Saxon Church in Norfolk Removed from Heritage at Risk Register

The Church of St Peter in Forncett, Norfolk, has been removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register following the completion of extensive restoration work. Dating back to the 10th century, the church is noted for its Saxon round tower, which is considered among the finest in the country. The building had been listed as at risk since 2019 due to deteriorating masonry and roof conditions, leading to its closure in 2022. It officially reopened to the public last month.

This restoration is part of a broader effort by Historic England, which spent over £12 million in grants during the past year to preserve historic sites. While 85 locations were successfully removed from the register this year, 197 new sites were added, including Hastings Castle. Currently, there are 4,991 entries on the register, with places of worship accounting for 1,041 of those sites. Officials emphasized that community collaboration remains essential for protecting these historic structures and ensuring they continue to serve local populations.