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Historic Greenwich building added to Historic England’s at Risk Register

A Jacobean mansion in Greenwich is among 26 sites in London which have been added to Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register 2024.

This means there are 599 buildings at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development in London.

Charlton House in Greenwich was built in 1612 and repaired following bomb damage during the Blitz. The mansion retains many historic features characteristic of the Jacobean period and is managed by Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust and Charlton House and Gardens.

The building has been added to the register due to leaks in the roof causing damage to its historic interior. 

Inside Charlton House, built in 1612 (Picture: Historic England archive)

The Trust is working with Historic England to secure funding for urgent repairs and preservation efforts.   

Twenty-five other sites have been removed from the list, and are now considered safe with secure futures.

These include Vestry Hall – also known as Walworth Town Hall – in Walworth Road, Southwark, a Grade II listed building built in 1865.

Between 1900 and 1965, the building served as the Town Hall for Southwark council and then housed the borough’s registry office. 

In 2013, a major fire caused extensive damage, leading to the site remaining empty and falling into disrepair. 

Charlton House has been added to the At Risk register due to leaks in the roof causing damage to its historic interior (Picture: Historic England Archive)

Southwark council has since worked with developer General Projects and architect Feix and Merlin, in consultation with Historic England, to undertake a £25million redevelopment of the site. 

The building is now set to reopen in early 2025, when it will begin a new life offering workspaces and a community space for events, conferences and a restaurant and café.  

In the past year, Historic England says it has awarded more than £1million in grants for repairs to 11 sites in the capital.

The heritage sector in London contributes £7.8billion to the economy and employs 61,000 people, according to Historic England. 

Walworth Town Hall has been saved after extensive refurbishments (Picture: Historic England archive)

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 across London.

“Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”  

Pictured top: Charlton House in Greenwich is among 26 sites in London added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register 2024 (Picture: Historic England Archive)

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