The historic buildings we’re at risk of losing forever

But sadly not all of them are in good condition, with many in need of repair and at risk of getting even worse.

With the help of Historic England, we have compiled a list of the sites in need of some tender loving care across the Taunton and Bridgwater area.

We hope some funds can be set aside in the near future to make sure these crucial areas are maintained.

Church of St John, Taunton

This Grade I listed building on Park Street was built between 1858 and 1863.

Historic England says alterations have been made to the west end to make the church accessible to a wider range of people.

However, the roofs are aging and in need of work, and the elaborate high level stonework is potentially fragile.

Its current condition is described as poor.

Chard School, Chard

The Grade II* listed building dates back to 1583, according to Historic England.

It became Chard Grammar School in 1671 and has been a school ever since.

The rainwater goods are 'inadequate', areas of water ingress and there are structural issues where trusses have been altered.

Its current condition is described as poor.

Sandhill Park, Bishop's Lydeard

A Grade II* listed country house built circa 1720. A fire in 2011 caused serious damage to the roof structure and top floor.

Historic England says that in 2013 planning permission was granted for an enabling development scheme which has now been completed, although works to the house did not commence.

A second phase of works for the conversion of the ancillary buildings and a new roof to the main house are in progress. Pre-application discussions continue in respect of the principal building as of 2021.

Its current condition is described as very bad.

READ MORE: Looking back: Fire at Sandhill Park, Bishop's Lydeard, in 2011

READ MORE: Sandhill Park bought by new company with plans for flats

Cricket House, Cricket St. Thomas/Winsham

A landscape park and pleasure grounds surrounding listed mansion, partly by Sir John Soane.

Under multiple ownership, with pressure for development from a large hotel and from farm diversification into the leisure market.

Historic England says parts of the park have been restored through a Natural England Stewardship Scheme.

Nonetheless its condition is described as generally satisfactory, but with significant localised problems.

Church of Holy Trinity, Dunkeswell

Historic England describes this as a parish church, built on the site of Dunkeswell Abbey Church in 1842.

It was built using local stone and flint rubble with Hamstone dressings and detail and a slate roof. The roofs have had substantial leaks which have caused significant water ingress.

This has damaged the internal plaster. The congregation reroofed the church in 2015, but considerable interior work is still required and glazing is also in poor condition.

Discussions over the future of the church are continuing with the Dunkeswell Abbey Preservation Trust and a new trust being formed for the church.

Its condition is described as poor.

Baptist Church, Bridgwater

Located on St Mary Street it was built in 1837 by Edwin Down.

Historic England says the high level stonework is in poor condition. Rainwater goods are also poor. The rear of the building has vegetation growth and the brickwork needs repointing.

Its condition is described as poor.

Castle House, Bridgwater

This house on Queen Street in the centre of Bridgwater was built in the early Tudor Revival style for William Ackerman in 1851.

Historic England says it is notable for the earliest surviving use of prefabricated cast concrete and constructional post tensioning.

The building has been in a structurally precarious condition and has had an arson attack. Owned by SAVE Building Preservation Trust.

Historic England has grant aided phases of repair with a final phase taking place in 2018. However the building remains empty while SAVE pursues a sustainable long term future for the building.