The unoccupied wing of the Saracen’s Head Hotel in Southwell has been declared ‘at risk’ by English Heritage.

The Saracen’s Head, a key town centre site, well known landmark in Southwell, and a Grade 2* listed building, has been dated at circa 1460 with early and late C19 and C20 alterations and additions. The Hotel was where King Charles I spent his last night in freedom before surrendering to the Scottish troops.

The unused north range is a ‘two storey six bay range of timber-framed close studding with brick underbuild and nogging’. English Heritage say that its ‘irregular fenestration’ and other parts of the building have ‘some decay’. There is collapse of the lime ash floor and limited penetration by vegetation.

Some years ago, the Southwell Heritage Groups worked together  to lease the north wing as a museum site. This would have included a restoration of the wing, and opening it up for visitors. However, Greene King did not agree a long lease, so the plan fell.

Saracens Head North Wing - declared 'at risk'

The local District Council has just applied for a £3.4m grant from the Lottery for a new Museum on the Civil War in Newark – whilst a key building in the history of the Civil War is now being invaded by ‘vegetation’

It is time that Greene King repaired the north wing, and got its property back in order. Having a key landmark being listed as ‘at risk’ is not good for Greene King who says it wants to support the town, or for the town itself.