Community saves at risk ruins 'despite all odds'

More than 50 volunteers took part in the effort over the years

A 13th Century manor house that was so overgrown its walls could not be seen was saved "despite all odds" by a community.

Beaurepaire, near Bearpark in County Durham, was taken off Historic England's at risk register this week after volunteers transformed the area.

Rebekah Watkins, founder of the Dream Heritage group which co-ordinated the effort, said the site was now getting lots of visitors and was being appreciated.

Volunteer Bill Hindmarch said he was "proud" and "somewhat amazed" at what had been achieved.

Once used as a rural haven for the priors and monks of Durham Cathedral, Beaurepaire near Durham City had become a target for anti-social behaviour in recent years.

"You could tell the site had had vandalism and was attracting negative visitors when we first got involved," Ms Watkins said.

Beaurepaire, before and after it was transformed

The restoration effort involved more than 50 volunteers, aged from just two to more than 80 years old.

Ms Watkins said when they first started, just before the first coronavirus lockdown in 2020, the rooms were so "full of bramble" that they could not be entered and walls could not be seen beneath thick ivy.

"After a month or two you could see that we were working from room to room and reclaiming the site," she said.

"As room by room got transformed, I think it brought energy and enthusiasm," Ms Watkins added.

Mr Hindmarch said: "Looking at the site now, I'm proud and somewhat amazed at what we have achieved."

The site had been targeted by anti-social behaviour before the group got involved

The renovation was monitored by Durham County Council who said it had to ensure the works "did not impede on existing or undiscovered ancient structures".

Steve Bhowmick, the council's environment and design manager, said the site had been restored "for the benefit of the community" thanks to Dream Heritage's work and that the local authority was "pleased" to see it removed from the at risk register.

Ms Watkins wanted to restore Beaurepaire after visiting it as a student

Ms Watkins said she was "over the moon" and "quite surprised" when she found out the site was no longer on the list.

"Despite all odds, despite a lot of it having to be hard work, we saved it and we get so many visitors to the site and so many people appreciate it," she said.

She now wants to encourage people to realise that they are "the key to saving a lot of these historic space and places that are currently unloved".

"We need to turn that frustration into motivation, innovation and, ultimately, action," she added.