Historic England has unveiled its Heritage at Risk Register 2025, spotlighting two Gloucester sites that have been successfully saved and one crucial landmark now at risk.
The Register serves as an annual assessment of the condition of England’s treasured historic buildings and sites, aiming to safeguard their future enjoyment and conservation.
Heritage enriches local pride, imbues places with meaning, connects communities, fosters creativity, and drives economic growth. When neglected, it can lead to local decline and loss of identity.
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Among the South West’s success stories are the ruins of St Oswald’s Priory in Gloucester and the Old Judges House on Westgate Street—both now restored and thriving.
Tragically, Dr Edward Jenner’s Hut, located in the Garden of the Chantry in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, is listed as at risk.
Historic England collaborates with communities, owners, and partners to revitalize endangered historic sites, ensuring they remain active parts of their surroundings and contribute economically.
This year alone, 48 South West sites have been rescued due to the dedication of local people, charities, and funding bodies such as The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
St Oswald’s Priory, Gloucester (Grade I Listed)
Dating back to circa 900 AD, St Oswald’s Priory is one of Gloucester’s oldest medieval surviving structures. Founded by Lady Aethelflaed, daughter of King Alfred the Great, it served as a minster and later an Augustinian priory.
Though largely ruined, the remaining north wall, featuring recycled Roman stones, is the oldest above-ground structure in Gloucester and a rare example of early medieval religious architecture.
Once vulnerable to heritage crime, a combined £36,000 grant from Historic England and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund enabled Gloucester City Council to improve security and conditions, securing this vital historic asset.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton emphasized the priory’s significance, expressing gratitude for the support helping to preserve this extraordinary site.
26 Westgate (Old Judges House), Gloucester (Grade I Listed)
The largest timber-framed townhouse in England has been fully repaired, thanks to a £314,163 grant from Historic England completed in May 2025.
Dating from the 16th century, this merchant’s house once fronted Gloucester’s main market, known historically as ‘the mercery’ for its concentration of cloth merchants. It later served as Judges Lodgings and now houses the Gloucester Antiques Centre.
The restoration preserved stunning period features, including original windows, patterned leaded glass, and the timber frame itself, revitalizing one of England’s finest historic timber-fronted facades and contributing to Gloucester’s regeneration.
Owner Andrew Malone praised the repairs and Historic England’s support, highlighting the ideal harmony between the Antiques Centre and the historic building.
At Risk: Dr Jenner’s Hut, Garden of the Chantry, Berkeley (Grade II* Listed)
The world’s first vaccination was performed here in 1796 by Dr Edward Jenner, considered the father of immunology. His pioneering work ended smallpox, a global scourge.
Jenner dubbed this modest hut the ‘Temple of Vaccinia,’ where he developed and tested his groundbreaking vaccination technique, offering free immunizations to local people.
Unfortunately, the hut is in poor condition, with a nearly bare thatched roof, and urgent repairs are necessary to its rear wall and chimney to preserve this internationally significant site.
James Rodliff, Director of Dr Jenner’s House & Museum, warned that losing this fragile structure would mean losing an irreplaceable piece of medical and cultural history.
Historic England is also committed to sustainability, supporting the adaptation and reuse of historic buildings to help achieve net zero carbon emissions.
While many sites have been secured this year, 33 historic buildings and sites in the South West have been newly added to the Register due to risk factors like decay and neglect.
Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, Co-CEOs of Historic England, stressed that heritage profoundly shapes our connection to place and that preservation thrives through community partnership and reuse.
Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross praised the government’s £15 million Heritage at Risk Capital Fund for rescuing cherished historic sites across the country, underscoring their importance to local communities.
With collaborative efforts and continued investment, Gloucester’s rich heritage—including both saved landmarks and those at risk—can be secured for generations to come.