Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register provides an annual snapshot of England’s most valued heritage sites that are at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development. 175 sites have been added to the Register this year.

However, it isn’t all bad news as the Register also highlights the historic sites that have been saved thanks to the intervention of local communities, charities, owners and councils. In 2022, there are a remarkable 233 examples that have been taken off the register.

It is so heartening to see so many significant heritage sites removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Support from The National Lottery

A number of the sites that have been saved have received crucial support from us.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is so heartening to see so many significant heritage sites removed from the Heritage at Risk Register, and given a new lease of life as part of their local communities and places. 

“Conserving and saving heritage at risk for the next generation to enjoy is core to our purpose, and we’re incredibly proud that the Heritage Fund has been able to support the work to make this fantastic news possible.”

Cleveland Pools, Bath

A multi-million-pound conservation project to rescue Britain’s oldest lido was successfully completed this year. In September swimmers were welcomed back to Cleveland Pools for the first time in 40 years.

Thanks to the skilled conservation work and the installation of a new sustainable water-heating system led by Cleveland Pools Trust, the lido can be enjoyed for many generations to come.  

Hadrian's Wall – Steel Rigg, Northumberland, and Port Carlisle, Cumbria

2022 marks the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall – the vast and complex system of defences for the northern edge of the Roman Empire.

Whilst the majority of the Wall is in good condition the 170 scheduled monuments that make up the site have not always fared so well. 

The scheduled monuments at Port Carlisle in Cumbria and Steel Rigg in Northumberland have been protected through conservation work, thanks to a collaboration between Historic England and the Hadrian’s Wall Community Archaeology Project (WallCAP) at Newcastle University.

Church of Saints Peter, Paul and St Philomena, New Brighton, Wirral 

Built in 1933, the architecturally ambitious church is a prominent feature of the Wirral’s skyline. Its distinct green dome has been lovingly known as ‘The Dome of Home’ since the mid-20th century when sailors would spy the roof from the River Mersey as they neared home. The church is one of the last iconic Art Deco buildings to survive redevelopment in New Brighton.

Coventry Charterhouse

One of only nine Carthusian monasteries in England, the Charterhouse is one of Coventry’s finest medieval buildings.
The Grade I listed 14th-century building was later gifted to the people of Coventry. It is now undergoing a major restoration project to be transformed into a heritage attraction as part of the UK’s City of Culture 2021.

Our support for historic buildings and monuments

Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1994 over £3billion has been awarded to more than 9,000 historic building and monument projects across the UK. As well as safeguarding places for future generations, these projects support employment and economic growth and can foster a sense of wellbeing within the local community.