Charles Dickens's writing chalet added to Heritage at Risk Register

Historic England has revealed its Heritage at Risk Register 2026, its annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places.

Over the past year, 197 historic buildings and sites have been added to the Register because Historic England believes they are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development. Among them is Charles Dickens's writing chalet in Rochester, Kent, which it describes as "increasingly fragile and needs repair", although happily Shedworking revealed earlier this year that it had been given a major financial lifeline from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Over the past year 85 sites have had their futures secured via the hard work of local communities, charities, owners and funders. These included Dr Jenner’s Hut, the birthplace of vaccination in the Garden of the Chantry in Gloucestershire, following its addition to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2025.  

Pic courtesy Medway Council

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