New Heritage Trust For Historic Stoke Buildings

A new heritage trust has been created to preserve historic at risk buildings in Stoke-on-Trent. The Stoke Sentinel reports that the City Council have set up the charitable trust to ensure that the city’s most admired heritage architecture doesn’t fall into disrepair and decay. 

Council members looked at similar schemes in the region, including the Leek and Moorlands Historic Trust, the Staffordshire Historic Buildings Trust, and a similar scheme in Coventry. 

Councillor James Smith, cabinet member for infrastructure, heritage and development management spoke to the publication about the new initiative. 

 He said: "The trustees could be people from all walks of life – the important thing is that they are experts in heritage. When I was the council's Heritage Champion I met lots of people across the city who were passionate about Stoke-on-Trent's historic sites. This will be an opportunity for them to really influence things and make a difference.”

He added: "We've done some benchmarking with other organisations around the country, including one in Coventry, and settled on the idea of a charitable trust. Once it has been set up, we're hoping that it will accept the gift of a heritage building from the council as its first project.”

The city has some fine examples of 19th and early 20th century architecture, such as the Queen’s Theatre in Burslem. It was originally built as a town hall in 1911, but was repurposed as an entertainment venue shortly afterwards. The building has an impressive frontage featuring a full height portico with three pairs of Corinthian columns. 

The interior of the theatre features a marble staircase in the foyer, and a decorative plasterwork ceiling. The theatre has been closed since 1998, and is in need of refurbishment and repairs.

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What Were The Origins Of The Gothic Architecture Style?

The Gothic architecture style began in the 12th century and persisted until the end of the 16th century. It is characterised by sweeping tall buildings with spires and intricately carved details on both the interior and exterior. The style evolved from the earlier Romanesque period, exaggerating the arches and decorative features of this style.

The Gothic style first appeared in France in the 12th century. The French abbot and historian Suger (1081-1151) is widely regarded as the most influential early patron of Gothic architecture, and its influence soon spread throughout Europe. He commissioned the reconstruction of the Basilica Church of St. Denis in Paris around 1137.

Suger extended the height and proportions, and added features such as vaulted ceilings, pointed arches, and flying buttresses. A key feature of the church was intricate and colourful stained glass windows. In a departure from the more stylised  mediaeval era, the artwork features more lifelike figures with more expressive poses and expressions.

This was thought to make the stories of the bible more understandable and accessible to the general public, and windows, vaults and niches were used to depict narrative scenes. Nature was also a major influence on the Gothic style, with intricate and realistic carvings of leaves, fruit, and flowers appearing in stonework and ornate plasterwork on walls and ceilings. 

The term ‘Gothic’ was first thought to have been used by the Italians in the 15th century to describe this form of architecture, and it was meant in a derogatory way. The Goths were a nomadic German people who had a reputation for barbarity and destruction, after the sacking of Rome in AD 410. 

The critics of the Gothic style found it to be ugly and ostentatious, lacking in any refinement or subtlety. Fortunately, many fine examples of the Gothic architectural style still exist in a well preserved condition today. Famous examples include the Notre Dame in Paris, Milan Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. 

The imposing scale and soaring heights of the religious buildings in the Gothic style were intended to inspire awe in viewers, and bring them closer to God. The vast proportions and light filled spaces were designed for maximum impact, to show off the finely detailed artwork and carvings within and celebrate the beauty of religious devotion. 

The emergence of Gothic architecture coincided with the expansion of many of Europe’s great cities, and it has left a permanent influence on the cathedrals, churches, universities, libraries, grand houses, and other landmark buildings. Alongside architecture, the Gothic movement inspired painting, sculpture, and other forms of decorative arts.

By the 16th century, the Renaissance overtook the late Gothic style as the dominant influence in art and architecture. However, the style was revived again in the 19th century, when it was known as Neo Gothic, or Victorian Gothic. One of the most famous examples of this style is the Palace of Westminster in London, designed by the architect AWN Pugin.

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What Grants A Building Listed Status?

Most people are aware of the concept of a listed building, and that it conveys some form of historic or architectural importance, but fewer people are aware of the specifics and the implications for listed building restoration.

Essentially, each country in the United Kingdom has a statutory list of protected buildings and structures (updated and tracked by Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Cadw in Wales).

These buildings each have some form of special heritage to them that makes it important to preserve them as much as possible for future generations, with three grades (Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II) of importance.

However, the exact criteria for what grants a building listed status can vary, as it is largely dependent on the decisions of the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ultimately decide with the help of recommendations from the four statutory agencies.

Typically, there are two main criteria that will affect whether a building receives listed status or not. The first is time, and the second is a set of characteristics that make it important to keep.

The general rule is that the older a building is that is in close to its original condition, the more likely it is to make the list of protected buildings, as there are often fewer examples of a particular type of architectural style that survive intact through the ages.

Typically, the priority list for listed status is:

Any surviving building built before 1700, providing it has some resemblance to its original character.

• The vast majority of buildings built between 1700 and 1840, although the organisations tend to prioritise unique examples and examples of endangered architecture.

• The major works of architects and architectural movements between 1841 and 1914.

• Any historically important, high-quality buildings built between 1915 and 1939.

• Limited, unique, often endangered outliers made after 1940.

The other forms of important characteristics are divided by DCMS into four specific groups:

• Buildings of architectural interest that have important design or decorative characteristics or signs of particular heritage craftwork.

• Buildings which provide insight into the UK’s history, be it cultural, economic or social.

• Buildings linked to major people or events in history.

• Buildings that are less historically important on their own but form a vital part of a group.

How To Choose Ceiling Roses For A Period Property

When updating a period property, many people want to do justice to its original architecture and charm by adding features that are characteristic of the era it was built. If one of the things you are bringing up to date is the ceiling roses, read on to find out how to choose the right one for your home.

-      Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras

These days, houses are built as quickly and inexpensively as possible, but a couple of hundred years ago, a lot of thought went into the design of residential architecture, with each house having elaborate and intricate details.

One such feature were ceiling roses, which were designed to protect the ceiling from getting too hot or stained from candles or gas lanterns.

They were first introduced in the Georgian period (1714-1837) and remained popular through to the Edwardians, becoming more detailed and complicated as time went on.

-      What type of house do you have?

The best way to choose the right ceiling rose for your property, therefore, is to honour its origins. If you have a Georgian property, styles tended to be more subtle, with different sized circular patterns around the moulding.

They became more elaborate over time, with Victorian homes (1837-1901) having lots more floral motifs.

By the Edwardian period (1901-1910), a huge array of styles could be found, including swirling leaves, rosettes, acanthus designs, and fluted patterns.

If there are any original ceiling roses in your home, try to replicate these as much as possible. Alternatively, look for designs that complement the rest of your authentic features as much as possible.

Can A Listed Building Be Delisted?

Historical preservation has always been a hotly contested topic, with fierce discussions about the extent and nature we should preserve our architectural history raging since the days of John Ruskin.

Even decades later, whilst there are slightly more concrete definitions of listed buildings and buildings selected for historical preservation, there are still questions regarding how significant listed building restoration is carried out, as well as how to preserve somewhat divisive buildings that are still part of Britain’s architectural heritage.

As well as this, there is the question of what happens if a building that has been listed based on its historical character becomes a victim of either a natural disaster or the ravages of time. Can a listed building ever be delisted?

The simple answer is yes, and Historic England has a process for removing historic buildings from the list. The exact circumstances when delisting will be approved are still on a case-by-case basis, however.

The process is the same as applying to have a building listed, with the same levels of scrutiny and evidence required throughout the process, alongside inspections, reports and consultations.

Because fewer buildings receive delisting applications, most of the rules are historical precedents rather than a more stringent set of guidelines, particularly when it comes to buildings that will not be delisted.

Typically, a building will not be delisted if the building is currently subject to a dispute over listed building consent, as that would undermine the process. Similarly, if there is a repairs notice, enforcement action or prosecution related to the building, it will not be delisted.

Buildings that are currently subject to a compulsory purchase procedure or urgent works notice will not be delisted until either of those are completed.

Similarly, if listed building consent has been granted, especially if works are underway, a building is unlikely to be delisted, although this is often on a case-by-case basis.

Finally, there are the complications surrounding fire damage, with many buildings still maintaining a special interest even with serious fire damage. An investigation must be carried out and any relevant enforcement action taken before a delisting application would continue.

What Are The Most Common Renovation Mistakes?

Renovating a period property is an immense but extremely satisfying task. The reward is of course a beautiful property which is renovated to your specifications, which you can either enjoy living in or sell on for a profit. 

Period homes often occupy prime locations with elegantly proportioned rooms, good natural light, and many have plentiful outside space. They are usually built from good quality materials which have stood the test of time, even if some repairs and upgrading are in order to bring the property up to modern standards.

However, it is important to plan the restoration work carefully, to make sure that you retain the original character of the house, and don’t bite off more than you can chew. Here are some of the most common mistakes when renovating an older house.

Using incompatible materials

Older houses are constructed from natural materials such as oak timbers, natural stone, and lath & plaster walls, which are flexible and breathable. If you introduce rigid, non-permeable materials without professional advice, you risk structural damage and problems with damp. 

Furthermore, if the house is on the listed building register or is in a conservation area, you may be legally required to use only certain materials during the renovation process. 

You should always seek planning permission for any changes to a listed building, even if they seem to be essential repairs, because there may be specifications about materials, contractors, and so on. This applies to both the interior and exterior, and windows and doors. 

Rushing into decisions

When purchasing a property, we often don’t have as much opportunity as we would like to view it before signing the contracts or getting the keys for the first time. This may be because there was lots of competition in the market, and you had to put in an early bid to secure it, or just from time pressures, or an unhelpful vendor or estate agent.

Therefore, it can be tempting to draw up grand plans in the first flush of enthusiasm, without really getting to know the property and all of its idiosyncrasies. It is much better to live in the property for a few months first if possible, then you can really get a sense of which spaces you would like to extend, which features to preserve, and so on.

You may come to realise that old fixtures and fittings which you initially thought looked dated or shabby are actually a part of what gives the house character. 

Completely modernising the interior of a period property can create a jarring incoherence, so think carefully about what could be restored with some time and expertise, and what you genuinely can’t live with. 

Not having a contingency fund

One of the most common issues people have with a period property is underestimating the work involved. This is to some extent inevitable, as hidden problems will almost always arise at some point along the way. Therefore, you should add a margin of at least 20% onto your budget to cover this eventuality.

175 Sites Added To The Heritage At Risk Register

Historic England have revealed the latest Heritage at Risk register, which keeps a database of noteworthy heritage sites which are deemed to be the most in need of safeguarding action, whether through neglect, decay, or unsuitable development. There are 175 new sites added to the list this year, the Lottery Heritage Fund reports.  

There is also some more positive news, as 233 sites were taken off the register in 2022, thanks to the combined efforts of fundraisers, local communities, and charities. Many of the sites on the list have been repaired with the help of specialists listed building restoration experts. 

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is so heartening to see so many significant heritage sites removed from the Heritage at Risk Register, and given a new lease of life as part of their local communities and places.”

She added: “Conserving and saving heritage at risk for the next generation to enjoy is core to our purpose, and we’re incredibly proud that the Heritage Fund has been able to support the work to make this fantastic news possible.”

Examples of recent restoration projects include the Coventry Charterhouse, which is a fine example of a 14th century medieval building, and one of only nine Carthusian monasteries in England. The Grade I listed building is made from red sandstone and timber, with additional outbuildings that have been added at various points throughout the centuries.

In the former refectory are some superb examples of Elizabethan wall murals, which are remarkably well preserved. The monastery is owned by the Historic Coventry Trust, who have recently received a £4.7 million heritage Lottery Fund grant to help create a visitor attraction which will have educational value, and be open as a wedding/conference venue.

Should You Repair or Replace Lath & Plaster?

Lath and plaster is a method of plastering interior walls which was used widely from the 17th century, all the way up until the mid-20th century. Here’s a look at what the technique involves, and what the advantages and issues of this type of plasterwork are.

If you have a period home that is over 70 years old, then chances are that it will have lath and plaster walls, unless it has been renovated with more modern techniques.

Laths are thin strips of timber which are built as a framework over the wall, with gapping of about 6mm. The laths are then coated in three layers of plaster. The first layer filled the gaps between the laths, whilst the second layer of about 6mm thickness covered the laths. The third and final layer was the smoothest layer to provide a surface for painting or paper.

The plaster was made up from a mixture of lime putty and sharp sand, sometimes with horse hair added into the mix. The third and final layer was made up with fine sand to give a smoother finish.

Because lath and plaster walls are found in older properties, they may not always be in great condition. If you have an period property with cracks or even chunks missing from the lath and plaster, you may be wondering whether to have it restored or whether to update it with a modern drywall plaster method.

However, it is often worth restoring the original wall if you can. This is because all the layers have some distinctive advantages over drywall plaster. Firstly, the thickness of the boards plus three coats of dense plaster provides a good level of thermal insulation, which helps to keep the heat in the house, and keep it out during hot weather.

Traditional plasterwork also provides a good level of soundproofing, so that you will notice less noise transference between different rooms in the house, or from any adjoining properties. It may also offer a better level of fire protection. Finally, the slightly uneven texture when compared to drywall panels can add character to a home.

The age of the plasterwork does mean that it needs regular inspections to check that it is not deteriorating. If you do notice any problem areas, it’s important to deal with them straight away. The good news is that it is possible to repair and restore lath and plaster walls to its original condition.

It’s even possible to commission a newbuild with modern lath and plaster walls, which tend to be made from clay, lime, and acrylics, and won’t contain any horsehair. This is increasingly being seen as a more sustainable option to drywall, because it is more durable, damp resistant, and provides a better level of insulation and soundproofing.

All these advantages mean that you won’t have to invest in further treatments for your walls. However, traditional plastering should only be carried out by building restoration professionals, because of the specialist nature of the materials and methods involved.