The Birmingham Group of The Victorian Society has successfully had Birmingham’s former Wellington Hotel Grade II-listed.
Photo: The Wellington Hotel. Photo Credit: Tim Bridges for the Victorian Society.
Following an application by the Birmingham Group of the The Victorian Society, Historic England has recognised the historic importance of the former Wellington Hotel in Birmingham resulting in it being granted Grade II-listed status.
The public house building, dating from 1890, was designed by James and Lister Lea, an architectural firm of two brothers who designed buildings across Birmingham. They mainly designed public houses – one of their best-known works being the striking Grade II*-listed Barton’s Arms in Aston, Birmingham.
The Wellington Hotel has a rich history, in the list description, Historic England highlights, ‘the current layout of separate rooms and multiple entrances speak of a time when drinking was segregated by social hierarchy or gender…the Gin Palace style public house is illustrative of the start of the Golden Age of pub building. The lavish style of this type of pub reflects competition for the increasing wealth and leisure options opening up to people in late-C19 Birmingham.’
Tim Bridges, The Victorian Society Conservation Adviser said, ‘Many people pass the Wellington each day as they travel along busy Bristol Street to get in and out of Birmingham city centre. We are delighted that this historic hotel, an important feature in the townscape, has been given grade II listed status to protect it for future generations.’
03/12/2020
