CASTLES, forts, and a Roman town in Herefordshire are at risk of being lost to history, the Historic England at risk register reveals.
In total, 55 buildings and sites in Herefordshire are currently listed as being at risk on the Historic England register.
The register lists the health of England’s most valued historic places and those most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Here are all of the castles, forts, and other ancient monuments listed on the register for 2023 after its release on November 9.
Roman town of Ariconium, Weston under Penyard
Scheduled monument
In generally satisfactory condition but with significant localised problems, vulnerable to arable ploughing and in decline, Historic England said.
Scheduled monument
The section extending 950 yards north and south of Big Oaks, Bishopstone/Bridge Sollers/Byford is generally satisfactory but declining with minor localised problems and is vulnerable to arable clipping, Historic England said.
The Rushock Hill section, extending 1630 yards east to Kennel Wood, Kington Rural/Knill is generally satisfactory and improving but with significant localised problems and is vulnerable to stock erosion.
The section south of Riddings Brook on Herrock Hill, is generally satisfactory and stable but with minor localised problems and is vulnerable to natural erosion.
The section 630 yards long west of Lyonshall is generally satisfactory and improving but with minor localised problems and is vulnerable to stock erosion.
The section north west of Holme Marsh extending 615 yards to the railway, Lyonshall, is generally satisfactory but declining with significant localised problems and is vulnerable to development.
Sutton Walls (camp), Marden/Sutton
Scheduled monument
The camp has extensive and significant problems, Historic England said, and is vulnerable to dumping. It is currently stable.
Promontory fort on Dorstone Hill, Dorstone
Scheduled monument
Generally satisfactory but declining with significant localised problems and is vulnerable to scrub and tree growth, Historic England said.
ALSO READ:
- Plans for Herefordshire town square 'aren't what people asked for'
- Herefordshire children’s services still making ‘too slow’ progress - Ofsted
- Inside Bulmers: how world-famous Hereford cider is made
Scheduled monument
Generally satisfactory and improving, with significant localised problems, and is vulnerable to scrub and tree growth, Historic England said.
It was previously listed as generally unsatisfactory and declining with major localised problems.
Mouse motte and bailey castle, Cusop
Scheduled monument
Generally unsatisfactory but improving with major localised problems and is vulnerable to scrub and tree growth, Historic England said.
Motte and bailey, west of St Mary's Church, Walterstone
Scheduled monument
Generally unsatisfactory and declining with major localised problems and is vulnerable to scrub and tree growth, Historic England said.
Thruxton Tump, a motte castle at Thruxton Court, Thruxton
Scheduled monument
Generally unsatisfactory and declining with major localised problems, Historic England said. At risk of deterioration and in need of management.
Moated site 360 metres north of Joanshill Farm, Fownhope
Scheduled monument
Generally unsatisfactory and declining with major localised problems, Historic England said. At risk of deterioration and in need of management.
Scheduled monument, grade II* listed.
The site comprises the remains of a 12th century motte castle, a ruined 17th century house, and part-ruined 16th century chapel, Historic England said.
The chapel is reportedly stable and in good condition, but the house is roofless and its masonry is disintegrating. Lintels are also failing and in danger of collapse. An assessment of the structure to establish the survival of medieval fabric and development of a strategy are required.
Some ground clearance has been carried out and fencing has been put in place, Historic England said.
It is described as being in poor condition and at immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed
Scheduled monument, grade II listed building
The site contains castle remains dating to the 13th century or earlier with a motte and inner bailey surrounded by a ditch and outer bailey.
Historic England said traces of a curtain wall and 13th century semi circular tower have survived in a fair condition although they were very overgrown. Work to control vegetation is being carried out by the owner and a new access track has been created. Unstable stonework needs consolidating following unsuccessful attempts to secure funding for the site via Natural England Stewardship schemes.
It is described as being in poor condition and in slow decay with no solution agreed.
Post-medieval house at Willey Court, Willey
Scheduled monument
Historic England said this monument includes the buried, earthwork and upstanding remains of the post-medieval house and gardens at Willey Court. The owners are in negotiations with Historic England to determine an appropriate strategy for consolidation of the structural remains, which are the element at risk. A new Natural England Stewardship scheme should provide suitable, simple management of the surrounding site in grazed pasture.
It is described as being in poor condition and at immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric, with no solution agreed
Castle mound W of Court Farm, Rowlstone
Scheduled monument
Generally unsatisfactory but stable with major localised problems, Historic England said. At risk of deterioration and in need of management.
North Herefordshire Rowe Ditch, Pembridge/Staunton on Arrow
Scheduled monument
Generally satisfactory but declining with significant localised problems, Historic England said. Vulnerable to tree and scrub growth.
Bowl barrow 490 metres south east of Milton Cross, Pembridge
Scheduled monument
Generally unsatisfactory and declining with major localised problems, Historic England said. Vulnerable to arable ploughing.
Bowl barrow 550 metres south east of Milton Cross, Pembridge
Scheduled monument
Generally unsatisfactory and declining with major localised problems, Historic England said. Vulnerable to arable ploughing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here