Berkshire's Aldermaston Court joins endangered buildings list

BBC News

22-05-2025

A Victorian mansion with an "extraordinary" history that includes being involved in Britain's atomic research programme has been placed on a list of the county's most endangered buildings.Aldermaston Court, in Berkshire, has been added to the Victorian Society's list of 10 buildings in need of protection in the UK.It said the history of the manor house's estate dates back to 1299, and most recently it was a hotel until 2008.Morgan Ellis Leah, from the society, said: "We can only preserve our historic buildings when we use them."
Society director James Hughes said: "Aldermaston Court is a remarkable building with a lofty historical and architectural legacy. "From its medieval roots to its role in Britain's nuclear history, this estate has shaped and reflected our past in profound ways."It must not be allowed to deteriorate further."
The 19th-Century Aldermaston Court features a Jacobean ornate staircase, stained glass, and chimney stacks.It was commissioned by Daniel Higford Davall Burr who was renown for keeping exotic pets such as snakes and monkeys.During World War Two, it became a barracks for the Women's Land Army and the United States Air Force, complete with anti-aircraft batteries.After the war, the site was adapted for scientific research, and became a focus for anti-nuclear marches when the adjacent airfield evolved into the UK's Atomic Weapons Research Establishment.Ms Ellis Leah said: "People think these buildings are expensive and I think we're scared when we hear the word expense. "It is important that we preserve what we have because there is a reason they are still standing."This building has meant a lot to people, particularly over the last 100 years the fact that it is still standing is a real testament to that social fabric."When we knock that away and we turn it into rumble, we completely eradicate that history.""We must preserve these buildings for future generations."
Griff Rhys Jones OBE, Victorian Society President, said: "A lengthy period of inactivity is dangerous for the building and wholly unnecessary."It currently remains unoccupied and has been up for sale for five years with Vail Williams, the society said.They have had interest from education establishment, training centres, film studios, corporates wanting to build a bespoke facility, residential developers, house converters and hotel leisure users.
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