Legacy
The Sherborne is removed from the Heritage at risk register
Historic England has today revealed its Heritage at Risk Register 2024.
One hundred twenty-four sites have been saved and The Sherborne is one of these.
The Register provides an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places, helping to ensure their protection and continued enjoyment.
Historic England works closely with partners and communities across the country to breathe new life into the places that need it most. This year alone, 30 sites have been rescued and their futures secured in the South West.
Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The Heritage at Risk Register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country. Many beloved sites have been removed from the list this year and I hope that more will be saved thanks to their inclusion this year.”
Between 1932 and 1992 Sherborne House was used as a school and remained in low-key use after the school closed, but its condition deteriorated. The Sherborne House Trust acquired the building in 2018 and plans for its transformation into an arts venue were approved in 2021.
Its revival is a testament to the extraordinary generosity and drive of Michael Cannon.
His vision for Sherborne House was realised in the spring of 2024 and continues to be built upon, marking a significant chapter in the history of this heritage landmark.
Led by local architecture practice SPASE, discreet structural repairs were completed first, followed by a carefully researched and implemented restoration of the interiors. Finally, specialist conservation of Thornhill’s murals has allowed full and permanent public access to these important paintings for the first time.
A sensitively-designed pavilion extension to the rear of the house will support its new use. The use of local materials including handmade bricks and Sherborne stone helps the new purpose-built structure harmonise with the house and wider landscape.
Jenny Chesher, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas at Historic England, said: “After more than 20 years of seeing Sherborne House in a sad and dilapidated condition with no viable use, it is very rewarding to see it brought back to life and transformed into a vibrant community asset, with its status restored as one of Sherborne’s foremost historic buildings.”
Stefan Pitman, Founder, SPASE, said: ‘This building is of such historical significance and has been a landmark in Sherborne for centuries – it even played host to Charles Dickens, whilst William Macready took tenancy of the building. Preserving its historical integrity whilst ushering it into a new era for the town is a huge honour and we are delighted to now see it rightfully removed from the Heritage at Risk register”.
Heritage brings local communities together, inspires creativity, and boosts economic growth. A report published in 2024 shows that the heritage sector in the South West contributes £3.6 billion to the economy and employs 47,000 people annually (2022). In 2023, heritage tourism generated £2.5 billion in spending in the South West.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “Heritage is so important to the South West. It plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy. This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most. It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people across the South West. Together, we can save our places and find new ways to enjoy the heritage that people value so much.”
