Region's listed buildings risk 'permanent damage'

The roof of the oldest building in Exeter St Nicholas Priory is in need of urgent repair

The ancient interior of Exeter's oldest building is "at risk of permanent damage" unless repairs are made to its roof, Historic England has said.

The heritage body said the Grade I listed St Nicholas Priory, built in 1087, was among a number of buildings at risk.

The Exeter Historic Buildings Trust (EHBT) manages the Priory and said in recent years the condition of the roof had "deteriorated" and the structure was no longer "water-tight".

Two other buildings in the south west have been earmarked for urgent repairs to preserve them.

'Major restoration project'

EHBT chair James Clark said St Nicholas Priory, originally built in the 11th Century and later turned into a Tudor townhouse, had borne witness to more than 900 years of history in Exeter and the priority of the trust was to "preserve it for generations to come".

Historic England said a "major restoration project" was under way for the Grade II listed Helston Guildhall in Cornwall, which has also been deemed at risk.

It was described as "one of the most important community buildings in Helston".

The Guildhall restoration and reimagining project aimed to restore the building whilst preserving its cultural heritage, the public body said.

Historic England said there was a major restoration project under way at Helston Guildhall in Cornwall

"This project involved improving the roof drainage, which is causing rainfall to flood the historic plasterwork in the chamber below, and installing solar panels to the southern roof slope," said Historic England.

It said there were further plans to create a community co-working space in the basement which would provide a shared space for local businesses and individuals.

Mayor of Helston Town Council councillor Miles Kenchington said it was a "vital project" to ensure the Guildhall was "there and relevant for future generations."

Helston Guildhall has suffered water damage on the first floor

Historic England said the traditional thatched roof of the Grade I listed Friends' Meeting House, Come-to-Good in Feock, Cornwall was undergoing repairs.

Although the building underwent a "major restoration and re-thatching" project in 2010, Historic England said the thatch had now "worn through".

It said: "Repairs are under way to prevent water from leaking in and damaging the structure.

"With funding from Historic England, the fragile roof timbers are being repaired and re-covered using traditional thatching skills and materials."

Historic England said despite repairs to the thatched roof in 2010, the thatch had worn through over time at the Friends' Meeting House in Feock

'Grateful'

Clerk of Come-to-Good Quaker Meeting House Miranda Bird said the building was "beloved by Quakers across the country and indeed the world" as well as the local community in Cornwall.

"We have an active and growing community that worships at Come-to-Good, and the building brings its own special quality to our spiritual lives.

"We’re so grateful for Historic England’s support, including a substantial grant and expertise, in preserving our Meeting House for future generations.”