15th-Century Berkshire building placed on heritage at-risk register
The medieval houses have been damaged by water after work stopped during conversion from a cafe to residential use
A pair of medieval houses in Eton High Street have been placed on the heritage at-risk register.
Historic England say the 15th century building which was last used as a café has been allowed to get into a poor state during conversion work.
The heritage organisation say they hope to work with new owners to get the building removed from the register.
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.
In placing it on the 'at-risk' register Historic England said:
"This 15th-century, timber-framed building is an unusually complete and high-quality example of a pair of medieval houses. The building was in the process of being restored and converted into residential use. Unfortunately, works ceased part of the way through, leading to problems with water ingress. Urgent repairs were completed in 2020, however with no roof, the building remains at risk. The building has recently been sold and Historic England hope to work with the new owners to enable it to be removed from the Heritage At Risk Register."
A total of 15 sites in the South East have been added to the register because of concerns about their condition. They are at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Emily Gee, Regional Director for Historic England in London and the South East, said:
“The variety of South East places coming off and going onto the Heritage at Risk Register shows that our region’s heritage sites still need our help and support. From the wreck of the Restoration off Goodwin Sands to the Cock Pitt Cafe at Eton, the Register highlights special places in need of love, and gives us an opportunity to celebrate those which we have saved together.”
Over the past year in the South East, 20 sites were removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.