Buildings at Risk
Welcome to the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register 2007
The Register, published annually, brings together information on all Grade I and II* listed buildings, and Scheduled Ancient Monuments (structures rather than earthworks), known to English Heritage to be ‘at risk' through neglect and decay, or vulnerable to becoming so. In addition, Grade II listed buildings at risk in London are included.
To search the database of Buildings at Risk click on
Search the BAR Register; alternatively, click on
Publications to view the Register in PDF format.
Most of the buildings and structures are in poor to very bad condition, but a few in fair condition are also included, usually because they have become functionally redundant or are vulnerable, making their future uncertain.
Inclusion in the Register implies no criticism of the owners of the buildings and monuments concerned, many of whom are actively seeking ways to secure their future.
Very few buildings on the Register are for sale; however, if you are looking to purchase a building at risk, click on Links.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that information was accurate at the time of publication, the Register can only be a snapshot in time; some errors and omissions are inevitable, particularly as the Register is published annually. We welcome further information and corrections.
The Register is not an end in itself. It is intended to keep attention focused on neglected historic buildings and monuments. It is a working tool that enables us to define the scale of the problem and establish the extent to which these important buildings are at risk. This information helps us to establish the resources necessary to bring these buildings back into good repair and, where appropriate, beneficial use, and to prioritise action by English Heritage, local authorities, building preservation trusts, funding bodies, and everyone who can play a part in securing the future of these outstanding and irreplaceable parts of our heritage.
We work closely with local planning authorities, who are the primary custodians of the historic environment in their areas. Many local authorities also maintain and use buildings at risk lists of their own, and follow best practice by monitoring the condition of all their historic buildings, the majority of which are listed Grade II. They strive to foresee problems likely to arise, taking action to prevent vulnerable buildings sliding into decay, as well as to address those which are at risk.
Our role is primarily to provide practical advice (see Publications) and resources to help owners and local authorities to secure the future of important buildings at risk.
Our direct involvement in particular cases must necessarily be determined by the importance of the building, the scale and complexity of the issues which it raises, and the experience of the local authority concerned. In problematic cases, we can help with analysis of the issues, investigation of the feasibility of options, brokering solutions, and on occasion grant aid. Details and application forms for our grant schemes to help local authorities to serve Urgent Works and Repairs Notices are available from our Regional Offices.
In very exceptional circumstances, we can ourselves acquire and repair buildings and monuments and where appropriate, bring them back into beneficial use in order to secure a new owner. This is considered, where feasible, the best way of ensuring the long term future of historic buildings.
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