Monuments and battlefields at risk
Jun 23 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
FOR the first time, the register incudes details of scheduled ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens and battlefields at risk.
The extension of the at-risk programme to cover non-structural scheduled monuments is a critical element in getting to know the true condition of the region’s heritage.
The North East has 1,384 scheduled monuments – 7% of the nation’s collection – and they are owned by an array of individuals and organisations. A total of 205 are at risk.
“It is a sobering thought that scheduled monuments are afforded the highest level of legal protection yet more than half of these sites in the North East are considered to be at medium or high risk,” says the English Heritage report.
Particular threats prevalent in the North East are vandalism, plant growth, arable ploughing and extensive natural erosion.
The North East has 53 registered parks and gardens and of these, two are considered to be at high risk.
One is the grounds of Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland, where encroaching natural growth is concealing some key landscape features, such as the Grade II* listed mausoleum, which is roofless and a building at risk.
At Tillmouth Park in Northumberland, growth is masking the picturesque formal walk alongside the River Till.
Tillmouth Park was developed in the 19th Century to create scenic pleasure grounds and formal gardens. The site is a Grade II* registered park and garden and contains 11 listed buildings and two scheduled monuments, including the at-risk focal point, Twizel Castle.
This was originally a medieval tower house, and was developed into a five-storey folly in the 18th Century. Only three storeys still survive.
Of the region’s six historic battlefields, one is now deemed to be at risk.
Newburn in Newcastle, scene of the 1640 Battle of Newburn Ford between the English and the Scots, has been placed on the register because of concerns that the edge of the battlefield is being slowly clipped away by development and changes of use to premises in the area.
