Across the South East, 15 sites have been added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023.
The Sussex sites added to this year’s Register include a picturesque windmill by the South Downs, and two churches with rare medieval wall paintings.
In total in England, there are 4,871 entries on the Heritage at Risk Register in 2023 – 48 fewer than in 2022. There are now 454 buildings and sites in the South East on the Heritage at Risk Register.
The register lists historic buildings and sites that are at risk of loss through neglect, decay or development, or are vulnerable to becoming so.
In 2022/2023, Historic England has awarded just over £1million (£1,006,010) in grants for repairs to 19 historic places and sites in the South East on the Heritage at Risk Register.
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. Historic England’s expert advice, grant aid and creative thinking has also been key in delivering people’s visions for how these historic places can be used again.
However, more work needs to be done as more buildings and places become at risk.
5. Polegate Windmill, Grade II* listed
An active volunteer group are passionate about saving the building and fundraising for its repair. A comprehensive condition survey and work to improve the mill’s condition and make it weather tight is urgently required. Photo: The Historic England Archive
6. Church of St Michael and All Angels, Plumpton, Grade I listed
This small medieval parish church has a nave dating back to 1100 and a tower from around 1200. Photo: Historic England
7. Church of St Michael and All Angels, Plumpton, Grade I listed
Inside are rare surviving Norman wall paintings but internal damp is putting the paintings at risk. Plumpton is one of four Sussex churches with extant early medieval paintings thought to be by the same artists, known as the Lewes group. The other examples can be seen at Coombes Church near Shoreham-by-Sea, St Botolph's Church at Hardham, and St John the Baptist's Church at Clayton. Photo: Historic England
8. Church of All Saints, Buncton, Wiston, West Sussex. Grade I listed
All Saints Church is a small rural chapel with Norman origins and a chancel likely dating back to the 13th century. Photo: Aleksandras Gubanovas