Hurst Castle and Christchurch Priory put on Historic England’s At Risk Register

TWO of the area’s most iconic sites have been added to a nationwide list of at-risk historic spots.

Historic England’s updated list gives an “annual snapshot of the health” of the UK’s oldest buildings.

Both Christchurch Priory and Hurst Castle have now been added, with fears for their futures if urgent action is not taken to preserve them.

The Priory’s medieval roof is in dire need of repair, according to the organisation.

Built in the 1090s on the site of a Saxon Priory, it was completed by around 1150.

Henry VIII granted the building to the people of Christchurch in 1540, declaring that it should be used as their parish church in “perpetuity.”

Considered as one of around 300 “major” parish churches by the Church of England, Historic England said the “upkeep and repair of these buildings pose a significant challenge and the responsibility falls entirely on the local community”.

Major repairs including to the Lady Chapel of the priory, its external stonework and internal plasterwork have been completed in recent years.

But according to Historic England, the 14th/early 15th century wooden roof of the main church needs urgent attention.

The roof has medieval painted timber which is largely hidden by a plaster ceiling installed in the early 19th century.

Charles Stewart, vicar at the Priory, said: “We hope placing Christchurch Priory on the Heritage at Risk Register will highlight that urgent support is needed for one of the great churches of England.

“The Priory has been at the heart of Christchurch since the mid-16th century and remains much-loved by the local community.

“As well as being a place of prayer and reflection, with regular Sunday services attracting 300 worshippers, we welcome around 70,000 visitors each year and host concerts, events and activities for a diverse range of people.

“Even very hard-working and active congregations, supported as we are with over 200 dedicated volunteers and the Friends of the Priory, can struggle to maintain historic places of worship, let alone cover the cost of major repairs. “

Hurst Castle has stood guard over the Solent since it was built by Henry VIII between 1541 and 1544.

In February 2021 its 19th century east wing collapsed after the sea exposed and undercut its foundation, and staff had be to evacuated from the site.

Since then English Heritage has been battling to repair and stabilise the castle. English Heritage estates director Rob Woodside called the damage to the castle a “devastating blow to a Hampshire icon”.

He said it was the “most challenging of all our sites to protect – a coastal fort built on a shingle spit directly facing the hammering sea”.

The castle is also at risk from rising sea levels.

Historic England says English Heritage has been “proactive” in carrying out essential work but that extending the castle’s life in the short to medium-term depends on a “variety of complex factors”, including seeking major funding to further strengthen sea defences, and the outcomes of a flood and coastal risk management strategy being developed by the Environment Agency.

Historic England works with communities to save their at-risk buildings, with 30 sites being rescued in the south west this year alone with grants from the organisation of £1.58m.

Heritage minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “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."

To help preserve Christchurch Priory or Hurst Castle, visit historicengland.org.uk.