Suffolk landmarks, including Great White Horse Hotel in Ipswich and Moreton Hall School in Bury St Edmunds, named in Historic England’s Heritage At Risk register 2023
Dozens of landmarks in Suffolk are deteriorating and are at risk of loss, according to new data.
Historic England released its annual Heritage at Risk Register for 2023, which aims to provide a snapshot of the health of historic buildings.
The register highlights sites at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development – or are vulnerable to becoming so – with a total of 71 listings from the county made.
This year has seen three new entries from Suffolk.
With that in mind, here are some of the more prominent landmarks known to be at risk:
Babergh
Church of St Mary – Stoke-by-Nayland
Urgent structural issues have been identified at this grade-I listed 15th century Church in Stoke-by-Nayland.
Despite heavy fundraising by the parish council further issues were detected, and it was granted an Historic England grant earlier this year, and the repairs should be complete by the end of the year.
The building was regularly painted by John Constable.
It is a new entry to the list and is considered to be in a poor condition.
West Suffolk
Moreton Hall Preparatory School – Bury St Edmunds
This grade II* listed former preparatory school in Bury St Edmunds is in need of high-level repairs to its outside features, according to Historic England.
It was described as being in a poor condition.
The body said it had been in contact with authorities and the owner of the building to discuss how best to go about repairing the building.
These are ongoing.
Pakenham Windmill
Dating to about 1820, Historic England said this windmill is in a very bad condition.
The building is contending with timber decay, trapped water inside the wall as well as water finding its way inside.
A survey into its condition was conducted in 2021, and the mill remains vacant.
The Umbrello – Great Saxham
This stone folly in Great Saxham was described by Historic England as being in a very poor condition.
Grade II* listed, it dates back to the early 19th century.
Among its issues include having no roof, as well as a rusting iron core and water ingress.
Historic England said permission was granted to repair and move the landmark.
Church of St Margaret – Cowlinge
Another new entry to the list, this church in Cowlinge is dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch.
Dating as far back as the 14th century, parts of the church were built in the 15th and 18th centuries.
The Church of St Margaret has a number of issues.
These included the nave roof having many missing tiles and the chancel and north porch roofs also in poor condition with missing tiles.
In addition, the clerestorey window masonry was failing and the building had inadequate drainage.
Church of St Mary – Market Weston
This 14th century church has been restored twice – once between 1846 to 1847 and again in 1888 and 1889.
Described as in very poor condition by Historic England, issues include a failing of roof trusses.
The roof is also in urgent need of repair.
Historic England has recommended an investigation to take place to determine roof work needed.
Great White Horse Hotel
Made famous in Charles Dickins’ Pickwick Papers, this hotel in Ipswich’s high street has seen better days.
The room named after one of its most famous residents is experiencing dry rot and there is a loose cornice in the ballroom.
Timbers and the plaster ceiling in a second-floor room are beginning to detach and the windows are in a bad state.
In addition, concerns were raised over capacity of rainwater gutters and downpipes.
Negotiations for repairs are ongoing.
The hotel was added to the list this year.
Mid Suffolk
Shrubland Hall – Barham
A number of concerns about this historic county hall north of Ipswich have been raised.
The grand staircase and grotto in the gardens are in a poor condition and continue to deteriorate, according to Historic England.
Overgrown plants are taking over the stairs and ornate details on the grotto are damaged.
The hall itself is suffering from damaged plasterwork both inside and outside of the building, rampant black mould and fungal growth.
Stonework on the balustrades is ‘severely eroded’ and the building’s condition continues to get worse, Historic England said.
In addition, elsewhere in the gardens, stonework is eroding on the garden terrace and pavilion.
Repair discussion are ongoing.
East Suffolk
Described as in fair state by Historic England, Bungay castle is suffering due to weather damage.
A recent inspection found said wall faces were in a poor condition and fabric is deteriorating.
There is also a risk of falling flints and other parts of the masonry.
Details on repairs need to be agreed.
Glevering Hall Orangery – Wickham Market/Hacheston
Built in 1835, this building between Woodbridge and Framlingham is in a very bad condition, according to Historic England.
Glass is missing and rusting iron cramps are pushing stonework apart.
Repairs discussions are ongoing.
This museum in Leiston started life as a factory making portable steam engines in the mid-19th century.
Historic England said the roof needs re-covering, glazed roof lights placed in the 1970s glazed roof lights need replacing.
In addition, joinery on outside windows is in a ‘dangerous condition’ and rainwater disposal plans need a redesign.
The museum is working on a detailed scheme to address long-term repair issues.
Bawdsey Manor gardens
Historic England said the gardens at Bawdsey Manor are in a generally satisfactory condition, but were suffering from some issues and were in decline.
It said the gardens, parkland and woodland will require management – and conservation of the Pulhamite rock features is now a priority due to its risk from coastal erosion.
This is just a taste of some of the building we are at risk of losing.
Other sites at risk include the Church of St Andrew in Felixstowe; the Congregational Chapel in Walpole, near Halesworth; the remains of Sibton Abbey; Moat Farmhouse in Shadingfield and Mettingham Castle.
The full Historic England register can be found here.
In the past year, 159 building were classified as being at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development, while 203 were rescued.
There are 48 fewer entries than in 2022, Historic England added.
