Dr Jenner’s hut – Birth of vaccinations needs urgent repairs

Urgent work is needed to repair the birthplace of vaccinations in Dr Edward Jenner’s garden.

The historical hut in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, is where Dr Jenner performed the first vaccinations against smallpox in 1796.

Historic England has added Dr Jenner’s hut to its Heritage at Risk Register 2025 because extensive repairs are needed to the thatch roof, rear wall and chimney.

Two other historic monuments in Gloucester have been saved after restoration works, including the 10th Century church St Oswald’s Priory and the largest surviving historic timber-framed townhouse in the country.

James Rodliff, museum director of Dr Jenner’s House, said the summer house was built for Dr Jenner to relax, “where he could escape from his work – he was a workaholic”.

“But he decided to turn it into the first ever vaccination clinic. It didn’t matter their background, class, or social status, but he gave the vaccination to everyone for free.

“The legacy is the eradication of smallpox globally – the only disease ever to be eradicated fully. And it all started here in Gloucestershire in Dr Jenner’s House in Berkeley,” he added.

Mr Rodliff said the museum was working with Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund on an “ambitious” restoration of the whole site.

But the first priority is to restore his hut, which he describes as “one of the most important buildings in England”.

Two other Gloucestershire historic buildings have been saved and removed from the risk register thanks to restoration works.

In May, repairs were made to Grade-I listed 26 Westgate in Gloucester, thanks to a £314,163 grant from Historic England.

The merchant’s house is the largest surviving historic timber-framed townhouse in the country, dating back to the 16th Century.

It was an important building for cloth merchants next to the main market area on Westgate Street during the medieval period.

The other historic asset no longer at risk is St Oswald’s Priory in Gloucester, which dates back to about 900 AD.

The rare example of early medieval religious architecture has been targeted by vandals.

But a £20,000 grant from Historic England and £16,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has allowed Gloucester City Council to carry out restoration works.