Market Hotel on Station Street Birmingham. Photo: Stephen Hartland

The Society is absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State and Historic England have agreed to back our Birmingham Conservation Adviser’s call for the listing of the former Market Hotel (now the Comfort Inn), on the corner of Station Street in Birmingham. The signature terracotta building has been listed at Grade II. The building is now the third listed building on the street.

Station Street is currently the subject of a vigorous community campaign to protect the buildings on the street which include significant cultural venues the Crown Inn (1881), Old Rep Theatre (1913) and the Electric Cinema (1909). The buildings are in a part of the city where too many Victorian buildings have already been lost.

The hotel is designed by renown local architect Thomson Plevins who also designed the Crown Inn (Grade II), also on Station Street, which was also listed earlier this year. The Crown was where Black Sabbath played their first gig, and also featured many of the heavy metal band aristocracy,

The listing for the Market Hotel can be read here.

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By Edmund Harris

Publication date: 28th November 2024

Author Edmund Harris’s book is the latest in the Victorian Society’s monograph series on Victorian and Edwardian architects. This is the first study devoted to a much-discussed yet poorly-covered chapter in British architectural history which produced some of Victorian England’s most striking and dramatic Gothic buildings. The title is published in partnership with Liverpool University Press and Historic England.

The Rogue Goths includes an introduction to this generation of flamboyant and eccentric architects that began to make its mark in the 1860s. There are studies of three architects. including the first-ever published study of the life and work of Robert Lewis Roumieu, architect of 33-35 Eastcheap in the City of London (‘the scream you wake on at the end of a nightmare’, Ian Nairn, Nairn’s London) and Milner Square in Islington (‘It is possible to visit… many times and still not be absolutely certain that you have seen it anywhere but in an unhappy dream’, John Summerson, Georgian London); and a similarly pioneering study of the life and work of Joseph Peacock, architect of St Simon Zelotes, Chelsea, one of Sir John Betjeman’s favourite Victorian churches.

The volume is densely illustrated with excellent new photography by Robin Forster, alongside sketches and drawings. Robin’s photography was highly praised when it recently featured in the Society’s 2023 monograph on Edwin Rickards. The featured drawings include works from the RIBA Collection, and include not only working drawings but also very high quality presentation drawings, a number of which are positively identified for the first time. There are also images from Historic England’s collection, as well as views from contemporary architectural journals.

Edmund Harris is an architectural historian and independent scholar. He writes a blog on Less Eminent Victorians dedicated to fascinating but less heralded Victorian architects www.lesseminentvictorians.com

The book is available from the Victorian Society online shop.

Cover of The Rogue Goths showing 33-35 Eastcheap, City of London by R.L. Roumieu, 1868. Photo on cover by Robin Forster.

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All Saints, Chigwell Row. Photo: licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

(Grade II, J. P. Seddon, 1867)

All Saints is a bold and impressive church from the height of the Victorian Gothic Revival.  Opened in 1867 on the edge of Hainault Forest for the growing population of Chigwell Row, it was a major achievement for local church members, who had previously met in the ex-workhouse or else travelled two miles to Chigwell parish church.  All Saints’ designer was J P Seddon, a significant Victorian architect renowned for his ecclesiastical work and closely linked with the Pre-Raphaelites, particularly Holman Hunt, Rossetti and Morris.

Seddon was also famous for his furniture, glass, metal, stone and other design work, and particularly for his church fittings, which could be stunning and decidedly original.  The pillar capitals in All Saints are beautifully sculpted, with stiff-leaf foliage curving and intertwining or else sheltering a bird, a snake or a frog.  Seddon’s font is outstanding, with stumpy columns, multicoloured marbles and a richly carved frieze binding everything together with splendidly bold foliage and berries.

We are delighted the Secretary of State has agreed our application and has listed the church at Grade II. The listing can be read here.

All Saints, Chigwell Row. Photo: John Salmon licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

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St Mary,  Crossway Green, Hartlebury Photo: the late Helen Pearce by kind permission of David Simons. From the site: www.www.hartleburyhistory.org.uk/

(Grade II, Thomas Vale, 1882)

The Mission Church of St. Mary, Crossway Green, was presented to the parish by Henry Philpott, the Bishop of Worcester, who opened it in 1882. It is an attractive and modest mission church built in 1882 for Crossway Green, a small hamlet in the ancient parish of Hartlebury.

It is thought that the church was constructed to provide the local farm labourers a more convenient alternative to worship than travelling to the parish church of St James. The building was undertaken by Thomas Vale, a local builder and architect whose company is still in operation today. Vale was also the architect responsible for the lychgate, which has also been listed, constructed later in 1892.

Mission churches were common in the nineteenth century but many were provided as cheap or temporary buildings with little regard for appearance or design – prefabricated corrugated iron structures were common. St Mary’s is unusual in the quality of its design; the choice and quality of its materials; and, in its fittings and other aspects, the care given to making this a good building for its small rural community.

The church is built in the half-timbered style of the surrounding houses, on a beautiful site overlooking the Severn. Bishop Philpott was buried in the churchyard, which was added in 1892. The church was subsequently used as a cemetery chapel. It was restored and rededicated in 1987.

The Society is delighted the Secretary of State and Historic England have agreed to list the church at Grade II. The listing can be read here:

Our thanks to Mr David Simons for his kind permission to use these photos of St Mary’s which were taken by the late Helen Pearce. The photos appear on the Hartlebury History Society website.

St Mary,  Crossway Green, Hartlebury Photo: the late Helen Pearce by kind permission of David Simons. From the site: www.www.hartleburyhistory.org.uk/

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Fundraising Manager
FTE

Salary band £35-37.5k pro rata

Why not work for the only charity dedicated to fighting to protect our Victorian and Edwardian heritage?

The Victorian Society is looking for a highly organised and dynamic Fundraising Manager to devise and implement its fundraising strategy. With an interest in architecture, art, and design, you will help us to further our charitable object to educate and inform the public about Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Founded in 1958, the Victorian Society campaigns and undertakes casework to save Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Its work primarily covers the built heritage of 1837-1914, but all cultural aspects of the era are part of its educational remit. Recently it has adopted sustainability as a charitable object, and your work will contribute to safeguarding the environment. A small charity with a large brand and media reach, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who is driven to succeed.

We are especially keen to hear from those with experience in fundraising with trusts and foundations. Could you lead the Society’s income generation, enabling us to become resilient and face our growing casework responsibilities?

Key skills

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising within the charitable sector (and knowledge of fundraising in a heritage context a bonus) with a proven track record of meeting targets.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising techniques and sources, including trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and individual donors.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and persuade a range of stakeholders, including high-net-worth individuals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in grant and proposal writing.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and data management (ideally Beacon), ensuring the accuracy of donor information and compliance with data protection legislation.
• An understanding of the Victorian era and a passion for heritage preservation, to effectively communicate the Society’s mission and the importance of fundraising efforts.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and to motivate others
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

The Victorian Society is run by its Board of Trustees elected by members and overseen day to day by its Director.

This role is being funded as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Grants project.

For full details download the job description Fundraising Manager Role description 2024.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter addressing why you meet the job description to the Society’s Director here.

Closing date for applications is Friday 29th November at 4pm.

Interviews will be held at the Victorian Society offices the week commencing 9th December.

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Membership Manager

FTE

Salary band £35k–£37.5k pro rata

Why not work for the only charity dedicated to fighting to protect and celebrate our Victorian and Edwardian heritage?

The Victorian Society is looking for a highly organised and dynamic Membership Manager to build on its recruitment of new members, to keep members engaged, and to broaden its audience. You will help us to further our charitable objects to educate and inform the public about Victorian and Edwardian heritage.

Founded in 1958, the Victorian Society campaigns to save Victorian and Edwardian heritage, and in its role as statutory consultee advises on alterations to buildings of this period. Its work primarily covers the built heritage of 1837-1914, but all cultural aspects of the era are part of its educational remit. Recently it has adopted sustainability as a charitable object, and your work will contribute to safeguarding the environment.  A small charity with a large brand and media reach, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who is driven to succeed.

We are especially keen to hear from those with experience in comparable heritage organisations, and from Welsh speakers.

Our members are central to the Society’s success. Could you lead on reaching untapped audiences and regions underrepresented in our membership? 

Key skills

• Proven experience in membership recruitment, retention and management (in the heritage sector is a bonus).
• Strong understanding of marketing strategies, particularly digital marketing, to reach and engage younger members.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to network and build relationships.
• Proficient in using membership software and CRM systems to manage member data effectively.
• Analytical skills to assess membership trends and determine strategic direction.
• A passion for Victorian heritage and a desire to promote its appreciation and preservation.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with volunteers across regional groups.
• A flexible approach to work, with the willingness to attend events outside of standard office hours when necessary.

The Victorian Society is run by its Board of Trustees, elected by members, and overseen day-to-day by its Director.

This role is being funded as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Grants project.

For full details please download the job description Membership Manager Job Description.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter addressing why you meet the job description to the Society’s Director at director@victoriansociety.org.uk

Closing date for applications is Friday 29th November at 4pm

Interviews will be held at the Victorian Society offices the week commencing 9 December.

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Conservation Adviser

Full time, based in London
Salary £26,000-£30,000

The Victorian Society is the national charity campaigning for the Victorian and Edwardian
built environment.

This is one of the most interesting caseworker jobs in the heritage and building conservation
world, and will place you at the heart of the debate over the adaptation, reuse and
redevelopment of historic buildings in England and Wales. Conservation Advisers are at the
forefront of the Society’s efforts to ensure that changes to historic buildings are made in a way
that does not damage their architectural interest.

The job requires excellent writing skills, judgement and tact, as well as a good knowledge of
19th century architecture. A genuine interest in architecture and historic building
conservation is essential.

Two vital skills are the ability to assess large numbers of applications quickly and judiciously;
and the ability to write excellent, concise, clear and persuasive casework letters.

To apply, send a CV and covering letter to director@victoriansociety.org.uk

Closing date for applications is Monday 25 November 2024 at 4pm.

Download the Conservation Adviser Job Description 2024 (003)

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St John, Beck Row, Bury St Edmunds Photo: Simon Knott SuffolkChurches.co.uk

An Anglican church in the Mildenhall Parish, St John and its settlement were a much quieter place when the church was constructed. Originally a small hamlet, Beck Row now provides accommodation to the neighbouring military base.

The church was built in 1876 to the designs of the architect J.D. Wyatt. Wyatt was assistant to the great George Gilbert Scott, and was a fine perspectivist and a distinguished architect in his own right. The exterior of the church is attractively treated, with distinctive red and white polychromatic bands in brick and flint. The interior features a C17 century pulpit removed from Mildenhall St Mary as part of a Victorian refit of that church, as well as some good historic glass. It is an impressively intact and very charming example of a high Victorian Gothic revival rural parish church.

The listing partly recognises the closeness the church holds with nearby RAF Mildenhall, and its service to those stationed at the airbase during the Second World War. A Commonwealth War Graves Commission plot was established in the churchyard during the Second World War and a Cross of Sacrifice was dedicated in 1949.

The Society is delighted the Secretary of State and Historic England have agreed to list the church at Grade II. The listing can be read here.

St John, Beck Row, Bury St Edmunds Photo: Simon Knott suffolkchurches.co.uk

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Methodist Central Hall Birmingham. Photo: David Low.

Threat to heritage may multiply as more councils stave off bankruptcy

The Victorian Society and its regional West Midlands and Birmingham Group are concerned at the current situation in relation to the city’s heritage. Several key listed buildings which form important parts of Birmingham’s streetscape are falling into disrepair and could be lost forever if the City Council does not act now. The Society believes there is a direct link between what has happened to Birmingham City Council’s finances and the peril of historic buildings locally.

The Society is concerned that as 1 in 4 councils in England say they are likely to have to apply for emergency government bailout agreements to stave off bankruptcy in the next two financial years (2025/26 and 2026/27), the situation for heritage will worsen and the examples manifesting in  Birmingham may multiply. (Survey by Local Government Association 1 in 4 councils likely to need emergency government bailout – LGA survey | Local Government Association)

Earlier this year the Victorian Society highlighted the desperate condition of the Grade II listed Victorian conservatory at The Corinthians and as yet no action has been taken.

Stephen Hartland, Chair, the Birmingham and West Midlands Group of the Victorian Society said,  “The current financial plight of the City Council and restrictions on spending imposed by the Commissioners may account for inaction by the Council, but statutory functions relating to conservation and our built heritage must not be ignored for short term financial gain and I call upon the Council to issue an Urgent Works Notice under Section 48 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 without delay”.

The historic Lying-In Hospital, 80 Broad Street has work of 1863 by J.J.Bateman and fine railings by Martin and Chamberlain of 1869. It is also Grade II listed. The building has been empty and become increasingly dilapidated since the closure of Zara’s Club in 2019. In June this year a planning application was rightly refused for the construction of a 42-storey tower on supports directly over the historic building, but since then nothing has been done to repair the building itself or bring it back into use. The Society once again urge the Council to issue an Urgent Works Notice without delay.

The steeple of Central Hall is a city landmark at the top of Corporation Street. This huge building of terracotta has lovely sculptures around the entrance as well as corner turrets like Indian chattris. Completed in 1903 at a cost of over £96,000 to designs by Birmingham architects Ewen and J. Alfred Harper, it was the main place of worship for the city’s Methodist congregation, and could seat 2,500 people. In 1989 it became the Que Club, a favourite Birmingham venue for performances by many famous artists including David Bowie, Blur and Massive Attack until it closed in 2017.

Plans for conversion of Central Hall to a hotel were approved by Birmingham City Council in 2018. These were never implemented. Revised plans for conversion to a hotel and events venue were then approved in 2017, and the site acquired by new owners in 2022, yet this Grade II* listed building still remains vacant, unloved and vandalised. The tower has plants growing from it and is covered in graffiti. Central Hall is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Once again, the Society urges the Council to issue an Urgent Works Notice without delay.

It seems that until the City Council is able and willing to issue notices and follow them up with effective enforcement action, these important heritage buildings and many others like them will continue to deteriorate and many risk being totally lost. Without this action by the Council, wonderful Victorian and Edwardian heritage is likely to disappear for ever. This must not be allowed to happen. Current and future generations of Birmingham people and visitors to the city will be much poorer without them.

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 The Society’s Top 10 Endangered Buildings campaign highlights dilapidated and neglected buildings around England and Wales that are in desperate need of saving. The media coverage the campaign gains helps to spotlight buildings that would otherwise lie forgotten and decaying. This publicity can alter their fate for the better.

Griff Rhys Jones, President of the Victorian Society said, “The Top 10 Endangered Buildings list is coming up again. I urge you to consider nominating a building. We get publicity and genuine help for threatened heritage from it. We get attention. And we tend to get increased membership too. It was an important factor in securing over two thousand objections to the plans for Liverpool Street Station and so the current rethink from Sellar, the developer. It will be important again. We have seen some extraordinary cases over the years. Some amazing buildings. The fight has to go on. We need in these straitened times of emergency growth to make an ever more cogent case for the value of heritage and the importance of informed recycling.”

To nominate a building email media@victoriansociety.org.uk with the year it was built, its location, whether its listed,  a brief description of its history and/or architecture and the threat it is under, and at least one good photo. Nominated buildings must in England or Wales and built between 1837 and 1914. Preference is given to listed buildings. Multiple nominations do not help secure inclusion.

 The deadline for nominations is 31 December 2024.

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