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Many of the historic buildings in the Portsmouth area are at risk of being lost forever.
Historic England has published 2026’s Heritage At Risk register, highlighting the landmarks which need immediate attention and preserving. Two structures have been added to this year’s list, with none being taken off.
The register covers all listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation areas, registered parks and gardens and other categories. Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, Co-CEOs of Historic England, said: “Our historic buildings and places help tell the story of where we live and contribute to the character and identity of local communities.
“Each year, the Heritage at Risk Register showcases the positive impact that restoring and reusing these special places can have. The most effective way to protect our buildings is to bring them back into use as places that create connection and enjoyment for local people.
“The sites saved and removed from the Register this year show what can be achieved when partners and communities work together to deliver positive, lasting change. By working together, we can protect our heritage for generations to come.”
Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross added: "Every part of the UK is bursting with history, so it is vital we protect the heritage sites at the heart of communities which help tell the stories of our nation. That’s why our £1.5bn Arts Everywhere Fund is so important, supporting efforts to save more than 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries, and heritage buildings across England.
“The Heritage at Risk Register plays a crucial role in identifying these historic places that need our support. This year’s Register is an important reminder of the pressures facing our historic environment, from ageing buildings and structural deterioration to the impacts of extreme weather. I want us to build on our progress to ensure our heritage is protected for generations to come.”
Here are 28 structures on the list. One of them not included in the gallery is the archaeological site of the Motte and bailey castle near Apple Dumpling Bridge, south of Rowner in Gosport.
13. No.5 and No.6 Dock - Basin No.1 at Portsmouth Dockyard
Docks 5 and 6 are part of a complex of late 18th century and early 19th century ship building and repairing docks with associated quay walls and mooring fixtures. Dock 6 is suffering from rotation, open mortar joints, water penetration through mitre gate and spalling stonework. Dock 5 has been flooded due to failure of the gates and is vulnerable to algal growth and saturation of stonework with risk of accelerated decay. Works to address water ingress at Dock 6 have been granted SMC and are due to be undertaken soon. This will allow for future conservation repair work to the dock and mitre gate. It has been given a priority C Grade, and is suffering from “slow decay". | Contributed
14. The Beneficial School (Groundlings Theatre), Kent Street, Portmouth
The Beneficial School of 1784 and 1836 is now in use as a venue by the Groundlings Theatre Trust. An updated condition survey has been completed which has identified problems including with the roof structure and windows. Some repairs to the front elevation have been successfully completed. Historic England, Theatres Trust, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Architectural Heritage Fund continue to offer guidance to the tenant and owner to secure repairs, maintenance and management of the building. | The News
15. Wymering Manor, Old Wymering Lane, Portsmouth
The Manor house with medieval fabric and later work - said to be one of Hampshire's most haunted buildings, was acquired by a Trust in 2013. A condition survey and an investigation into options for future sustainable uses have been completed with grant aid from Historic England and the Architectural Heritage Fund. The house is in need of some structural repair, general renovation and a new use. It currently hosts events including ghost hunts. Wymering Manor recently received a vital grant to bolster conservation efforts. | Malcolm Wells
16. Fort Widley
Fort Widley, one of the Palmerston forts, is still at risk but is being restored after vital funding was found. | Contributed