The humble garden hut in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, where Edward Jenner pioneered the first smallpox vaccinations, has been added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. Known as the "Temple of Vaccinia," this unassuming structure is recognized as the birthplace of immunology, marking a pivotal moment in global public health.

Urgent Repairs Needed for a Historic Landmark

Built from brick and rubble stone with a simple thatched roof, Jenner's hut is in dire need of repairs to its roof, rear wall, and chimney. Historic England, in collaboration with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is spearheading efforts to restore this iconic site. Claudia Kenyatta, co-chief executive of Historic England, emphasized the hut's historical importance, noting its role as the world's first vaccination clinic.

A Legacy of Global Impact

In 1796, Jenner used the hut to conduct groundbreaking experiments that led to the development of the smallpox vaccine. By inoculating an eight-year-old boy with material from cowpox blisters, Jenner demonstrated immunity to smallpox, a deadly disease at the time. This revolutionary work laid the foundation for the eventual eradication of smallpox, the only human disease to be completely eradicated.

Preserving Gloucestershire's Heritage

While Jenner's hut awaits restoration, two other historic sites in Gloucestershire have been successfully preserved. St Oswald's Priory, dating back to around 900 AD, and a 16th-century timber-framed townhouse in Gloucester have both been removed from the risk register following extensive restoration efforts. These projects underscore the importance of preserving the region's rich historical legacy.