They would have been a magnificent sign of Britain’s civic and industrial strength a century ago.
But after decades of decline, a supermarket, an indoor market, as well as a flour mill, have been listed among the top 10 most endangered Victorian and Edwardian properties in England or Wales.
Annual lists of Victorian Society buildings that have been neglected or fallen into ruin are revealed by the Victorian Society.
The John & Higgins department store, which opened in 1867, was once part of the ‘Golden Mile’ of shops in Peckham, south London, which rivalled Oxford Street. The store is currently empty, and it’s above a Costa Coffee outlet.
Burslem, a market in Stoke-on-Trent, opened its doors in 1897. However, it closed in 2003. It is now an abandoned shell that still has ghostly advertisements and signs from the Victorian era.
The largest and most sophisticated flour mill in England, Healings Flour Mill in Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire was at its height in 1892. This mill could produce 25 sacks an hour of flour. Since 2006 the complex has fallen apart.
The stately Horncliffe House, a Lancashire home that is currently just a shell of its former self, is also featured.
Griff Rhys Jones (comedian), the Victorian Society president said, ‘Here are buildings crying out to our help. That will take us directly to the true history of Victorian Society.
This was the new world of legislators, consumers, industry, riches, and it is still here. This must be preserved for the future.
Joe O’Donnell from the Victorian Society added, “As always our list has many structures, many which are recognised by their listing as being national important. However, they’re equally vital to the local community.
Here is the complete list of 10 buildings that have been identified as most at risk. Do you know any?
Jones & Higgins Department Store, Peckham, south London
No listing status
Architect: Henry Jarvis & Sons
1894 was the year of its opening
On the corner at Rye Lane and Peckham High Street, opened The Jones and Higgins Department Store in 1867.
It was a crucial part of the ‘Golden Mile’, a collection of shops which used to be a challenger to central Oxford Street.
The clock tower was designed by Southwark architects Henry Jarvis & Sons, who also built Dulwich Hospital and the Walworth Town Hall.
They took their inspiration for the building’s façade from the Clock Tower in St. Mark’s Square, Venice.
It was closed in 1980. The building that housed the original department store has been partially demolished since then to make space for the modern one.
It closed in 1980. A portion of the old store has been removed to make space for Aylesham Shopping Centre.
On the corner of Ryelane and Peckham High Street, Jones and Higgins opened their Department Store in 1867. The store was once part of a “Golden Mile” of shops, which rivaled the central Oxford Street.
The clock tower was designed by Southwark architects Henry Jarvis & Sons, who also built Dulwich Hospital and the Walworth Town Hall. Above: This is the building at its peak in 1912.
The Peckham Palais club took the remainder of the building and closed it down in 2012.
The clock, which had been out of use since 1980 was fixed in 2015. But the building is still falling apart.
Rhys Jones stated that there was a nostalgia in the community for the beautiful building. Many people still consider it an integral part of High Street.
“The architectural merits of the building, which features a clock tower and a design that is an ode Venice, make it valuable heritage assets.
Its close connections to other Southwark buildings make it an integral part of larger heritage contexts.
“This magnificent structure in the middle of Peckham could fall further into ruin.”
“Surely there is a purpose for this impressive building, which was called by The New York Times ‘The Beating Heart of London’s Most Dynamic Arts Scene’?”
Adverts in old copies of the Daily Mail from 1911 (left) and 1958 (right) give a hint to the former status of Jones & Higgins
Indoor Market, Burslem, Stoke on Trent
No listing status
Unknown architect
Year of opening: 1897
Burslem’s fall and recovery are represented by the crumbling market. It is home to ghost signs and old advertisements from Victorian times that can still be found in several shops.
Ironwork and Gothic design are similar to those seen at King’s Cross Station in London.
After masonry falling from the ceiling, it was declared unsafe for shoppers and closed in 2003.
It is urgently in dire need of repair to save it. Its iron and glass roof is in danger of collapse and the bill for fixing it could be as much as £1,000,000. The council is the owner of this market.
The Indoor Market is located in Burslem (Stoke on Trent), and its ghost signs, faded ads from Victorian era, that still decorate several closed shops are a crumbling reminder of the town’s growth and decline.
Plants are now growing through the floor of the arched building, which was once a bustling centre of commercial activity
In 2003, the market was closed after falling masonry from its ceiling. This risk was considered a threat to customers. Above: Market in 1973
It is urgently in dire need of repair to save it. Its iron and glass roof is in danger of collapse and the bill for fixing it could be as much as £1,000,000. The city owns the market. Above is an example of a derelict shop, with an old frontage that says, “We sell only the best things”
This market used to be a bustling part of town, but it is now abandoned and falling apart. Above: Former ‘I Do” bridal shop
Rhys Jones stated that Burslem Indoor was busy, just like other Victorian markets in the nation.
It is now empty and falling apart, which makes it a very sad sight to those who remember its bustling life. This public building must be repaired. It could provide new employment opportunities and revitalize a space for the community.
“The market has 11,000 square meters of shops and floor. This area could be reconfigured as community-use space or small business premises.
Stoke on Trent Council wants to help them bring the building back to life. It could be you.
Healings Flour Mill and Warehouses in Tewkesbury (Gloucestershire).
Listed: Grade-II
Architect: W H James of Tewkesbury
Built: 1865-6
Healings Flour Mill, which was the nation’s largest flour mill at the time in 1892 was considered the best. It could produce 25 sacks per hour and was the most popular flour mill.
After 2006 operations ceased, some structures of the latter 20th Century were demolished. Machinery from the warehouse was also removed.
These listed buildings have become unsafe and need structural repair to ensure they don’t have to go down.
Healings Flour Mill at its height in 1892 was considered the most sophisticated flour mill in America. It could produce 25 sacks per hour and was therefore the biggest and best-known flour mill.
Above is the mill in 1900. It was still bustling with activity. Some of the structures from the 20th century were eventually demolished, and the machinery was removed from the mill and warehouse.
The buildings listed are unsafe now and require structural work so that they don’t have to be destroyed.
Rhys Jones stated that Healings Mill is an important symbol of Tewkesbury’s industrial and agricultural past. It’s a pride-worthy landmark for those who live near it.
“The attractive architecture of the mill, along with its riverside position makes it ideal for reuse to give new life and vitality to the surrounding area.
Its grandeur makes it a great focal point in the community. There are plenty of space to accommodate small businesses, homes and leisure activities, as well as a museum.
“Sadly, the building’s current condition of extreme decay means urgent action must be taken to prevent it from further deterioration and its total destruction.
We hope that the developer sees the value in this beautiful building being repurposed.
Coal Drops, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Listed: Grade-II
Unknown architect
Built: 1874
Halifax Coal Drops, which were constructed for Ovenden and Halifax Railway Company nearby, are an integral part of town’s historical past.
These 15 wooden bunkers are built into the hillsides and supported by stone piers.
The bunkers would be topped by trains, which dropped coal in them. The space below would be used by traders to transport coal and load it onto their horses-drawn wagons.
The buildings remain intact because a lot of the machinery inside is still in place. They are an uncommon survivor of this type.
Halifax Coal Drops, which were constructed for Ovenden and Halifax Railway Company nearby, are an important piece of town history.
These 15 wooden bunkers are built into the hillsides and supported by stone piers. Above: You can see the Coal Drops in the background with Halifax Minster.
The bunkers would be topped by trains, which dropped coal in them. Traders then arrived in their horse-drawn carriages to fill the space beneath with coal, before they delivered it.
Calderdale Council now owns them, but they have been kept secure for 15 years since a chunk of mortar fell from their roof.
Rhys Jones explained that although we’re moving away now from fossil fuels the Halifax Coal Drops remind us how much fossil fuels have been an integral part of our lives and communities for years.
“An improved footpath/cycleway between the town center and the Hebble Trail is proposed. This will allow for the restoration of the Coal Drops, as well as preserve them, which can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Funding to conduct an initial structural survey of this industrial heritage is essential in order to fully understand the needs and options for saving it.
Halifax Civic Trust accepts donations for repairs.
The buildings, which include a lot of internal machinery that is intact, are rare survivors of their kind.
Calderdale Council now owns them, but they have been fenced off over the last 15 years since a chunk of masonry was thrown from their roof.
Horncliffe House in Rawtenstall (Lancashire).
Status: Grade-II
Unknown architect
Built: 1869
Horncliffe House, with its ornate exterior, is about all that remains from the grand old residence.
The original purpose of the building was to be a home for Henry Hoyle Hardman, a local businessman and mill owner.
The building has seen many different uses since then. It was used as a hotel and an old-people’s home. It was eventually closed down in 2007.
It was abandoned after a request to convert it into one dwelling was denied the following year.
The house was destroyed by a fire in 2019. The house’s plaster mouldings, wall murals, and other colourful decorations were all destroyed.
The exterior retains finely-dressed stones and carved ornaments, as well as an arched and columned entry portico.
It is now almost impossible to find any evidence of an old grand house in Rawtenstall. The house was built in 1898 as a private residence for Henry Hoyle Hardman, a local businessman and mill owner. Above: This is how the house looked like before it was renovated.
To save the building from complete collapse, extensive repairs are required.
Mr Rhys Jones said: ‘Horncliffe House is a beautiful building with an unlucky history. Although the tragic fire that decimated most of the interior destroyed it was the final nail in the coffin, the exterior shows the building’s grand history and the potential to be saved. Horncliffe’s House is now in its final chance.
Although extensive work is needed to ensure it survives, its accessible location near the A56 and stunning appearance make it an excellent restoration candidate.
“It would wonderful to see a business or individual who is willing to tackle this task and bring Lancashire’s fascinating history back to life.
Exterior still shows finely-made stone, carved decoration and an arched entrance portico.
Birmingham, Icknield Street School
Listed status Grade-II
Architects: J.H. Chamberlain and Chamberlain
Built: 1883
Icknield Street School urgently needs repairs. Although the ground floor of Icknield Street School is partially used as a Hindu temple, its upper floors are empty.
Leakage of water from slate roofs or gutters is causing wall damage.
Many other Victorian buildings in Birmingham were designed by this building’s architects, which many are lost.
Birmingham’s Icknield Street School is in dire need of repairs. Although the ground floor of Icknield Street School is partially used as a Hindu temple, its upper floors are empty.
Additionally, the architects of this building also designed several other Victorian buildings in Birmingham. Many of these are lost. Above: Interior of the school
The school’s slated spire is visible in the three-staged structure. Its high gables, pitched roofs and high gables make Chamberlain schools unique in that they were designed to provide fresh and clean air and hygiene.
In three parts, a slated spire rises from the school. The high gables with pitched roofs is typical of Chamberlain’s schools because it was built for fresh air and hygiene.
Also, the house of the attached headmaster is in dire need of repairs.
Rhys Jones stated: “Icknield St School is beautiful and is at danger of disappearing if necessary repairs aren’t done.”
“The rainfall damage is only going to continue getting worse. This should be a top priority. It is located in an ideal location, and there is potential to repurpose it. However, the school is only partially occupied.
“The council needs to act immediately to address the structural damage and to locate new occupiers who will make full use of this wonderful Victorian space.”
Minley Home Farm Hampshire
No listing status
Arthur Castings, Architect
Built: 1896
Minley Home farm was once part the Minley Estate. This structure was designed and built in 1896 by Arthur Castings who collaborated with George Devey.
Devey was also involved in the construction of other structures on the estate.
This model farm was created to show the changes that occurred in agriculture during the agricultural depression. It was built to represent how arable land was used to raise livestock, after low-cost wheat imports from America led to dramatic drops in prices.
There are dairy and bull boxes, as well as cow and calf boxes on the farm.
Minley Home Farm used to be part of Minley Manor Estate. This structure was designed and built in 1896 by Arthur Castings. Arthur Castings worked closely with George Devey.
This model farm was created to show the changes that occurred in agriculture during the agricultural depression. It was when land was turned into livestock land after low-cost wheat imports from America led to dramatic drops in prices.
This farm is unusual because very few farm buildings have been built since the 1930s, when depression was raging.
Although the Manor House has been sold, the Farm and the thousands of acres of adjacent land were owned by the Ministry of Defence from 1935 to 1985.
MoD filed plans in January for the demolition of the farm.
The Victorian Society wrote a letter to Ben Wallace, Defence Secretary of the Commonwealth, urging him to reconsider the plan because the farm is historic and architecturally significant.
This farm is unusual because very few farm buildings have been built since the 1930s, when depression was raging.
The manor house is now in the hands of new owners. However, since 1935 the Ministry of Defence has owned the farm as well as thousands of acres of the surrounding land.
SAVE Britain’s Heritage, a campaign group, took legal action against the demolition of permitted development rights. They also applied for a listing to save it.
Rhys Jones explained that although years of neglect had taken their toll on the farm’s model, there is hope. It would protect the farm if the farm were to be listed.
It is rare to find agricultural buildings in this period of Victorian history. Because the farm has unique architecture, it must also be kept safe.
‘The owner of the nearby manor is keen to buy the farm, and with its location in stunning countryside on the edge of the MOD’s land, with relatively easy public access, make redevelopment feasible – if only the MOD would sell rather than demolish.’
Oldham Equitable Cooperative Society (Hill Stores), Oldham. Greater Manchester
Status: Grade-II
Architect: Thomas Taylor
Built: 1900
This building is designed for drapery and gentleman’s wear, furnishings, shoe and boot butchery, grocery, offices and meeting rooms.
This facility featured an education department, a library and a conversation area.
The unique feature of the building is its two ballrooms. One of the largest can accommodate 1,000 persons, and one smaller can take 500.
This building included drapery and gentleman’s wear, as well as furnishing and boot and shoe departments. It also had offices and committee/board rooms. It also featured an education department, a library, and a conversation room.
The unique feature of the building is its two ballrooms. It can seat 1,000 persons in the largest, while 500 people can be accommodated in its smaller counterpart.
Oldham Equitable was used last as a venue for dance and music in 1980.
It is difficult to sell the property due to its size and many levels.
While some shops are still located on the ground floor of buildings, others need urgent attention.
Rhys Jones commented that it would be sad if Hill Stores or The Oldham Equitable Cooperative Society were to go under. The hall was an entertainment center and popular dance hall that many loved until recently.
Its large scale allows for many possibilities of repurposing or re-use.
“It’s already commercial and entertainment space should provide plenty of inspiration for the council, community group and businesses to make full use of this beautiful building.
Church of St Helen Biscathorpe in Lincolnshire
Status: Grade-II
W. A. Nicholson, Architect
Built: 1847
With the former village being long gone, it is now almost impossible to find St Helen’s Church.
This Gothic-style Gothic structure was constructed on the spot of an old church built in 1847. Visitors can see more than 50 grotesque faces perched on the steeple.
Original features of the church include stained glass, pulpit, and cast iron poppy-headed benches.
These windows feature clear, mostly diamond-leaded panes. A depiction is also found in the east window of Rubens’ Descent from the Cross.
Biscathorpe is now almost entirely empty, the former village being abandoned by The Church of St Helen.
Built in Gothic Gothic style, the current structure is located on the former site of an earlier church built in 1847. The steeple has more than fifty bizarre faces that look down on visitors.
This building, which has been neglected for years, is badly in need of urgent repairs. The interior is also exposed to the elements.
After years of neglect the structure is in urgent need of repair.
Rhys Jones stated that St Helen’s was an exquisite church, nestled in trees of the Lincolnshire Wolds. It’s a beautiful and complex work of architecture, and it has survived remarkable.
‘The church is now closed to regular worship, but given the quality of the building, handing it over to the Churches Conservation Trust or the Friends of Friendless Churches is one obvious option to ensure it is saved…
… Whatever happens, urgent repairs are clearly now required. It is essential to find a sensible new purpose for the property in the long-term. This will preserve the beautiful interior as well as its original furniture.
Whitchurch Hospital Cardiff, Wales
Listed status Grade-II
Oatley Architects and Skinner
Built: 1902-1908
The hospital opened originally as the Cardiff Lunatic Asylum’.
This facility was built as a typical example of similar structures, featuring a spine made up of administrative blocks with five-storey wings on each side and then five-storey block ward blocks.
The building was considered one of the finest examples of modern architecture at its opening. It was built as an independent community with a farm and powerhouse and water supply.
Since its 2016 closing, however, the hospital’s financial condition has continued to deteriorate.
Whitchurch Hospital, in Cardiff, was originally opened as the ‘Cardiff Lunatic Asylum’ after being built between 1902 and 1908
This facility was designed in the style typical of other similar structures, featuring a central administrative block and then five-storey wings on either side. Above: This is a photo taken in Cardiff Mental Hospital.
The building was considered one of the finest examples of modern architecture at its opening. This community was intended to be self-contained and featured a fire station, farm powerhouse and water supply. Since its closure in 2016, the hospital is slowly falling apart.
In 2020, plans to convert the grounds and hospital into commercial, residential and recreational use were rejected.
In 1995, plans were made to transform the grounds and hospital for residential, commercial, or leisure purposes. However they never materialized and ended in 2020.
The NHS wants to buy the site as soon as possible before it gets worse.
Rhys Jones stated that the potential to repurpose Whitchurch Hospital is enormous. The five-acre site includes a variety of buildings, which could be easily reopened or transformed into commercial and housing spaces.
Its location near Cardiff is sure to make it appealing for developers with large plans and a love of heritage.
“We hope to find a buyer soon that recognizes this unique community’s potential and brings it back into its former glory.
Rhys Jones commented that “Whitchurch hospital is so potential for repurposing.” The five-acre site includes a variety of buildings, which could be easily reopened or transformed into commercial and housing spaces.