Medieval Abbey in Buckinghamshire saved by Historic England
Bradwell Abbey in Milton Keynes is one of 19 sites saved in the South East
Historic England has published its annual Heritage at Risk Register for 2021 today.
The annual register is a 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'.
Historic England has saved 20 sites in the South East, with 233 saved in total across England.
From 2020-21, a total of ÂŁ1.23 million in grant funding was given to 23 sites (including conservation areas) on the South East register.
Bradwell Abbey in Milton Keynes was a Benedictine priory founded c. 1154.
The site features a 14-century former chapel that was originally attached to the west wall of the priory church, the former has since been demolished.
Original wall paintings which date from c.1330-1350 in the chapel have been restored.
Since 2018, Historic England has provided funding for extensive repairs which were completed this summer.
As a result the building has been made stable and watertight, protecting the paintings.
Along with MK City Discovery Centre, Milton Keynes Council who own Bradwell Abbey are providing additional funding to continue to improve the site.
They money will also safeguard the abbey for future generations.
In the last year, Historic England has offered ÂŁ14.5 million in grants to ensure a huge range of historical sites acorss the country are saved.
The figure includes ÂŁ4.8 million in additional emergency funding provided due to Covid-19.
It means help has been given to sites to deal with problems exacerbated by the pandemic.
15 sites in the South East have been added to the 2021 register due to concerns about their condition.