Grade I-listed Tamworth Castle has been added to the Heritage at Risk Register – while a historic copper mine in the Staffordshire Peak District has been saved.
Historic England revealed today that the 1,000-year-old motte-and-bailey castle has joined 398 other buildings in the West Midlands on the list, all of which are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
However, Ecton Copper Mine in the Staffordshire Moorlands, once the most advanced and deepest mining site in the country, has been removed from the register thanks to nearly two decades of extensive repair works and community engagement.
There are more than 40 buildings listed across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, including Chatterley Whitfield colliery, Trentham Mausoleum, Bethesda Methodist Chapel in Hanley, the former Price and Kensington teapot works in Longport, Bishton Hall in Colwich, the Wedgwood Institute in Burslem, Biddulph Old Hall and Longton Central Methodist Hall.
Two further new entries on the list in Staffordshire are the Crompton family tomb at St Michael’s Church in Stone and the museum at Enville Hall in Enville, South Staffordshire, which are both Grade II*-listed.
Daily Focus recently reported that Historic England’s Historic Places Panel visited Burslem last week to explore and advise on potential opportunities for regeneration.
Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The UK has an abundance of heritage sites across the country that attract tourists and provide jobs in local communities. Many of these are in desperate need of support.
“The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country. Many beloved sites have been removed from the list this year and I hope that more will be saved thanks to their inclusion this year.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, added: “Heritage is so important to the West Midlands. It plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy.
“This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most. It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people across the West Midlands. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”
Tamworth Castle – which was captured by the Parliamentarian forces after a two-day siege during the English civil war – has been placed on the Heritage at Risk register due its history of structural movement, and extensive repairs are needed. There has been a museum on the site since 1899.
Tamworth Borough Council funded an initial phase of curtain walling repairs in 2023 and Historic England is set to fund structural and other investigations to inform the process of broader repairs, awarding it £39,946.
Councillor Nova Arkney, portfolio holder for infrastructure, heritage and local economy at Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Tamworth Castle is a treasured well-visited historic building in our town, and we’re committed to preserving it for future generations.
“While the council has carried out a number of maintenance programmes over recent years, unfortunately the ravages of time are having an impact on the 1,000-year-old building, and investigative work has identified structural movement.
“We thank Historic England for awarding funds for the ongoing investigations and have applied for further funding to enable us to carry out necessary repair and preservation work.
“Tamworth Castle is one of the best-preserved motte-and-bailey castles in England, and we’re working hard to make sure it continues to be enjoyed by locals and tourists for many years to come.
“Tamworth Castle building remains completely safe and open for visitors. We have a full programme of Christmas activities on offer for all ages. The castle is always beautifully dressed in traditional style for Christmas and is well worth a visit at this time of year.”
