SIX significant heritages sites in the North East have been added to an ‘at risk’ register because of concerns about their condition.

The sites, including a Roman fort, and a lead mine at Stanhope, are deemed to be at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

However, 18 sites have been saved and Shildon is one of three conservation areas in County Durham rescued from decline.

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Historic England’s annual Heritage at Risk Register for 2021 includes Park Level lead mine with ore works on Killhope Burn and Washingwells Roman Fort, in Whickham, Gateshead.

Trevor Mitchell, regional director for the North East and Yorkshire at Historic England, said: “Our heritage is an anchor for us all in testing times.

“A place to live, to visit, to enjoy. Despite the challenges we have all faced recently, this year’s Heritage at Risk Register shows that looking after our special places can contribute to the country’s economic and social recovery, bring communities together and improve people’s lives.”

The full list of sites added to the register are:

  • Washingwells Roman Fort, Whickham
  • The Ringses Camp, Doddington Moor
  • The Ringses camp, group of burial mounds and two cairns, Beanley Moor, Hedgeley
  • Romano-British enclosed settlement on Beanley Moor, 800m south east of Broomhouse, Hedgeley
  • Park Level lead mine with ore works on Killhope Burn, Stanhope
  • Romano-British farmstead on Beanley Moor, 500m SSE of Broom House, Hedgeley

The register is the yearly health-check of England’s most valued historic places and those most at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

Many have been saved thanks to the hard work and dedication of local communities, who have come together to rescue places despite the challenges wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Northern Echo:

Marsden Quarry, Marsden, South Shields

Charities, owners, local councils and Historic England have also worked together to see historic places restored, re-used and brought back to life.

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Mr Mitchell said: “The 18 sites saved this year in the North East show what’s possible with strong partnerships, dedicated individuals and funding support.

“Whether you’re a volunteer helping to restore a 14th century tower in Northumberland, a homeowner in Redcar, or a county council restoring cherished conservation areas, we can all play a role in championing our heritage.”

The full list of those removed from the list is:

  • Doxford House, Warden Law Lane, Silksworth, Sunderland
  • Hadrian’s Wall from Cockmount Hill to Walltown, Greenhead
  • Marsden Lime Kilns, South Shields
  • Church of St Cuthbert, Church Lane, Ormesby, Redcar; Shildon Conservation Area
  • Cresswell Tower House
  • Medieval farmstead and irregular open field system at High Burntoft Farm, Elwick
  • Red Barns House and Red Barns Hotel, Kirkleatham Street
  • Trimdon Village Conservation Area
  • Settlement on north slope of Yeavering Bell, Kirknewton
  • Roman period native settlement 340m east of Hethpool Linn, Kirknewton
  • Settlement on north east slope of Yeavering Bell, Kirknewton
  • Romano-British settlements east of Yeavering Bell containing the Old Sheepfold settlement and settlements to the west and south of it, Kirknewton
  • Church of St Helen, Church Kelloe, Kelloe
  • Prehistoric field system and unenclosed hut circle settlement on eastern slopes of Hart Heugh, 550 metres south west of Earlehillhead, Earle
  • Bowburn Conservation Area, Cassop-cum-Quarrington
  • Church of St Andrew, Dalton-le-Dale
  • Settlement 500 yards (460 metres) south west of White Law, Akeld/ Kirknewton

The Northern Echo:

Cresswell Tower in Northumberland 

Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “I’m delighted that so many famous landmarks have been removed from the Heritage at Risk register in 2021.

“We’ve supported the sector throughout the pandemic with our unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund and it is great news to see this investment, along with other financial support, having such a positive impact.

“Heritage helps us understand our past and bringing old buildings and sites back into public use helps us to level up communities, create growth and protect these important assets for future generations.”

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