NO new historic sites in Worcestershire have been added to or removed from the heritage at risk register this year but many places remain on the list and face an uncertain future.

Historic England revealed the sites on its Heritage at Risk Register 2024 and while some have been added and others removed, the picture in Worcestershire remains static.

In Worcester the focus remains on sections of the medieval city walls south of The Butts between Angel Place and Bath Cottage. 

A spokesperson said: "An approximate eight-metre stretch of the wall collapsed in October 2019. A programme of investigation and emergency works have been undertaken to secure the breach.

"There are complex structural engineering and archaeological considerations. There has been good progress in designing a permanent solution and works to complete repairs and reinstate the historic fabric are anticipated during the second half of 2024."

A further section of wall on the register is from 27 New Street to Windsor Row in Worcester where there is 'damaging plant growth'.

The Church of All Saints, Broad Street, Worcester is another entry which has roots that date back to 1125 (probably on the site of an earlier Saxon church) but was substantially rebuilt between 1739 and 1742 before it was further restored in 1889. 

A Historic England spokesperson said: "The exterior stonework is poor, supporting vegetation, and the windows are in poor repair. The latest QI report, (2021), identifies issues with the electrical installation."

Lowesmoor, a Conservation Area, also remains on the register and a Moated site at Earl's Court, Rushwick on the edge of Worcester.

Other sites on the register in Worcestershire include Malvern Priory, also known as the Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael, Church Street.

Founded in 1085, the priory has the largest display of fifteenth century stained glass in England as well as rich furnishings and finishes.

A spokesperson said: "Overall in fair condition but there is a major problem with the stained glass which needs urgent repair. Other problems are the high level stonework of the tower and the high level masonry to south windows. The parish are undertaking a pilot project to repair the stained glass and surrounding fabric to inform a major project of repairs and improved facilities."

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Remaining on the register is the Church of St Mary, Church End, Hanley Castle which has been identified as being in a state of 'slow decay' with 'no solution agreed'.

In Evesham, the plight of the remains of Evesham Abbey means it is still on the register as is the Church of St John the Baptist, Wickhamford.

Another important entry, remaining on the list, is the Church of St Mary in Ripple in Malvern Hills.

 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. 

RECOMMENDED READING: Medieval stained glass returns to Malvern Priory

RECOMMENDED READING: Worcester's most at-risk buildings and heritage sites

Historic England awarded £1,096,843 in grants for repairs to 14 sites in the West 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.  

 Over the past year, 13 historic buildings and sites have been added to the register in the West Midlands because they are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.  

In total, there are 399 entries on the Heritage at Risk Register in the West Midlands in 2024 – one more than in 2023.