St Peter’s Church among 199 new additions to National Heritage List

New Additions to the National Heritage List Highlight England’s Diverse History

In 2025, Historic England added nearly 200 locations to the National Heritage List, showcasing the country’s rich and varied history. Among these newly recognized sites are significant religious structures, such as the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, which has been elevated from Grade II* to the prestigious Grade I status.

Though lesser-known, St Peter’s Church in Littlebury Green, Essex, stands out as a unique example of 19th-century architecture. Described by Historic England as a “gem of corrugated iron, faith and rural ingenuity,” this Victorian-era ‘tin tabernacle’ was constructed in 1885 to serve those living far from their parish church. These prefabricated buildings were known for their quick and easy assembly.

While most structures of this kind have been dismantled or relocated, St Peter’s Church remains in its original location and largely preserved in its initial form. Beyond its practical design, the church boasts decorative elements, including two ornate chairs and Stations of the Cross paintings that date back to its founding.

The chancel arch’s exterior is adorned with a tin border featuring a scroll design. Inscribed in black, the border quotes Psalms 26:6, stating, ‘I WILL WASH MY HANDS IN INNOCENCY/AND SO WILL I GO TO THINE ALTAR,’ with ‘innocency’ and ‘thine altar’ highlighted in red.

Additional sites honored include a burial mound in the Yorkshire Dales, potentially dating to 3,400 BC, a Victorian shipwreck off the coast of Dorset, and World War Two-era “Dragon’s Teeth” in Surrey—concrete structures designed to thwart enemy tanks.

Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire, Co-CEOs of Historic England, remarked, “These newly protected places demonstrate the remarkable diversity of England’s heritage. They connect us to the people and events that shaped our communities.”

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross commented, “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.”