Norwich

A recent trip to Norwich allowed me to revisit and re-photograph a number of interesting buildings. Probably my favourite city with a great Cathedral, the Castle Museum and dozens of churches. It being Heritage weekend meant a rush around some of the buildings that were open.

Two 20th Century buildings stand out architecturally in the city, one in a classical form and the other in the 'Swedish Romantic Movement' style.

The Norwich Union building of 1904 by G J Skipper with giant Ionic columns and rustication, an imposing facade to give the right impression for an insurance company.

City Hall was designed by C H James & S R Pierce in 1931 and completed in 1938. An impressive building having a balcony 365' long, a portico of attenuated polygonal pillars and a tower 185' high, all in the "Swedish Neoclassical spirit".

3 bronze doors decorated with eighteen plaques by James Woodford depicting scenes of the city's history caught my eye and are well worth a closer look.

Sheerness. Local Board of Health Building.

Sheerness has always been a ‘Back of Beyond’ sort of place and despite the new Sheppey Crossing bridge linking the Isle of Sheppey with the mainland the town still has that feeling – you don’t pass through Sheerness you have to have a reason to go there.

In the centre of the town is situated a building of interest which is in a poor state and has remained derelict for years. The Local Board of Health building has two parts to it, one the base of a large water tank (now removed) and the other part quite different in style. The water tower dates from 1863 and front building may date from the 1880’s.

Listed by EH in 1987 it was delisted in 1988, Swale Borough Council are treating it as a ‘non-designated heritage asset’ with Conservation Area protection. Demolition was refused in 2011. Local heritage groups are keen to see it preserved but the current owner seems to be letting it deteriorate. Someone needs to take some action before it’s too late.

The Railway Hotel, Edgware

Listed Grade 11 and described by Historic England as '... among the best examples of a picturesque historicist road-house in the country'. Dating from 1931 and designed by A E Sewell for Truman Hanbury Buxton, brewers.

Closed for a number of years, now in a sad state and in desperate need to attention. The sign outside says 'SOLD' but nothing has happened and a search has not come up with any news of what is going to be done with it. 

Lets hope it will be saved soon - would make a great Wetherspoons