‘Remarkable diversity’ of heritage sites celebrated

11 December 2025

Historic England Archive The Compass Point tower is lit up at twilight with a blue, pink, purple and orange sky behind it. The stone octagonal tower has a cross on the top of it and the lettering EAST above an open doorway which shows a narrow window without glass beyond. There is a visitors' guide board to the left of it. — The Compass Point tower in Bude has been moved twice in its history

The selection of heritage sites in the South and South West granted protected status this year has been celebrated for its “remarkable diversity”.

Historic England (HE) granted protection to two Arts-and-Crafts style properties, a shipwreck and a coastal tower among a number of other heritage structures recognised on the National Heritage List for England in 2025.

HE lists sites and structures of special architectural, historic or archaeological interest.

Claudia Kenyetta and Emma Squire, co-chief executives of HE said the protected places, which include the Compass Point Tower in Bude, “connect us to the people and events that shaped our communities”.

Sharlands House in Braunton was completed in 1912

Historic England Archive The entrance to Sharlands House, an Edwardian townhouse. There are granite steps leading up to two blue wooden gates and then leading up to a blue wooden door. There are narrow windows either side of the door and a larger window above it. Lights are on inside. There are two large granite chimneys. — Sharlands House in Braunton was completed in 1912

Ms Kenyetta and Ms Squire said: “These newly protected places demonstrate the remarkable diversity of England’s heritage.

“These sites reveal the fascinating history that surrounds us all.”

The 19th century Compass Point tower in Bude, known as the Pepperpot due to its shape, has had its listing updated to reflect that it has been moved for the second time in its history.

A conservation project moved it 394ft (120m) north east in response to cliff erosion.

The Pin Wreck, the underwater wreck of an admiralty mooring lighter off St Albans Head, has been listed as a scheduled monument as the only surviving example of its type of vessel.

The Summerhouse in Lyme Regis was designed by architect Arnold Bidlake Mitchel

Historic England Archive The summerhouse at Upper Cobb House is a tall rectangular granite tower which has windows wrapped around its top storey under a steep slate roof. The windows are lit. There is a wrought iron gate to the right and grass, shrubs and beech trees in the foreground. — The Summerhouse in Lyme Regis was designed by architect Arnold Bidlake Mitchel

Sharlands House in Braunton has been listed Grade II for its Arts and Crafts architecture, panelling, geometric designs and beaten copperwork.

The Summerhouse at Upper Cobb House in Lyme Regis has been upgraded to Grade II* due to its Arts and Crafts-style features.

Heritage minister Baroness Twycross said: “Britain’s heritage is as varied as it is brilliant, with each of these buildings playing a part in shaping our national story over the centuries.”

She said 199 heritage sites had been protected across England in 2025 and said she was “proud that we’re safeguarding our rich history so future generations can continue to enjoy it”.

Source link