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Early 20th century church added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register
St Alban’s Church was designed by the same architect, CFW Denning, who also designed the north entrance lodges and giraffe house at the former Bristol Zoo in Clifton and Bristol South Baths in Bedminster.
But the Grade II listed Arts and Crafts-inspired church on Coldharbour Road in Redland, built in two phases between 1905 and 1915, is at risk as its fine interiors are being affected by water ingress.
The church is the only Bristol building to be added this year to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, which is marking 25 years of shining a light on England’s most important historic buildings and places that need help and care
is needed now More than ever
St Alban’s Church was built in two phases between 1905 and 1915 – photo: Martin Booth
Five of the seven entries on the original 1998 Heritage at Risk Register in Bristol have been saved.
In total, there have been 35 buildings and places at risk in Bristol since 1998, with 22 of these being saved and more than a dozen entries now on the register.
Here are the Bristol entries on the Heritage at Risk Register 2023:
- Stokes Croft
- All Hallows Church, Easton
- St Mary’s Church, Henbury
- St Alban’s Church, Redland
- Brislington House, Brislington
- 31-32, Portland Square, St Paul’s
- Stair turret, Inns Court Vicarage, Knowle
- Brunel’s ‘other’ bridge, Cumberland Basin
- Two lodges and attached garden walls opposite former Kings Weston stables, Kingsweston
- Stoke Park
- Civil War earthworks, Brandon Hill
- Anti-aircraft gun site, Purdown
- St Mary-le-Port Church, Castle Park
- Ashton Court Mansion, Ashton Court
- Kingsley Hall, 59 Old Market Street
Historic England is concerned by the “slow decay” of Ashton Court Mansion – photo: Friends of Ashton Court Mansion
Over the two and a half decades of the Heritage at Risk Register, successes in Bristol have included St Paul’s Church on Portland Square, now the home of Circomedia; the entrance lodges and gates, Anglican mortuary chapel and former non-conformist chapel at Arnos Vale Cemetery; the Trinity Centre in Lawrence Hill; the Carriageworks on Stokes Croft; St Peter’s Church in Castle Park; and 28 Portland Place in St Paul’s, now boutique hotel Artist Residence.
Historic England south west regional director, Rebecca Barrett, said: “There have been some amazing rescues of buildings and places on the Heritage at Risk Register in Bristol over the past 25 years.
“Saving a site on the Register often takes years of hard work and commitment. What’s been achieved in Bristol is truly impressive.
“We are proud to have played our part, dedicating time, expertise and funds to help restore these special places, but there is still more work to do.
“I’m looking forward to the next 25 years as the Heritage at Risk programme continues to grow and evolve, finding new ways to involve Bristol’s communities in caring for and enjoying their heritage.”
St Paul’s Church is not just used for circus; it is one of Bristol’s most special venues for hire – photo: Circomedia
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- New CEO at Circomedia
- Green light given for development of St Mary le Port site
- All-weather path officially opens in Stoke Park
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