Historic Victorian glasshouses in Suffolk put on heritage 'at risk' list

Victorian glasshouses in Suffolk, thought to be by the designer of the Crystal Palace, have been added to a list of heritage at risk, an annual update shows.

But there is better news for a church in the county, which is no longer considered at risk after work to conserve it.

Government heritage agency Historic England has published its 2024 Heritage at Risk Register, which shows that, across the country, 155 sites have been added to the list over concerns about neglect and decay.

Meanwhile 124 have been removed following efforts to conserve them and give them a new lease of life.

Here's what's been added to the 'at risk' register in Suffolk:

Kitchen Garden of Somerleyton Hall, Somerleyton

Somerleyton Hall is one of the finest Victorian stately homes in the country. It was owned by Sir Samuel Morton Peto, a Victorian baronet, engineer and railway pioneer, and in 1861 was bought by industrial entrepreneur Sir Francis Crossley.

The walled kitchen garden was created around 1846. The glass cases, used as Peach Houses, and ‘ridge and furrow’ glasshouses are thought to be by Sir Joseph Paxton (designer of the Crystal Palace).

The Eastern Peach House is showing signs of structural vulnerability and brickwork decay. A strategy for repair and renovation is being developed so that visitors can fully explore the glasshouses.

Currently some 14 volunteers visit throughout the week for gardening tasks and social interaction. A programme of rewilding on the wider estate has created a new nature-based enterprise including education activities and a wellbeing programme.

Here's what's been removed from the 'at risk' register in Suffolk:

Church of St Edmund, Kessingland

The Church of St Edmund has been at the heart of the local community for 500 years.

It features a Grade I listed 30-metre-high flint tower which has been a landmark for seafarers since it was built in the mid-15th century.

Thanks to significant fundraising by the local community and a grant of £186,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the church roof has been repaired and re-thatched.  

From Brownies and Guides to farmers and landowners, gardeners, schools and businesses, the whole community came together to save this special building.

A programme of social activities is planned to keep the church at the centre of village life. The churchyard has become more wildlife-friendly, with the creation of hedgehog homes, bug hotels, and bat boxes by Kessingland Men’s Shed and children from the local Primary Academy.

"An abundance of heritage sites"

Heritage minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "The UK has an abundance of heritage sites across the country that attract tourists and provide jobs in local communities.

"Many of these are in desperate need of support.

"The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country."

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: "This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most.

"It's inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people."

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