Historic England Confirms New Protected Sites Across the South West for 2025

Historic England has revealed five unusual and remarkable historic places granted protection across the South West in 2025, including a Cornwall landmark moved twice to escape the sea. They form part of 27 buildings and sites added to the National Heritage List for England this year, with 199 listed nationally.

Below are the standout additions, along with an invitation for the public to help complete their stories through the Missing Pieces Project.

You can share memories, photos and more at the Missing Pieces Project.

Protected Highlights Across the South West

Among this year’s most striking listings are two Arts and Crafts buildings, one of England’s earliest Quaker burial grounds, an exceptionally rare shipwreck and a much loved Cornish tower that has been relocated twice to escape the sea.

Arts and Crafts Gems in Dorset and Devon

Two striking Arts and Crafts style buildings made the List this year.

The summerhouse at Upper Cobb House, Lyme Regis, Dorset
Designed by Arnold Bidlake Mitchell for his own garden, this Grade II listed summerhouse overlooks Lyme Bay. The building sits within terraced gardens alongside Upper Cobb House, a Grade II* marine villa, and Umbrella Cottage, a Grade II circular outbuilding. The composition reflects more than a century of architectural evolution, with the summerhouse praised for its beauty, simplicity and close connection to its setting.

📷Summerhouse at Upper Cobb House, Sidmouth Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset. General view of summerhouse by architect Arnold Mitchell in the garden of Upper Cobb House, built in the early C20 in the Arts and Crafts style, listed at Grade II. View from the south-east.- Copyright Historic England Archive.

Sharlands House, Braunton, Devon
Completed in 1912, Sharlands House was designed by Godfrey A E Schwabe for artist Thomas A Falcon. Built in a bold Georgian revival style, the house features marble flooring, panelling, beaten copperwork and decorative panels created by Thomas. The property reflects a period when artistic and scientific communities flourished in the countryside, with the intended aesthetic preserved more than 100 years later.

📷Sharlands House, Sharlands Lane, Braunton, Devon. Interior view of the drawing room with panelled double-leaf sliding doors to the former dining room. Either side of the double doors are painted panels of geometric design by painter and silversmith Thomas A Falcon RBA. View from the south-east. - Copyright Historic England Archive.

One of England’s Earliest Quaker Burial Grounds

Quaker Burial Ground, Lower Hazel, South Gloucestershire
Dating from 1656, this Grade II listed burial ground is among the earliest Quaker sites in the country and has been in continuous use for over 365 years. Established when Anglican churches often refused nonconformists, the site reflects Quaker preferences for simplicity and humility. Several markers bear only initials, and the boundary walls remain modest. The area saw early adoption of Quakerism, with preachers John Audland and John Camm drawing many converts in the 1650s.

Exceptionally Rare Shipwreck off Dorset

Pin Wreck, off St Albans Head, Dorset
This scheduled monument is the only known surviving example of a 19th century steam mooring lighter. Known as the Pin Wreck for the copper bolts scattered across the seabed, it lies 27 metres underwater and is believed to be Yard Craft 8, lost in 1903. Mooring lighters once handled the heavy chains and anchors used to secure ships in harbours. Only four steam powered examples operated in the late Victorian period. The wreck was recommended for protection after archaeological surveys by Bournemouth University.

📷Copyright Historic England Archive.

Cornwall’s Storm Tower Saved Again

Bude Storm Tower, Compass Point, Bude, Cornwall
The distinctive octagonal tower, known as the Pepperpot, has had its listing amended after being moved a second time to escape cliff erosion. Built in 1835 and inspired by the ancient Tower of the Winds in Athens, it was first relocated in 1881. This year, the tower was moved 120 metres north east to avoid the imminent threat of collapse due to climate change. Originally commissioned by Sir Thomas Dyke Acland as a coastguard lookout and refuge, it was listed at Grade II in 1985. Its updated entry now reflects the new location and construction details.

📷The Storm Tower, Efford Down, Bude, Cornwall. General view of storm tower lit at twilight, designed by George Wightwick in 1835 as a coastguard watchtower, refuge and signalling point. Due to coastal erosion the building was demolished, re-sited and rebuilt further inland in 2023-4. View from east.- Copyright Historic England Archive.

National Heritage List Totals for 2025

Additions in 2025:
• Listings: 173
• Scheduled Monuments: 21
• Parks and Gardens: 5
Total: 199

Amendments in 2025:
• Listings: 90
• Scheduled Monuments: 36
• Parks and Gardens: 3
Total: 129

Historic England’s Call to the Public

Historic England is encouraging people to share stories, photos, drawings, audio and memories that relate to these places.

Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire, Co CEOs of Historic England, said:
“These newly protected places demonstrate the remarkable diversity of England’s heritage. They connect us to the people and events that shaped our communities. From ancient burial sites to shipwrecks and wartime defences to post modernist buildings, street furniture and Arts and Crafts gardens, these sites reveal the fascinating history that surrounds us all.”

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said:
“Britain’s heritage is as varied as it is brilliant, with each of these buildings playing a part in shaping our national story over the centuries.

“This year alone we have protected 199 heritage sites, from neolithic cairns in the Yorkshire Dales to the fabulous Catholic Cathedrals in the heart of Liverpool. I’m proud that we’re safeguarding our rich history so future generations can continue to enjoy it.”

Historic England says the stories of these places remain incomplete without personal recollections. Contributions can be shared online at the Missing Pieces Project over the festive season.

📷The Storm Tower, Efford Down, Bude, Cornwall. General view of storm tower lit at twilight, designed by George Wightwick in 1835 as a coastguard watchtower, refuge and signalling point. Due to coastal erosion the building was demolished, re-sited and rebuilt further inland in 2023-4. View from east. - Copyright Historic England Archive.