CELEBRATING BRITAIN
There are some amazing historic sites in England – big and small – where great work is progressing to restore them to their former glory
Every building tells a story and none more so than the historic sites around England, which bear witness to the heritage and history of our land. If these landmarks are in danger of neglect, decay or inappropriate use, they may make Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, where grants and community projects come together to help save them. As the register celebrates its 25th year, we discover some of its successes.
Victorian electricity substation
Lurking in the London suburb of Wimbledon sits what looks like a green postbox. It’s a Victorian electrical substation – one of the first of its kind to be installed in the country. It reduced electricity voltage to safer levels before being transferred to homes and businesses, and dates back to 1875. The Victorians loved taking the most utilitarian of structures and transforming them into works of art, and this substation is a prime example. It’s been restored to its original condition and colour, having previously been riddled with rust and graffiti.
ROYAL ORDNANCE DEPOT
This former barracks and military storage base in the village of Weedon Bec dates back to the Napoleonic Wars.
Established in 1802 to store and repair small arms and cannons, it was built in the centre of England to be furthest away from coastal invasion. The base remained in use throughout World War Two until it was decommissioned in 1965. After decades of neglect, the imposing former storehouses are now home to a variety of businesses and a visitor centre, and work is continuing to renovate other areas of the site.
TOLPUDDLE OLD CHAPEL
This Grade II listed former Methodist chapel was the meeting place of the Tolpuddle Martyrs – six English farm labourers who were sentenced to seven years’ transportation to a penal colony in Australia in 1834 for being in a trade union. Built in 1818, it played a key role in the education and understanding of the deepening social injustices at that time.
It reopened last year after a nine-year renovation project.
FIND OUT MORE… at historicengland. org.uk
Holmfirth Conservation Area
With its slate roofs, tall chimneys and stone buildings, this Pennine mill town was made famous by the longest-running TV sitcom of all time: Last of the Summer Wine, which aired from 1973 to 2010. Set in a dramatic valley, t
