Weymouth and Portland buildings on Historic England risk register

But over the years some of the area's most important architectural assets have fallen into a a state of decay and are now at risk of being lost forever.

That's according to Historic England - which oversees a register of listed buildings and sites deemed most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or 'inappropriate' development.

We rounded up a list of the local sites that are currently on the register because of their deteriorating condition.

Weymouth town centre and seafront

The entire town centre and esplanade architectural conservation area is now in a 'very bad condition' and 'deteriorating significantly,' according to Historic England.

The conservation area was designated in 1974 to reflect Weymouth's outstanding historic environment. An appraisal commissioned by the former borough council notes the contribution of buildings to the character and appearance of The Esplanade is 'immense'... with 168 properties out of 177 being listed, including 24 Grade II* listed, and a further 15 Grade II listed buildings in the area behind the northern half of The Esplanade.

However in 2017 Historic England placed entire conservation area 'at risk' - signifying social or economic decline.

Maiden Street Methodist Church, Weymouth

Planning permission was granted for the burnt out church to be reconstructed and turned into flats and a restaurant - (artist's impression of the reconstructed window pictured on the right)

This Grade II* listed former Methodist church was ravaged by a fire in January 2002 which left the building a 'gutted, roofless ruin,' with subsequent health and safety works completely clearing what was left inside.

In 2007 permission was granted for the building to be reconstructed and converted to mixed residential and commercial use, but the development did not go ahead. The site changed hands in 2016.

Historic England said it was previously in discussions with the new owner and in November 2019, permission was granted for it to be redeveloped into flats - however a condition of the listed building and planning consent is that work must start within three years. 

It went back on the market in 2020 and remains on the 'at risk' register.

Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth

Overlooking Portland Harbour, crumbling Sandsfoot Castle was built by Henry VIII as a sea defence and is one of the area’s heritage treasures. The Grade II* listed monument was removed from the risk list in 2011 thanks to a major restoration project. But disaster struck in January last year when dangerous cracks appeared and the landmark site was closed to the public.

Historic England has newly re-added Sandsfoot Castle to the 'at risk' register, warning that it is in 'imminent danger' of collapse.

Icehouse at Ringstead

Located 660 metres south west of Pit House, Osmington, this small 19th century icehouse once served the needs of the local fishing community as precursor to the modern refrigerator.

Built of brick under an artificial mound of earth, Historic England says it is surrounded by unmanaged woodland, with tree roots likely to have weakened the roof. The structure is said to be in 'very bad' condition and in a state of slow decay, with no solution agreed.

The icehouse at Ringstead has a fascinating history - but is overgrown and at risk, Historic England says

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Rufus Castle, Church Ope, Portland

Dating back to the late 15th century, the ruin stands on the site of an earlier castle captured in 1142 by Earl Robert of Gloucester. It is designated as a Scheduled Monument and classed as a World Heritage Site, as well as being grade I listed. Sadly, its condition is described as 'poor' and in need of conservative repair and consolidation.

Urgent repairs were carried out in 2010 thanks to a grant, but Historic England says more work is needed. The site has a new owner but it continues to be subject to 'slow decay,' with no solution agreed, the risk register notes.

Rufus Castle on Portland is in need of conservation work

St Peter's Church, Grove Road, Portland

One of the island's most revered buildings, this Romanesque Grade II listed former church was built in 1872 but is no longer used for worship.

Designed by Major General Edmund du Cane, it is thought to be the only church in the country built entirely by convict labour, and has had a colourful history.

St Peter's Church on Portland is in a poor condition according to the at risk register

Historic England says it has fallen into a state of disrepair and describes the structure as being in 'poor' condition.

It was added to the risk register in 2020 - and, according to its listing, the local council is considering taking action against the building's owner.

All Saints Church, Straits, Portland

Described as one of Portland's finest ecclesiastical buildings, the church remains in active use by the Portland parish.

Built from Portland stone in 1914-17, the striking building was designed by Crickmay and Sons and features 'meticulous' detailing and retains most of its original fittings. However, it was added to the risk register by Historic England in 2019 due to concerns over its window stonework, which is said to be in poor condition.

East Weare Batteries

If buildings could talk, the East Weare batteries would have a few stories to tell...

There are five East Weare batteries - constructed to defend Portland Harbour during the mid 1800s. and an important part of Portland's naval heritage.

Now a scheduled monument, Battery E is deemed to be in a 'generally unsatisfactory' condition 'with major localised problems due to being overgrown by scrub and trees.' While Battery E is the only one of the five sites to be included on Historic England's 'at risk' register, concerns have also been raised by local historians about the condition of batteries A - D, amid calls for them to be opened to the public and maintained.

In particular, Batteries A and B - known locally as the 'forbidden city' - are the subject of local folklore. All five are now privately owned by Portland Port after being sold by the MOD during the 1990s, with sites A - D situated behind a high security fence.

Calls have been made for all of Portland's East Weare batteries to be open to the public

Mesolithic sites near Culverwell, Portland

Dating back to the Saxon times, the World Heritage Site is situated between Southwell and Portland Bill and is a scheduled ancient monument.

Historic England said its condition is 'generally satisfactory' but with significant localised problems.