Historic England lists Norfolk and Suffolk heritage at risk

Nine Norfolk buildings and sites and five in Suffolk have been added to Historic England's annual Heritage at Risk register - a list of historic places deemed to be in danger of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

Among them are the Church of St Mary, Beachamwell, badly damaged when fire ripped through the Grade I listed building in February.

The fire broke out while the roof of the church, with its distinctive 11th century tower was being fixed.

The Parochial Church Council and the local community have started to restore the church and are determined to see it rise from the ashes, but, in the meantime, it has been added to the at risk list.

Another addition is a rare near-complete reminder of Britain’s Second World War defences.

The Second World War heavy anti-aircraft battery remains, close to Decoy Farm at Mautby, is probably the most complete site of its type in England.

Four gun emplacements - which were intended to protect Great Yarmouth from the Luftwaffe - remain in place, along with a command post and part of its access road.

But the structure, including underground shelters, is threatened by tree growth on the site, with Historic England and council bosses working to secure its long-term future.

Also added to the at risk list are the Church of All Saints in Runhall, the Church of All Saints in Wacton, the Church of St Bartholomew in Brisley, the ruins of St Lawrence's Church in Wretham, Great Hautbois Old Church and the Church of St John in Terrington St John.

The Priory of the Canons and of the Holy Sepulchre in Thetford has also been added.

In Suffolk, the Church of St Edmund in Kessingland - a landmark for seafarers since the mid-15th century - has been placed on the list.

It is in danger of closure because of its poor condition, but the community is battling to save it and it has received a £168,000 grant from the National Heritage Fund.

And, showing how buildings at risk can be saved, seven Norfolk sites and nine in Suffolk have been removed from the register.

Among them is the Grade I-listed Church of St Michael Coslany in Norwich, one of the grandest churches in the city and home to the Oak Circus Centre.

Part of the roof fell down last year, putting the building at risk of closure. But, thanks to a £172,500 Historic England grant, it has been fixed.

Also saved is the Grade II* listed Samuel Wyatt Vinery Georgian glasshouse in the Walled Garden at the Holkham Estate.

The vinery was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register in 2018, having not been used for more than a decade.

Grade I-listed St Mary's Church in Forncett St Mary has come off the list after what was once a derelict near-ruin was turned into a community space.

The church, mentioned in the Domesday Book, but rebuilt during the 14th, 15th and 19th centuries, was closed to worship in 1980 and fell into serious neglect.

But villagers Graham and May Prior set out to save it and, thanks to community fundraising and voluntary work, it is now thriving again.

Mr Prior said: "It has been a privilege to have been involved with this project which has enabled Forncett St Mary Church to be fully restored."

Also taken off the at risk list in Norfolk are St Andrew's Church in Redingfield, All Saints Church in Old Buckenham, Drayton Lodge, All Saints Church at Gresham and Brampton Roman settlement.

In Suffolk, Sacred Heart Church in Southwold has been saved, while in Cambridgeshire, the Grade II* listed Wisbech & Fenland Museum has been removed from the at risk list.

Tony Calladine, East of England regional director for Historic England said: “It is central to Historic England’s mission that we pass on to future generations the rich legacy of historic buildings and places that we have inherited from previous generations.

"Our Heritage at Risk programme is a key contributor to this ambition. With the help of local communities and partners, imaginative thinking and business planning, we can bring historic places back to life in the east of England."