Stately homes, a former tuberculosis hospital and the wartime home of RAF Fighter Command are among Herts buildings identified as at risk of being lost forever.
Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register provides an annual snapshot of the critical health of some of the country’s most valuable old buildings and sites.
Five sites around Watford and south West Herts feature in the register.
Little Cassiobury and former stable block
This late 17th century house built as a dower house to Cassiobury was last occupied as offices but has been empty for many years.
Various repairs have been carried out over this period.
The lease was taken from Hertfordshire County Council by Watford Borough Council, which accepted a Historic England Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk grant in 2016 to prepare a condition survey and Conservation Management Plan which has since been completed.
Discussions remain ongoing about the future use of the building.
Historic England says the condition of the house is poor, with a slow decay.
Langleybury House, Abbots Langley
Formerly being used as part of a school, the grade II-listed building dating from 1725 has been vacant since 1996.
Proposals for the repair of the house have yet to be implemented, and while use of the building for filming helps ensure its protection, Historic England says “the implementation of a comprehensive scheme remains desirable”.
It was said the condition is fair, but there is a slow decay.
Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood
The hospital was built in 1902 originally to treat tuberculosis patients, branching from the original Mount Vernon hospital in Hampstead.
While it’s still in use, the hospital is said to be in a “poor state of repair”.
Brick Kiln, near Common Road and Old Redding Road
Not pictured
Located on the outskirts of our area, is in urgent need of structural stabilisation and repair.
The lower part of a conical chimney is still intact, while the upper part no longer exists.
Bentley Priory, Stanmore
Royal Air Force Fighter Command occupied the mansion from 1936, which played a central role in World War II.
It has now been converted to a museum with residential units, and new housing in the grounds.
While the gardens and part of the grounds have been restored, there are still many elements that have issues yet to be resolved.
The condition is said to be generally satisfactory, but with significant localised problems and Historic England says it is potentially vulnerable.
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