage at Risk register
Berwick-Upon-Tweed Conservation Area
Boasting an incredible 262 Listed Building the Berwick Conservation Area is listed as being in “Very Bad” condition. Again it is fortunately benefitting from significant investment and management meaning its condition is “Improving Significantly”. For a Conservation Area which also hosts 4 Scheduled Ancient Monuments to come off the Heritage at Risk register there is again more work still to be done.
Tweedmouth Conservation Area
Again with 18 Listed Buildings the Tweedmouth Conservation Area is listed as being in “Very Bad” condition. With a lack of investement and management apparent its condition is “Deteriorating”. Significant work is required to help Tweedmouth Conservation Area which is also partly in a Scheduled Ancient Monument.