Buildings That Are Listed For Unique Reasons

Over the past century, the biggest debate surrounding the preservation of architectural heritage has focused on the question of which buildings should be protected, which should receive listed building restoration and why.

With over 400,000 entries for listed buildings in England across three separate grades, there are countless unique stories that each write a chapter in the extensive history of the country.

Typically they are included for architectural reasons, by showcasing a particular aspect of design, building technique, or be connected to the history of people important to the nation.

However, some buildings have stranger justifications for inclusion.

A Building From 1981

There are very few listed buildings that were constructed after the Second World War, and almost none that are barely four centuries old.

However, Severels in Chichester makes the list as a Grade II* building designed by the Architect Walter Greaves, the man who designed the Royal Festival Hall.

The reason cited by the organisation was a matter of sheer quality; it was seen as such a fine example of post-war architecture that it became one of the newest buildings to get such a listing.

A Skate Park

The Rom Skatepark in Hornchurch, East London was the first skatepark in Europe to receive preservation status and the only one still in existence, as the Bro Bowl was demolished and moved.

Constructed in 1978, it was one of the few surviving parks from the early era of skateboarding, and as a result, was seen as nationally historically important.

A Zebra Crossing

In 2010, there were concerns that the famous Abbey Road music studios that provided the name to the last album recorded by The Beatles before they split in 1970 would be demolished. This fear was allayed when the studio was given Grade II status.

However, what was more unusual was that the zebra crossing outside of the studios which provided the backdrop for Abbey Road’s famous album cover would also receive Grade II status.