THE library and tower at one of Maldon town centre's most familiar buildings has been placed on Historic England's 'Heritage at Risk' register.

News was released yesterday (15 October) that the Plume Library building, including the tower of the former Church of St Peter, situated on the corner of the High Street and Market Hill, has been added to the East of England list.

The library is housed in the upper storey of the building built for it and attached to the tower – the lower part of the building is home to the Maeldune Centre and is not included in the 'at risk' listing as the areas of concern are focussed on the tower and the lath and plaster ceiling of the library.

The library may now qualify for grant aid for the urgent repairs

It is now hoped that the library will benefit from grant aid from Historic England.

A summary provided by Historic England reads: "The Grade I listed Plume Library is one of the oldest public libraries in the country, containing over 7,000 volumes, mostly from the 16th and 17th Centuries. The late 17th Century library was built on the site of the former church of St Peter, of which only the 14th Century tower now remains.

"Purpose-built libraries of this period are extremely rare."

The report continues: "The lath and plaster ceiling over the library is at risk of collapse. There is evidence of possible structural movement and cracking in various parts of the building.

"Historic England is currently assessing an application for grant aid towards urgent repairs as Maldon Town Council and The Plume Library Trust have raised approximately £80,000 to put towards this very urgent work."

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The library was gifted to the town by Dr Thomas Plume, who was born in Maldon, on his death in 1704.

A previous Maldon Nub News feature on the library

For more about the historic Plume Library you can read a previous feature by Maldon Nub News here.