Fire-damaged church taken off at-risk register

The medieval church has been repaired and partially rebuilt

A church that was almost destroyed by fire has been removed from the "at risk" register.

The bell tower and roof of St John the Baptist church in Royston, Hertfordshire was badly damaged by in December 2018.

The Grade I listed building required major repairs including partial rebuilding and the recasting of its cracked bells, and Historic England now deems it no longer at risk.

Also added to the at-risk list are Mile Cross Gardens' pavilions and St Peter Hungate church in Norwich, and churches in March and Friday Street in Cambridgeshire. The Long Shop Museum in Leiston, Suffolk has been removed from the list.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, though arson was ruled out

Historic England confirmed the Royston church was no longer at risk following extensive restoration and modernisation of the interior.

Phil Burchell, who was treasurer during the restoration, said his team "were determined to restore the church not only to a beautiful house of prayer but also a warm, welcoming and flexible building for the community".

"We were delighted we were able achieve our goals and for it to be recognised by Historic England," he said.

The scorched church was closed after the fire in 2018

It was originally part of a 12th Century Augustinian priory dedicated to St John the Baptist and St Thomas of Canterbury.

It was rededicated solely to St John the Baptist in 1540 when the parish of Royston was established.

There was also damage to the church organ and the Victorian pews.

Although arson was ruled out, the cause of the blaze was never established.

The tower's parapet suffered further damage during a storm in February 2022.

During the restoration the church was given an improved community space to hold activities for local residents.

The church's Victorian pews were damaged in the blaze

Meanwhile, the Grade II listed Long Shop Museum in Leiston, Suffolk, has been removed from the Heritage at Risk Register following repairs to its roof lights and window frames.

In Norwich, the Mile Cross Gardens' pavilions and Wensum Park's fountain were added due to structural deterioration.

St Peter Hungate, a 15th Century church in the city, is also now at risk because of corroding iron window frames threatening its medieval stained glass.

In Cambridgeshire, the church of St Wendreda in March has been added due to "severe structural issues that threaten its survival".

St Mark's Church in Friday Bridge, near Wisbech, is also newly listed as at risk due to problems with its tower.