An important Grade l-listed building in Worksop is officially 'rescued' and its future secured, following extensive work that has seen it put back in use for the first time in 25 years.

Worksop Priory Gatehouse has been officially removed from the Heritage at Risk Register, to which it was added in 1998 due to its deteriorating condition, leaking roof, falling plasterwork and faulty electrics.

Dating back to the early fourteenth century, the Gatehouse once formed the entrance to the medieval Worksop Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded in the early 12th century.

The Gatehouse survived the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII in 1539.

After 28 years, Worksop Priory Gatehouse has been officially removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

placeholder image — After 28 years, Worksop Priory Gatehouse has been officially removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

In 2023, the Shrine element of the building received a £111,771 grant from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme for repairs, but the rest of the building remained in a poor condition.

However, the following year saw emergency repairs carried out to the building's roof, and the installation of gates, enabled by money from Historic England's Heritage at Risk grant, with generous funding from Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Most recently, repairs last year were funded largely by a £263,540 grant from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.

The latest works included new flooring, lime plaster repairs to the ceiling in the main hall, a new kitchen and upgraded wiring and plumbing, to allow the building to be used as flexible community space.

Fran Walker, Chair of the Worksop Priory and Gatehouse Community Trust said: “We are delighted that the Gatehouse has been removed from the Heritage at Risk Register and is now back in use for the first time in 25 years.

"The support from Historic England, partners and local people in helping to save this special building gives us hope that it will continue to be cared for, used and valued for many generations to come.”

The Rev'd Canon Nicolas Spicer, Vicar of Worksop Priory with Carburton and Clumber, added: “After years of dedicated hard work by a small group of people we are delighted for the Priory congregation, this community and town that work on the Ancient Gatehouse means it is no longer on the buildings at risk register.

“During the monastic period of the Priory the Gatehouse was an important place of hospitality and welcome in the area.

"We now enter a new phase in its history where it's hoped that once more this iconic building can provide a space of hospitality, learning, and rest to locals and visitors alike.”

The Heritage at Risk Register 2026 gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places.

In the Midlands, 58 sites have been added to the Register this year and 13 sites have been rescued.

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.

“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.”

Historic England spent £1.76 million in grants for support and repairs to 27 sites on the Heritage at Risk Register during 2025 to 2026 .