A HISTORIC Evesham landmark has been placed on the ‘at risk’ register by heritage experts who have raised fears about the building’s structural instability.
The Almonry museum has been placed on Historic England’s register after experts found the building in the heart of Evesham was in a bad condition.
The 14th century building has appeared in Historic England’s annual snapshot of the health of the historic environment across the UK which was published last Friday (October 21).
A number of issues have besieged the town centre museum and heritage centre resulting in it being placed at risk, including the stone slate roof coming to the end of its life and structural instability problems with the timber frame as a result of weaknesses and rot.
The Almonry is one of the most historic buildings in Evesham.
It was once home to the church officer of the Benedictine Abbey founded in the town in the 8th century and is one of only a few structures that remain from what was one of the largest abbeys in England.
Museum bosses have launched a bid for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to support repairs to the Grade I listed building and to help rejuvenate the museum’s exhibits.
Ashleigh Jayes, Almonry Manager, said: “The Almonry is a beautiful fourteenth century building in the heart of the town, an integral piece of Evesham’s history.
“Being put on the Heritage at Risk Register doesn’t mean the building is in imminent danger of collapse or being destroyed beyond repair but an indication that the building needs some TLC and quickly.
“While the name ‘At Risk’ does sound quite scary and alarmist, I see this as a great opportunity to be able to bring the building back to its former glory.
“We will be able to take the building back, to explore its construction and architectural history at close quarters and to restore it sympathetically using traditional methods and materials to ensure it remains for another 600 years.
“We will be looking to start a fund-raising campaign to help us match fund for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to start the process of restoring this beautiful landmark in the heart of town’.
Stuart Carter, Town Clerk, said: “Evesham Town Council is committed to supporting the Almonry and is aware of the issues facing what is a very old building.
“We continue to work with the Almonry Manager in setting out a plan to secure the funding required to undertake the required work to the building.
“Being put on the At Risk register opens up more funding streams, which we hope to capitalise on,” he added.
