Cornish heritage sites at risk of neglect, decay or development, says Historic England

Two Cornish sites have been added to the 'at risk' register by Historic England. The Come-To-Good Quaker Meeting House at Feock and Helston Guildhall are currently under threat, both being the subject of works to preserve them for future generations.

In total, there are 1,348 entries across the South West on the 2024 Heritage at Risk Register. The register gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places, and helps to ensure they can be protected and continue to be enjoyed in the future.

The Heritage at Risk Register 2024 reveals that in the South West 215 buildings or structures - Grade I and II* listed buildings and structural scheduled monuments across England - are at risk. It has also added 158 places of worship, 941 archaeology entries - non-structural scheduled monuments - as well as 16 parks and gardens and 18 conservation areas.

READ MORE: Cornish sisters recreate photo taken 40 years ago on favourite beach

READ MORE: Legendary nightclub that shaped Cornwall's party scene confirms closure

Heritage brings local communities together, inspires creativity and boosts economic growth. The latest research shows that the heritage sector in the South West contributes £3.6 billion to the economy and employs 47,000 people annually (2022). In 2023, heritage tourism generated £2.5 billion in spend in the South West.

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, 30 sites have been rescued and their futures secured in the South West.

Historic England awarded £1.58 million in grants for repairs to 94 sites in the South West 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, 31 historic buildings and sites have been added to the Register in the South West because they are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

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."

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Heritage is so important to the South West. It 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.

"It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people across the South West. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”

BUILDINGS AND SITES ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST SAVED INCLUDE:

SAVED: Emblance Downs Stone Circles (near King Arthur's Hall), Cornwall ( Scheduled Monument)

One of seven monuments in Cornwall saved this year as part of Cornwall National Landscape’s Monumental Improvement project. Bodmin Moor is home to a concentration of prehistoric stone circles.

Of the approximately 250 identified in England, 16 are located here. The pair of stone circles on Emblance Downs, protected as a single monument, offer important evidence about prehistoric ritual activity in this part of Cornwall.

Positioned close together, the two 23 metre diameter circles include standing and fallen stones. Over time, livestock have rubbed against the stones, eroding the ground around their bases, exposing the packing stones and causing destabilisation.

The hollows have then filled with water, further weakening the foundations. In 2023, volunteers led by archaeologists and the project team for The National Lottery Heritage Funded project “A Monumental Improvement” repaired three of the standing stones, carefully infilling the hollows around two and re-erecting another.

This restored the structural integrity of the circles and reinstated them as striking features in the landscape. Volunteers will work with Cornwall Archaeological Society and other community groups to monitor the condition of the monument in the future.

Six other monuments in the Cornwall National Landscape, including King Arthur’s Hall also on Bodmin Moor, have been saved this year through the Project which aims to secure 40 scheduled monuments at risk in Cornwall by March 2025.

SAVED: Caer Bran hill-top site in West Penwith

The site contains archaeological remains from both the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods, principally an early Bronze Age hilltop enclosure with ring cairns and an unusually unfinished Iron Age hillfort. The massive earthworks you can see there today were probably intended to create a gathering place, a status symbol and a defendable fort.

Cornwall Heritage Trust purchased Caer Bran in February 2022 after Historic England made the decision to add the nine-hectare site to its Heritage at Risk Register, due to a risk of bracken and scrub overgrowth. It was bought to protect the site from these issues as well as from possible development and intensive agricultural use.

The purchase was made possible by a generous gift left to the charity by Carlene Edith Harry in her will. Miss Harry was from West Penwith and had a keen interest in her local history.

Initial works at the monument - including fencing, vegetation management, ecological surveys, and interpretation - were funded thanks to a £19,912 grant from Historic England.

SITES ADDED TO THE REGISTER ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST IN 2024 AND AT RISK INCLUDE:

AT RISK: Friends’ Meeting House, Come-to-Good, Feock, Cornwall ( Grade I Listed )

One of the oldest Quaker Meeting Houses in England is undergoing repairs for its traditional thatched roof. Located in a quiet, isolated hamlet near Truro and surrounded by nature, this simple but picturesque building has been home to Cornwall’s Quaker community for over 300 years.

After George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends, arrived in Cornwall at a time when Quakers were facing persecution, a group started meeting regularly from 1680, eventually completing the Meeting House in 1710. The Meeting House is built of white-painted cob, a blend of earth and straw, with a thatched roof made from combed wheat reed.

Although the building underwent a major restoration and re-thatching project in 2010, the thatch has now worn through, and repairs are under way to prevent water from leaking in and damaging the structure. With funding from Historic England, the fragile roof timbers are being repaired and re-covered using traditional thatching skills and materials.

Miranda Bird, clerk at Come-to-Good Quaker Meeting House, said: “Our building is beloved by Quakers across the country and indeed the world, as well as our local community in Cornwall. We have an active and growing community that worships at Come-to-Good, and the building brings its own special quality to our spiritual lives.

"We’re so grateful for Historic England’s support, including a substantial grant and expertise, in preserving our Meeting House for future generations.”

AT RISK: Helston Guildhall, Helston, Cornwall ( Grade II* Listed )

A major restoration project is underway for one of the most important community buildings in Helston. Helston Guildhall dates back to 1839 and was designed by William Harris in the neoclassical style.

It also contains parts of the earlier Guildhall and Market House dating back to 1576. It is now home to Helston Town Council and plays a significant part in the town’s cultural life.

Each year, the Guildhall is adorned with flowers and greenery as the starting point for one of the famous Flora Day dances. The Guildhall Restoration and Reimagining project aims to restore the building while preserving its cultural heritage.

This project involves improving the roof drainage, which is causing rainfall to flood the historic plasterwork in the chamber below, and installing solar panels to the southern roof slope. With further plans to create a community co-working space in the basement, providing a shared space for local businesses and individuals, the Guildhall will continue to be at the heart of Helston’s community.

Councillor Miles Kenchington, town mayor at Helston Town Council, said: “This is a vital project for Helston, ensuring that the Guildhall is here and relevant for future generations, offering spaces that are accessible and sustainable. We hope our recent addition to the Register will really help raise awareness for the crucial funding needed to continue with this project.”

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. It 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 also supports communities to come together, connecting interested parties to raise awareness and additional funds.

⚠️ Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️