WEYMOUTH town centre is one of more than 200 historical sites across Dorset that has been classed as ‘at risk’ of becoming lost in time, writes Alex Cutler.

Historic England has published its National Heritage at Risk Register for 2020, with historic sites, churches and landmarks across Dorset making the list.

Among the sites most at risk of being lost to neglect, decay, inappropriate development and other reasons is Weymouth town centre. The heritage site includes a conservation area, 361 listed buildings and a scheduled monument but its assets are deemed to be ‘deteriorating significantly’ with many in ‘very bad’ condition.

Cllr Graham Winter, Mayor of Weymouth, has called for more support for the town’s historical sites. He said: “Weymouth has a rich historical heritage. Traditionally Weymouth has a seaside town image, but within the town itself there are historical buildings like the Nothe Fort and Tudor buildings. This is something that needs more promoting to make something out of our historical heritage.

“I would welcome any support from local organisations and drum up support financially for those areas that are considered to be in need of enhancement or improvement, or any initiative to make Weymouth a better place.

“They are very important. It’s certainly something that needs to be, it should be, on our priority list because of the situation we are in at the moment. A lot of people are having to stay at home for holidays and stuff like that, we can encourage people to come to Weymouth to enjoy – yes the beach – but also the history.

“The Civic Society is fantastic and maybe it would be a good chance for these groups to get together and see if we can get the public on board.The bottom line is, the town has to generate its own income because of government cut backs, and to promote the history and the culture would help do that.”

Joining Weymouth on the list of sites deemed ‘at risk’ is Swanage, which includes a conservation area, 88 listed buildings, a scheduled monument and a World Heritage Site. Like Weymouth it is said to be ‘deteriorating’ and in ‘very bad’ condition, but is deemed to have a ‘low’ vulnerability compared to Weymouth’s ‘medium’ ranking,

Kingston Maurward is also on the list, with its grade II* listed park and gardens and eight listed buildings being deemed ‘generally satisfactory but with minor localised problems’.

The north lodges of Lulworth Castle, dating back to 1785, are deemed to be in ‘poor condition’ but the estate is exploring possible funding for their repair. Sherborne House is also included on the list.

A number of Roman sites are also listed, including a villa in Bradford Abbas, surviving sections of an aqueduct in Bradford Peverell and several sections of Roman roads.A number of churches also feature on the list, including Maiden Street Methodist Church in Weymouth, Church of St Peter on Portland and Church of All Saints on Portland.

However, a number of sites have been saved from ruin, including barrows near Studland.

The full Heritage at Risk Register is at historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk