A total of 17 remarkable and unusual historic places have been granted protection in 2024 and across England, 256 historic places have been added to the National Heritage List for England.

Newly listed historic gems include: a revolutionary former maternity ward at Princess Royal Community Hospital in Huddersfield – its ‘bungalow style’ design and emphasis on infection control improved the lives of new mothers from the late 1920s; a Brutalist church built above a shopping centre in Bristol; three exceptionally rare 17th century chest tombs including a woman believed to have lived to 119 years old and the tomb of Mary Haddock whose seafaring son inspired the character of Captain Haddock in the ‘Adventures of Tintin’ comics.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “From rare 17th century chest tombs to a post-war church above the shops to a revolutionary former maternity ward benefiting new mothers, these remarkable places granted protection in 2024 show the diversity of England’s heritage. This festive season, we invite you to explore the historic places on your doorstep, add your stories and photos to the Missing Pieces Project and help us to celebrate what makes these places so special.”

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “Historic England’s annual listing roundup is a celebration of 12 months of hard work to protect and preserve some truly unique buildings and places that have helped shape our cultural history. Like all ‘best of’ year lists worth reading, I implore you to pour over these 17 wonderful places and go and experience some of them for yourself in the new year.”

THREE EXCEPTIONALLY RARE 17th CENTURY STONE CHEST TOMBS

In the churchyard of St Clement’s Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex are three exceptionally rare tombs with unusual stories to tell – a tomb of a woman believed to have lived to 119 years old; and two tombs with seafaring connections – including a link to the character of ‘Captain Haddock’ from the ‘Tintin’ comics.

Tomb of William Goodlad, in the churchyard of St Clement’s Church, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1AR (Grade II listed) LIST ENTRY

17th century English whaler William Goodlad achieved national significance developing British maritime routes, including charting the first whaling expedition to Norway. His elaborate tomb dates from 1639 and has carved panels and scrolls with inscriptions on either side celebrating his life and achievements. He was admiral of the Muscovy Company’s London whaling fleet from 1620 which dominated trade between England and Muscovy (Russia) until the Russian Revolution in 1917.  A year before he died, William Goodlad became Master of Trinity House, which oversaw coastal and river traffic around England.

Tomb of Mary Anna Haddock, in the churchyard of St Clement’s Church, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1AR (Grade II listed) LIST ENTRY

Mary Haddock’s tomb lies next to her father, William Goodlad. Built in 1688, her elaborate tomb with carved panels and tomb slab is notable as a single monument dedicated to a named woman in a period of gender inequality. This well-crafted monument highlights her status within the family of prominent seafarers she married into, with a family name and naval tradition that left a lasting cultural impact. Her legacy is extended through her son, Admiral Richard Haddock, who inspired the character of Captain Haddock in Herge’s ‘Adventures of Tintin’ comics, one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century.

Tomb of Mary Ellis, 5 metres south of the south porch of the Church of St Clements, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1AR (Grade II listed) LIST ENTRY

Tomb of Mary Ellis in St Clement’s churchyard. Listed at Grade II in 2024.
Image: Historic England Archive

The earliest tomb, erected in 1609, commemorates Mary Ellis, a woman who was believed to have lived to 119 years old. Known locally as the ‘Cutlass Stone’ due to its use for sharpening blades, this simple monument, dedicated to a single woman without a husband or children, stands as a remarkable challenge to 17th century gender norms.  While little is known of Ellis, the tomb’s inscription notes that she remained a virgin and was never married, while a plaque installed in around 1970 lauds her as ‘a virgin of virtuous courage and very promising hope’.

See the 2024 highlights here

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