News / Buildings at risk
St Mary le Port on buildings at risk register
One of Bristol’s most famous churches, St Mary le Port, has been added to English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk register, it emerged today.
The ruined building in Castle Park is described as an “archaeological site at risk,” which is “declining” with “extensive and significant problems”.
The church, owned by Bristol City Council, is said to have been founded in Saxon times. It has been rebuilt and enlarged many times over the centuries.
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On November 24, 1940 the church was bombed and all that remains now is the 15th-century tower.
English Heritage say the tower and the remains of the medieval church have suffered from vandalism and the walls are structurally unsound and in need of urgent repair.
Andrew Vine from English Heritage told Bristol 24/7 that the list is the “front line for all our historic buildings which are at risk from decay and destruction.”
Although there are 16 sites on the Risk Register in Bristol it is not all bad news. Two listed buildings in Bristol have been removed from the register this year – the Trinity Centre and the Clifton Observatory.
Grant-aided repairs to the roof of the Trinity Centre, a grade II* listed large Gothic Revival Commissioners’ Church dating back to 1829, have secured the centre’s future as a music, creative arts and events venue.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that St Mary le Port Church, Civil War earthworks, Brandon Hill, the heavy anti-aircraft battery, 520m east of Holes Mouth, the anti- aircraft gun site, Purdown, Lower Lodge to Ashton Court and the swing bridge over north entrance, Cumberland Basin have been added to the English Heritage report.
“At St Mary le Port Church, work is underway to clear vegetation around the building for a survey to be carried out. We will consider the available options once that survey has been completed.
“We are carrying out some consolidation works on the archaeology surrounding the Civil War earthworks, Brandon Hill, as part of the recent work carried out on Cabot Tower.
“We are in the process of preparing a conservation management plan for Brandon Hill and hope to secure some further funding for this and work to the civil war earthworks.
“The heavy anti-aircraft battery, 520m east of Holes Mouth, has recently had some works carried out by Wessex Archaeology as part of the neighbouring development. A conservation management plan has just been submitted to us as part of these works and is being considered.
“Bristol Building Preservation Trust is working with Bristol City Council and English Heritage to carry out repairs to enable the re-use of the Lower Lodge, Ashton Court.
“With regards to the swing bridge over north entrance, Cumberland Basin, the community has secured grant funding for some initial work to this structure and propose making a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for restoration works.
“We are aware that the anti-aircraft gun site, Purdown, may require some work.”
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