A SITE which dates back more than 2,000 years has been included on an annual register which compiles a list of buildings and monuments at risk of being lost for good.

Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register for 2024 - which was published yesterday - provides an annual snapshot of the health of valued buildings and places in a bid to ensure they can be protected and continue to be enjoyed in the future.

The Chronicle can reveal that Barnsley has 13 sites included but a notable new addition - the Romano-British settlement on Finkle Street in Wortley - has been added due to its importance.

It was discovered in 1981 - accidentally - by then landowner, Paul Cory, who was digging a hole for a fence post.

He uncovered a piece of mosaic flooring and pieces of painted wall plaster.

Local historians opened a trench which revealed two rooms of a bathhouse, together with considerable quantities of pottery and bone.

Coun Robert Barnard, who represents the Penistone East ward, said: “It’s very special yet it’s a little-known site to many, but it’s clearly an extremely important part of our local history.

“Its inclusion on the list will hopefully bring it back to people’s attention - it would be great to see it protected.”

Two years after its discovery, the site was taken over by Keele University as a training excavation for students from not only England but from various parts of the world.

It continued to be a training excavation site until 1996 but has since been overtaken by foliage.

St Helen’s Church in Thurnscoe; St Peter’s Church on Brinckman Street near the town centre; Cannon Hall; an anti-aircraft gunsite at Lowfield Farm; East Gawber Colliery’s fanhouse; Grimethorpe Hall; Wentworth Castle’s gunroom; Knabbe’s Hall, Silkstone; Low Mill Furnace, Cawthorne; a water-powered bloomery at Low Forge, Wortley; Worsbrough’s conservation area and Elsecar Ironworks all retained their place on this year’s list.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance.

“Heritage is so important as it plays a vital role in our society and boosts the regional economy.

“This year, we have seen partners and communities come together to help save the historic buildings and places that need it the most.

“It’s inspirational to see how we can harness the power of our heritage to benefit local people.”

One of the Barnsley sites deemed to be most at risk of crumbling is Grimethorpe Hall, which dates back to 1670 and has been derelict for 60 years.

Following a visit from officers from Historic England, the building was labelled as requiring ‘extensive repairs’ due to criminal damage - which has seen tiles stolen - and water ingress due to its patched-up roof.

University of Sheffield’s architecture students have used the Brierley Road building as the key aspect of a degree module, identifying ways in which it could be brought back to life, bringing it back to local residents’ attention, including Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock.

She added: “It’s really important that we protect local sites like these to respect the history of the area.

“I have met with Historic England, and been in contact with local residents, about the future of Grimethorpe Hall and the possibilities for the future of the site.

“I was pleased to organise a meeting alongside representatives from Historic England and Barnsley Council to discuss the different options and possibilities to restore the hall to use.

“I have also contacted Historic England to offer my support.”

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant praised the impact of the annual report and revealed many sites previously identified have been removed from the endangered list due to new rescue initiatives being started - and finished - in some cases.

“There’s an abundance of heritage sites across the country that attract people,” he added.

“Many of these are in desperate need of support.

“The register plays a vital role in our ongoing mission to protect and preserve our rich heritage across the country.

“Many beloved sites have been removed from the list this year and I hope that more will be saved thanks to their inclusion this year.”