Two historic buildings in Sussex have been added to an at-risk register because of their deteriorating condition.
The Old Mint House, a 16th-century hall in Pevensey, and Langley Priory, a medieval Grade II listed complex near Eastbourne, have both been added to the Heritage at Risk Register over fears they could be lost forever.
Published by Historic England, the list is used by national and local government to identify structures which are in need of protection in a bid to secure their future.
The list includes sites such as the Brighton Hippodrome, Madeira Terrace and the West Pier.
Standing opposite Pevensey Castle, The Old Mint House contains medieval timbers taken from the castle’s hall, but water penetration has caused wet rot and deterioration of the building’s timber frame.
Structural movement has caused further damage, with the chimney removed for safety.
A newly formed charity, the Friends of the Mint House, is working to find a future use which will support the local community and fundraise for much-needed repairs.
Harriet Tait, chairwoman of trustees for the Friends of Mint House, said: “I, like many others, had been in love with the Mint House since I was a child, and spent many happy hours exploring it among all the antique tables, chairs and grandfather clocks when it was an antiques shop.
“We have a fabulous archaeology and history team who are all unearthing many fascinating finds about not just the Mint House, but Pevensey’s history, and we continue to raise much-needed funds for its purchase and conservation.”
The Langney Priory, which was built by the Cluniacs before 1121, has also been added to the register due to the need for urgent repairs, with damage to the roof, evidence of water ingress, rotting timbers and movement that has caused damage and cracks in the walls.
Historic England is working closely with the site’s owners to save the building, believed to be one of the oldest in Eastbourne.
The two buildings are among 11 sites in South East England to be added to the register.
However, Fernhurst Furnace has been saved and removed from the At Risk Register after a comprehensive package of repairs was completed in May.
The furnace, one of the most complete charcoal-fired blast furnaces surviving of the iron industry in Wealden, was added to the register in 2006 due to the danger of collapse and damage caused by uncontrolled water flooding the remains.
Carla Barnes, who chairs the Fernhurst Furnace Preservation Group, said: “At our open weekend event in September, it was gratifying to hear the gasps of appreciation by regular visitors, of what has been achieved by the Furnace Repair Project,
“It is very reassuring to the landowners to know that our nationally important site is now secure and robust for many decades to come.”
Future plans for the furnace include revealing the previously excavated furnace for visiting groups as well as providing seats for people to pause to view the surrounding woodland and pond.
Emily Gee, regional director of Historic England, said: “It is central to Historic England’s mission that we pass on to future generations the rich legacy of historic buildings and places that we have inherited from previous generations.
“Our Heritage at Risk programme is a key contributor to this ambition. With the help of local communities and partners, imaginative thinking and business planning, we can continue to regenerate historic places across the South East.”
Historic England also said that good progress has been made in restoring Saltdean Lido, as a £7.5 million restoration gets underway to restore the 1930s Art Deco building and bring it back into use.
The restored site will include a poolside cafe, library, Art Deco ballroom, community rooms and a heritage and learning space.
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