Historic England has today (Thursday, November 6) published its Heritage at Risk Register 2025, highlighting two Gloucester landmarks that have been successfully saved and one critically endangered site.
The Register provides an annual assessment of England’s treasured historic buildings and landmarks, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Heritage is essential—not only fostering community pride but also connecting people, inspiring creativity, and driving economic growth. Neglected heritage sites risk community decline and cultural loss.
In the South West, the ruins of St Oswald’s Priory and the Old Judges House (26 Westgate) in Gloucester have been conserved and rescued from decay. However, Dr Edward Jenner’s Hut in the Garden of the Chantry, Berkeley, remains at risk and urgently needs repairs.
READ MORE: Paramedic with ‘Super Immune System’ Reveals Top 3 Winter Health Tips
READ MORE: Choir Releases Charity Single to Support Farmers’ Mental Health
Historic England collaborates with communities, charities, local authorities, and funders such as The National Lottery Heritage Fund to revive and reuse historic buildings, integrating heritage preservation with community and economic benefits. This year alone, 48 South West sites have been restored and protected, many thanks to this collective effort.
St Oswald’s Priory, Gloucester (Grade I Listed)
Dating back to around 900 AD, St Oswald’s Priory is one of Gloucester’s oldest medieval structures. Founded by Lady Aethelflaed, daughter of King Alfred the Great, it originally served as a minster housing the relics of the Christian martyr St Oswald and Lady Aethelflaed herself, a leading figure in early medieval England.
The Augustinian priory, established in 1152, was later mostly demolished, leaving only ruins including the north wall built from reclaimed Roman stones. These remains represent the oldest above-ground structure in Gloucester and are a rare example of early medieval religious architecture.
After suffering heritage crimes, a combined £36,000 grant from Historic England and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund enabled Gloucester City Council to enhance security and improve preservation conditions, safeguarding the site for future generations.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council, stated, “St Oswald’s Priory is a remarkable connection to our Anglo-Saxon past. We are thankful to Historic England for supporting this project, which secured this vital monument’s future.”
26 Westgate (Old Judges House), Gloucester (Grade I Listed)
Gloucester’s largest timber-framed townhouse, dating from the 16th century, was restored following a £314,163 grant from Historic England, with works completed in May 2025.
Known historically as ‘the mercery’ due to its cloth merchants in medieval times, the house later served as Judges Lodgings in the 19th century. Today it is home to the Gloucester Antiques Centre. Despite alterations over the centuries, it retains rare original windows and patterned leaded glass.
The repairs focused on restoring the timber frame, wall panels, and traditional oak windows, revitalizing one of England’s finest historic timber facades and contributing to Gloucester’s heritage-led urban regeneration.
Andrew Malone, owner of 26 Westgate, expressed his enthusiasm: “This historic gem, accessible to all, has been beautifully restored with Historic England’s help. The combination of the Antiques Centre and this building is a perfect match.”
AT RISK: Dr Jenner’s Hut in the Garden of the Chantry, Berkeley, Gloucestershire (Grade II* Listed)
The birthplace of vaccination stands at a critical crossroads. On May 14, 1796, Dr Edward Jenner conducted the world’s first smallpox vaccination trials in this humble hut, heralding a medical revolution that has saved countless lives.
Known to Jenner as the ‘Temple of Vaccinia,’ the hut symbolizes the dawn of immunology and public health transformation. Jenner also provided free vaccinations here to local impoverished communities.
Today, the thatched roof is severely deteriorated, with urgent repairs needed for the rear wall and chimney to prevent irreversible damage.
James Rodliff, Director of Dr Jenner’s House & Museum, emphasized, “This simple structure, where Jenner’s pioneering courage ended smallpox’s reign, is fragile. Its listing on the Heritage at Risk Register underscores the urgent need to preserve this irreplaceable heritage for future generations.”
Historic England’s commitment extends beyond preservation, incorporating sustainability by promoting the reuse of historic buildings to meet net zero carbon emissions targets.
However, challenges remain. Thirty-three historic sites in the South West joined the Heritage at Risk Register this year due to neglect, decay, or improper development.
Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, Co-CEOs of Historic England, remarked, “Heritage shapes our local identity and well-being. The Heritage at Risk Register celebrates successful rescues and highlights the importance of reuse to safeguard our shared history. Working in partnership, we can protect these treasures for the future.”
Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross added, “Protecting community heritage is a national priority. It is heartening that the £15 million Heritage at Risk Capital Fund has played a vital role in saving sites like these across the country.”