Exeter's oldest building, St Nicholas Priory, is at risk of "permanent damage" unless urgent roof repairs are made, according to Historic England.
Built in 1087 and classified as a Grade I listed structure, the priory is managed by the Exeter Historic Buildings Trust (EHBT), which has warned that the roof’s condition has deteriorated over recent years, leaving the building vulnerable to water damage.
EHBT chair James Clark emphasised the importance of preserving the priory, originally an 11th-century Benedictine monastery later converted into a Tudor townhouse, as a part of Exeter's 900-year history. "Our priority is to protect this landmark for future generations," he said.
St Nicholas Priory is one of several historic sites across the South West identified by Historic England for urgent repairs. The Heritage at Risk Register for 2024, released by Historic England, reports that 1,348 heritage sites in the region are at risk due to neglect, decay, or inappropriate modifications. This includes 215 Grade I and II* listed structures, 158 places of worship, 941 archaeological sites, 16 parks and gardens, and 18 conservation areas.
Historic England collaborates with local partners and communities to restore and preserve such sites, with 30 historic locations in the South West successfully saved and secured this year alone.
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