Fourth Century castle and 600-year-old school 'at risk'

A Grade I-listed castle that is more than 1,600 years old has been added to the latest at-risk register published by Historic England.

Tamworth Castle, which was home to Mercian kings before the Normans re-built it in the 11th Century, is one of 13 West Midlands sites added to the register and is one of the best-preserved motte-and-bailey castles in England.

Also at risk is the Grade II*-listed Kings Norton Old Grammar School in Birmingham, which was the winner of BBC2's Restoration Live, in 2004.

In total, there are 399 entries on the Heritage at Risk Register in the West Midlands in 2024, Historic England (HE) said, having allocated £1.1m to be used for repairs.

The full list covers the whole of England, which HE says provides a snapshot of the health of properties and places across the country considered to be important.

Tamworth Castle has featured in the paintings of J.M.W Turner, the writings of Sir Walter Scott, and has entertained visitors as a museum since 1899, HE said.

It has been added to the list because structural instability has left it in need of extensive repairs.

The school in Kings Norton also has a rich history having, among other things, survived an arson attack in 1913.

While Emmeline Pankhurst was on trial at the Old Bailey that year, her supporters had set fire to buildings around the country in protest, and the school was one they targeted.

The following morning however, a note was found on a blackboard, which read: "Two Suffragists have entered here, but charmed with this old-world room, have refrained from their design of destruction."

In the West Midlands however, there are 12 sites that HE now lists as having been saved.

This includes Hunningham Bridge, in Warwickshire, after two collisions in 2015 left it partially demolished, with another crash by a farm vehicle in August, causing more damage.

However, repairs and new measures to prevent repeat incidents mean the bridge is no longer on the at-risk list, HE said.

Also considered safe is Ecton Copper Mine in Staffordshire, which was once the most advanced and deepest mining site in the country.

This year saw the conclusion of nearly two decades of repair works, meaning it can be removed from the at risk register.

Also at risk is Grade II* listed Ellesmere Boatyard in Shropshire which was established in 1806 and is the UK’s oldest operational canal-yard.

Today, it serves as a home of the Canal & River Trust charity.

It was added to the at-risk list because a Grade II* listed timber store and engine house is seen as being in immediate danger of decay.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.