Historic Buildings & Places

@hbap1924.bsky.social

We champion historic buildings and places of all ages and all types and work to provide a sustainable future for them.

The recent hot weather has left the lawns surrounding Salisbury Cathedral and Choristers' Square looking noticeably parched. These photographs, taken by our Caseworker Ross, show Salisbury Cathedral and Choristers' Square, home to an outstanding collection of Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings.

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The former Greencore factory, Evercreech — a c.1770 farm site turned 1891 creamery, and a rare survival of vernacular farm/industrial buildings. A second redevelopment scheme now threatens them, claiming reuse isn't viable. Castle Cary's restored Creamery says otherwise. 📷️ : Google Street View

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A rare piece of railway heritage is looking for a new future. Grade II listed Torre Signal Box in Torquay was built in 1921–22 for the Great Western Railway and still retains historic features, including surviving signalling equipment. Images: © Derek Harper, Tim Marshall (cc-by-sa/2.0)

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Casework Update: 🍻 One for your next pub crawl! The Test Match Hotel near Trent Bridge is a Grade II* listed #ArtDeco pub, celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved interiors. (1/2) Image 1: Test Match Hotel (credit Dave Pickersgill); Image 2: Interior of Test Match Hotel, (credit Greene King)

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We've objected to plans to demolish 68–69 Fenchurch Street. We believe this Edwardian building should be adapted, not demolished. The proposal would harm the character of the Lloyd's Avenue Conservation Area, and alternatives have not been properly explored. (1/2)

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Today, our team member Ross visited Grade II-listed St John's Seminary in Surrey to explore options for its future reuse. Opened in 1891, it was the first – and remains the only – purpose-built Catholic seminary built in England since the Reformation. An extraordinary building! #Heritage

This photo is from 2022 — the reality today is thought to be worse. Castle Hedingham's Grade II* chapel (Essex, 1832) is approaching its second decade of disuse. The organ has since been stolen; more pews have gone. An approved single-house conversion found no buyer after 50 viewings. (1/2)

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Did you know one of Cambridge's most remarkable historic libraries is hidden behind an elegant classical façade? The Pepys Building at Magdalene College was constructed over three decades from the late 17th century and remains home to the extraordinary library of Samuel Pepys.

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A church designed to also be a landmark. Built in the 1750s for Hartwell House, St Mary's Church in Buckinghamshire is an early example of Gothic Revival architecture. Though now a roofless ruin, its octagonal form, rose windows and pinnacles still make a striking impression.

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A proposed accessibility scheme at the Grade II listed Sandbach Literary Institution risks damaging its historic octagonal stair tower. HB&P has recommended an options appraisal to find a conservation-led solution that improves access without compromising the building. 🏛️ 📷: Ian Tresman

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