Condition check on High Peak's historical buildings and monuments

Robert Largan MP (centre) with James Beressford (right), chairman of the Buxton Crescent and Thermal Spa Heritage Trust, and Jennifer Spencer (left), board trustee of the Buxton Crescent and Thermal Spa Heritage Trust.

The critical health of ancient gems and those at most risk of being lost feature in an annual register compiled by Historic England.

HIgh Peak treasures highlighted in the report include The Crescent in Buxton, the Terminal Warehouse in Whaley Bridge, Torr Vale Mill in New Mills, the Stodhart Tunnel in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Melandra Castle Roman Fort, near Glossop, Cowdale Quarry in King Sterndale and the Church of St Edmund in Castleton.

The Crescent’s transformation into a luxury hotel, with substantial financial backing from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, is flagged up in the register.

Volunteers from the Whaley Bridge Canal Group are credited for maintaining the Terminal Warehouse over the past seven years. The building, which is currently vacant, is being opened for public events.

Torr Vale Mill is described as a remarkable survival of an 18th century textile factory which now houses a business, an events venue and holiday accommodation.

However, the Stodhart Tunnel which is believed to be the oldest surviving rail related tunnel in the world, has water penetrating the roof and attached walls bowing due to tree roots.

Cowdale Quarry is described as having several standing structures in very bad condition and that unauthorised access and damage has been reported.

The register states says that the Melandra Castle fort is deteriorating and needs management while blocked drains and poor rainwater goods are an ongoing problem at the church in Castleton.

Historic England focus their resources on the sites where they can make the biggest difference, working with partners to find creative solutions for buildings and monuments.

Robert Largan MP said: “Few things capture our sense of community better than our heritage. We are lucky to enjoy so many special pieces of history in High Peak, and we have a responsibility to hand that heritage on to the next generation. That is why I am backing Historic England’s campaign to preserve these wonderful places.”