Two buildings dating back to the 15th century are at risk of being lost in Lincolnshire because of decay and neglect, according to the national body that monitors them.
Hussey Tower in Boston and The Harlequin in Lincoln’s Steep Hill are considered under in such peril they have been added to the Heritage at Risk Register which is compile each year by Historic England.
Jay Jackson, public engagement manager at the body, said: “This means the buildings are at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.”
Hussey Tower was built around 1450 by Richard Benyngton, collector of customs and excise in Boston. The Harlequin was an inn and is also thought to have been built in the 1400s.
The two buildings are among 155 new sites across the country that Historic England believes to have fallen into risk with others ranging from monuments and historic parks to conservation areas and places of worship.
Ben Robinson, a heritage at risk adviser and TV presenter, encouraged people in Lincolnshire to “lobby local councils to address heritage at risk in their neighbourhoods”.
He told LSJ News: “There are church friends groups and trusts to help manage specific buildings who are always looking for members. Joining and supporting Heritage Lincolnshire, which is an active building preservation trust, is a good way to help look after England’s heritage.”
Heritage Lincolnshire is now looking at the work it can do to keep Hussey Tower and The Harlequin safe following their listing.
Alice Ullathorne, from the trust, said: “It is key that we use the register to work out where to use our resources.
“Using the register is one of the ways that we can help communities seek funding or identify the project that needs to be delivered.
“The buildings being on the register makes it easier to get funding, which is the main challenge we face when working to restore the buildings listed.”
She added: “Heritage Lincolnshire relies on local people to help because they are the people that develop solutions and they’ll be the ones using the services that come out of those buildings in the long term.”
