- 14/11/2023
- Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
- Category: News
Historic England held a drop-in in Parliament on Tuesday 14 November 2023 marking 25 years of Heritage at Risk. I met with members of Historic England and with me was Dr John Edlin, the Building Manager of St Matthew’s Church Walsall to discuss how St Matthew’s could access funds to ensure the Grade II* listed building is protected and safe. The event was held to mark 25 years of saving historic places at risk. Dr Edlin and I discussed with Historic England setting up meetings with the regional team to try and influence Walsall Council’s Heritage Officer of the necessity to preserve St Matthew’s which has been in existence since 1190.
Historic England published the full Heritage at Risk Register for 2023 on 9 November 2023. The Register gives an annual snapshot of the condition of England’s most valued historic places, and an overview of those most at risk of being lost. Heritage has the power to improve people’s lives. Through their teams in regional offices, they work hard in the places, and with the communities, that need help the most. In total there are 6 places on the Register in Walsall South, no sites were added or removed to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2023. The sites are: Bradford Street, Bridge Street, Caldmore Green, Church Hill, Church of St Matthew, Church Hill and Great Barr Hall Registered Park and Garden.
Listed Building grade II*
St Matthew’s was rebuilt in the 1820s by Francis Goodwin. Its soaring spire is a local landmark and its Bath stone facades stand out in the street scene. The style of the church is predominantly Perpendicular, but C13 remains survive in the crypt. Repairs to the Welsh slated nave, north aisle and north transept are needed. There is a need for repairs to the parapet gutters, cast iron gutters and downpipes; high level stonework and the large cast iron windows throughout the church.
You can find out more by visiting historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/
You can also find the list of places in Walsall South on the Heritage at Risk Register here.