The Victorian Society encourages people to object to insensitive 10 storey tower at Gloucester’s historic docks
The Victorian Society has objected to plans to redevelop the Grade II listed former Downings Malthouse. The plans would heavily alter what survives of the listed buildings, with new residential...
City of London’s protection of heritage and the environment questioned as tower overshadowing Leadenhall Market approved
The Victorian Society objected to plans for a 32-storey tower in Leadenhall Market Conservation Area which will loom over one of the city’s architectural jewels – the 1881 Grade II*...
Rent office space at our Grade II listed headquarters in Chiswick, London
Do you know a charity or small business that could rent an office space at our Grade II listed headquarters at 1 Priory Gardens, Chiswick, London? The office space for...
The Victorian Society objects to insensitive redevelopment of historic brewery maltings in Dorchester
The Victorian Society is urging the public to object to insensitive plans to re-develop the 1879 Grade II Maltings building in the Dorchester conservation area to create 46 flats. The...
The Victorian Society’s climate emergency push to require planning permission for demolition
Baroness Andrews has put forward the The Victorian Society’s amendment to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to require planning permission for demolishing buildings. Shockingly most buildings can currently be demolished...
The latest Victorian magazine is now available to our members
The March edition of the Society’s magazine is published and is devoted to the charity’s newly established Young Victorians group with the main features written by authors aged under 30....
The Victorian Society’s climate emergency push to require planning permission for demolition
Baroness Andrews has put forward the The Victorian Society’s amendment to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to require planning permission for demolishing buildings. Shockingly most buildings can currently be demolished...
Annual Appeal 2023: Save Liverpool Street Station!
As many of you will know by now, Liverpool Street Station and the grade II* former Great Eastern Hotel, face a grave threat. Network Rail and Sellar, the property developer...
The Victorian Society seeks listing for historic Somerset rectory designed by famous architects to prevent its demolition
The Victorian Society is urging the public to object to plans to partially demolish a Victorian rectory in Shepton Mallet, Somerset designed by a famous architect F. C. Penrose who was President...
The Victorian Society seeks listing for historic Somerset rectory designed by famous architects to prevent its demolition
The Victorian Society is urging the public to object to plans to partially demolish a Victorian rectory in Shepton Mallet, Somerset designed by a famous architect F. C. Penrose who...
The Victorian Society seeks listing for historic West Sussex rectory designed by a famous architect to prevent demolition
The Victorian Society is urging the public to object to plans to demolish an Edwardian rectory designed by a famous architect in the seaside village of Apuldram, West Sussex. The...
Little Barford Manor House in Bedfordshire successfully listed
The Victorian Society Conservation adviser wrote in support of this listing We are delighted that Little Barford Manor House in Bedfordshire has been listed. Our conservation adviser Connor McNeill wrote...
Tettenhall Court one of the finest Arts and Crafts houses in Wolverhampton successfully listed
Tettenhall Court is one of the finest Arts and Crafts houses in Wolverhampton. The house was completed in 1914 to designs by local architect William Weller. The Victorian Society’s West...
Birmingham City University Wins 2022 West Midlands Conservation Award
The Birmingham & West Midlands Group of the The Victorian Society has announced its eighth annual conservation award which goes to Birmingham City University, in recognition of the City University’s...
The Victorian Society objects to plans to demolish historic carriage showrooms in Manchester
The Victorian Society is urging the public to object to plans to demolish Reedham House, a grade II listed part of a historic carriage works in Garden Lane, Manchester and...
Relaunched Liverpool Street Station Campaign names Griff Rhys Jones as President and asks public to sign petition
The campaign’s slogan: SEE IT, SAY IT, SAVE IT! All aboard!! Sign the petition here! The public can donate to the Society’s Liverpool Street Station fighting fund here. The Victorian...
The Pevsner Architectural Guides in the 21st Century
Join The Victorian Society for its new series of seven online talks The Pevsner Architectural Guides in the 21st Century given by the highly accomplished and authoritative Pevsner authors themselves...
The Pevsner Architectural Guides in the 21st Century
Join The Victorian Society for its new series of seven online talks The Pevsner Architectural Guides in the 21st Century given by the highly accomplished and authoritative Pevsner authors themselves...
Liverpool Street Station Development Consultation Begins in London
The Liverpool Street Station development consultation has begun in London. There is a two day exhibition organised by Network Rail, developer Sellar and MTR, an operator of rail transport services,...
The Victorian Society welcomes the charity’s new Media and Communications Manager
The Victorian Society is delighted to welcome Marie Clements as Communications and Media Manager. The Victorian Society is delighted to welcome Marie Clements as Communications and Media Manager. Marie has...
Don’t miss your chance to object to demolition plans at Liverpool Street Station!
The Victorian Society is urging the public to respond to a public consultation to object to proposals to partially demolish Liverpool Street Station. The Victorian Society also plans to reform...
The Victorian Society urges Westminster Council not to remove historic gaslights
The Victorian Society has responded to a consultation on the proposed removal of gaslights in Westminster The Victorian Society has written to Westminster Council expressing its concerns with the plans...
The Victorian Society AGM in Nottingham
Date: Fri 30 September-Sun 2 October 2022 Please join us on Fri 30 September – Sun 2 October 2022 for our first in person annual general meeting (AGM) weekend since...
Political chaos must not delay plans to restore the Palace of Westminster
The Victorian Society has written to over 600 MPs and 60 Lords urging them to use debates this week on 12/13 July to push for a firm timeline for the...
Ipswich Museum under threat from historically insensitive redevelopment
Insensitive redevelopment of Ipswich Museum threatens rare survival of Victorian curation The Grade II listed Ipswich Museum, designed by Horace Cheston in 1880 for Ipswich Corporation, has been awarded funding...
Nominations open for the 2022 Top Ten Endangered Buildings List
Nominations for our annual Top 10 Endangered Buildings campaign are now open! The Victorian Society’s annual Top 10 Endangered Buildings campaign puts a spotlight on England and Wales’s most dilapidated...
Listing Success in Manchester
Former Union Bank, Heywood, Manchester, receives Grade II listing. Historic England has added the Former Union Bank of Manchester, Heywood, to the National Heritage List for England, after our former...
Young Victorian Committee Elected
Congratulations to our newly elected Young Victorians Committee. Votes are in for our Young Victorians election. Congratulations to Jake Scott elected Chair, Oliver Lane Vice Chair and Committee Members Ashley...
Sandwell Council Presented The Victorian Society’s West Midlands Group’s Conservation Award
On Thursday 28th April, Her Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Mr John Wood, presented Sandwell Council with the The Victorian Society’s Birmingham and West Midlands Group’s 2019 Conservation...
The Victorian Society objects to ‘badly thought-through’ demolition of Victorian Villa in conservation area
The Victorian Society object to demolition of Victorian Villa to make way for new surgery in Beeston, Nottinghamshire. The Victorian Society urges people to object to plans to demolish...
Darlaston Police Station (1899-1902, Charles William Davies Joynson) successfully listed
Following The Victorian Society caseworker Tim Bridges’ application Historic England has listed the building and the attached railings at Grade II. Darlaston developed rapidly during the 19th century due to...
Successful listing in Birmingham, the Samuel Heath and Sons Head Offices (1888, David Henry Ward)
Following The Victorian Society caseworker, Tim Bridges’, application Historic England has listed the offices for their architectural interest and high-quality craftsmanship as well as the historic interest as testament to...
Our new Events Coordinator
Ruth Miller will be providing events support two days a week to help take forward our events programme. We are pleased to announce that Ruth Miller has been appointed as...
Listing success for Norfolk Convent
All of Henry Woodyer’s extant houses of Mercy are now listed, as Abbe Pierre House and Holy Cross House (formerly the house of Mercy and Convent) in Ditchingham, Norfolk, receives...
The Threat to Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage: An Open Letter To the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Olga Borisovna Lyubimova
The Victorian Society with other heritage groups expresses grave concern over the loss of life and the loss of tangible and intangible culture, architectural heritage, art, monuments, archaeology, and collections...
Theatres in the Spotlight – Spring 2022 Edition of the Victorian Magazine Out Now
The latest edition of the Victorian magazine focusses on Victorian and Edwardian Theatres, with features and news on the fight to save Victorian and Edwardian Architecture The spring edition of...
Midlands Industrial Association Limited wins The Victorian Society Birmingham and West Midlands 2021 Conservation Award
The Birmingham & West Midlands group of the The Victorian Society has named the Midlands Industrial Association Limited as the winner of the 2021 Conservation Award for its restoration of...
Surprise ruling in case of G. E. Street’s St Mary the Virgin, Wheatley, Oxfordshire
The Victorian Society has experienced rare success at Consistory Court, saving St Mary the Virgin’s (GE Street, grade II*, 1855-1857) original tiled floor from being replaced with stone, which was...
Worcester’s Vesta Tilley House shouldn’t face the wrecking ball due to non-listing
Historic England describes Worcester’s Vesta Tilley House as a ‘building of very strong local interest’. Vesta Tilley House is at the centre of a fight to protect Lowesmoor from a...
We are hiring: The Victorian Society is looking for an Events Co-ordinator
Do you have an interest in architecture, design and art history? If you have experience and skills in event coordination, marketing and the computer and web skills to get the...
The Victorian Society’s 2021 Top 10 Endangered Buildings
Neglected, At Risk, In Danger of Demolition. We reveal 2021’s Top 10 Most Endangered Buildings. Griff Rhys Jones, The Victorian Society President, is highlighting the plight of buildings on the...
Remembering Geoff Brandwood
It is with enormous sadness that the The Victorian Society announces the sudden death of Dr Geoff Brandwood. We are sure that members will share our sorrow at this news....
The Victorian Society is Updating – Joining the fight to save Victorian and Edwardian Heritage is even easier
Please stand by while we upgrade our systems. UPDATE: Joining the The Victorian Society is easier than ever. Click here to join now. Please stand by while we upgrade our...
Book your place now for our online talk series: Building the Victorian and Edwardian terraced house
We are happy to announce that our online talk series, ‘Building the Victorian and Edwardian terraced house’ will begin on the 2nd November 2021. Get the 6 events in the...
Andrew Saint: London 1870-1914: a City at its Zenith – Book sale now on
The book covers the development of the British capital at a time when, in the author’s view, it reached its highest position on the world stage, using original illustrations, maps,...
The Victorian Society and Georgian Group unite to oppose demolition of listed buildings which tell the story of Manchester’s past
The Victorian Society and The Georgian Group have joined forces to campaign against the partial demolition of grade II listed buildings at 47 Piccadilly – an extremely rare survival illustrating...
The Victorian Society saddened by the loss of Liverpool’s World Heritage status
The Victorian Society is disappointed to learn of UNESCO’s decision to remove the World Heritage Status of Liverpool’s docks in their latest session on the 20th July 2021. The decision...
The Victorian Society calls for better protection of UK’s World Heritage sites
The Victorian Society is urging the Government to better protect our World Heritage Sites (WHS) following UNESCO’s recommendation to remove Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City from the list of World Heritage...
The Victorian Society listing success for lodge and gateway in park associated with David Bowie
The lodge and gateway to Croydon Road Recreation Ground, Beckenham, have been granted Grade II listed status following a The Victorian Society listing application. The gate lodge and gateway join...
Want to save a threatened historic building? Nominate it for our Top Ten Endangered list 2021
The Victorian Society is seeking nominations for its 2021 Top Ten Endangered Buildings Campaign. The annual event highlights buildings that are in dire need of repairs or are at risk...
Council urged not to destroy last pub on historic ‘golden mile’
The Victorian Society’s listing application for The Old Windmill pub in Birmingham was rejected on the 21st of May. This leaves the pub, the last on the historic Dudley Road,...
The Victorian Society urges Kinmel Hall’s new buyer to carry out critical repairs
The Victorian Society welcomes the sale of Kinmel Hall from Acer Properties Ltd at auction last week for £950,000. Rumours on Twitter suggest that a local family has bought the...
South Cambridgeshire District Council urged to stop Hotel Felix demolition
The Victorian Society urges South Cambridgeshire District Council to refuse plans to demolish a large house built in 1850 used until recently as Hotel Felix. The council pledged to achieve...
The Victorian Society saves country house delisted by accident from demolition
After an apparent error by Historic England led to the delisting of Carham Hall the The Victorian Society has successfully secured its relisting to end demolition plans. We are very...
Towering office block would be a shattering blow to Southwark’s industrial heritage
Proposed high-rise development put forward by the developers of the Shard raises major concerns over the loss of Southwark’s industrial heritage. The Victorian Society strongly objects to a recent planning...
Crunch time for rotting ‘Versailles of Wales’ as The Victorian Society urges suitable buyers to come forward
The Victorian Society urges Grade I-listed Kinmel Hall’s owners, Acer Properties Ltd BVI to work with Conwy Council to find a suitable buyer and prevent the historic mansion from falling...
Fight to save building designed by Sherlock Holmes author reflecting his spiritualist beliefs
The Victorian Society is fighting to stop the partial demolition of the only known surviving example of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s solo architectural design and perhaps the only building incorporating...
The Victorian Society urges Secretary of State to prevent harm to some of London’s most important Victorian buildings
Camden Council have recently approved plans to demolish the low-rise 1930s Belgrove House, and replace it with a 5-part 10 storey building, harming the setting of the Grade I-listed St...
The Victorian Society urges Mayor to reject Brixton’s Hondo Tower on environmental grounds
After the Mayor of London reopens his decision, the The Victorian Society urges him to stop the tower being built, highlighting its environmental impact. The Victorian Society is highlighting research...
Virtual book launch: AWN Pugin by David Frazer Lewis
Join us on April 28th for the virtual book launch of our publication ‘AWN Pugin’ by David Frazer Lewis! The ticket price of £25 + Eventbrite fees includes the book...
Protect London’s historic heart from skyscrapers’ uncontrolled spread
The City of London’s Planning and Transportation Committee has given the green light to the 55 Gracechurch Street skyscraper, on the edge of the City’s high-rise cluster and adjacent to...
The Victorian Society succeeds in having historic bank Grade II-listed
The Victorian Society have succeeded in having the Former Union Bank of Manchester in Nelson, Lancashire Grade II-listed. Following an application by The Victorian Society, Historic England have recognised the...
The Victorian Society slams damaging changes to Preston’s landmark Grade I-listed Harris Museum
The Victorian Society is calling for Preston City Council to refuse plans to alter one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. Tom Taylor, Conservation Adviser...
The Victorian Society back local campaign to stop towering 20-storey development in Brixton
High-rise development by Texan billionaire raises major concerns over the damage to Brixton’s historic environment. The Victorian Society strongly objects to plans to build a towering 20-storey development next to...
High Court quashes planning permission for skyscraper after The Victorian Society advice ignored
Planning permission for a 51-storey development in central Birmingham has been quashed due to the council’s failure to disclose our objection to the planning committee. Further details on the decision...
The Victorian Society asks Secretary of State to call in Exeter’s Harlequins development
The Victorian Society has requested a call in over plans to build an incongruously large development in Exeter that would overshadow the surrounding low-rise historic townscape. In January, The Victorian...
Listing success for The Victorian Society’s Birmingham Group
The Birmingham Group of The Victorian Society has successfully had Birmingham’s former Wellington Hotel Grade II-listed. Following an application by the Birmingham Group of the The Victorian Society, Historic England...
The Victorian Society applies for listings to protect Worcester’s historic cityscape
The Victorian Society is the latest national body calling for Worcester City Council to reject Lowesmoor redevelopment plans. These would demolish historic buildings in a conservation area including a former...
Herefordshire Council must reject demolition of historic rectory to reach 2030 environmental targets
The Victorian Society strongly objects to the Diocese of Hereford’s plans to demolish a historic rectory in Hereford. Not only would this see Hereford’s architectural heritage diminished but reuse of...
The Victorian Society comments ‘should not be brushed aside’ says judge in Birmingham skyscraper challenge
Proposed high-rise development raises major concerns over the impact on Birmingham’s historic buildings. The Victorian Society is delighted that the High Court has clearly stated that its views ‘should not...
Victorian society expresses concerns over proposed planning changes
The Victorian Society Director Joe O’Donnell responds to proposed changes to the planning system. The Victorian Society Director Joe O’Donnell has responded to proposed changes to the planning system put...
Listing success for The Victorian Society’s Leicester Group
The Leicester Group of the The Victorian Society have succeeded in having the Former Hydraulic Power Station in Leicester Grade II-listed. Following an application by the Leicester Group of the...
Listing success for The Victorian Society’s Leicester Group
The Leicester Group of the The Victorian Society have succeeded in having the Former “Home for Penitent Females” Grade II-listed. Following an application by the Leicester Group of the The...
The Victorian Society’s Top 10 Most Endangered Buildings list 2020
Our Top 10 Endangered Buildings list highlights at-risk heritage all over the country in the hope of finding new solutions. Please support our fight to protect our precious historic buildings...
Win for the The Victorian Society as Liverpool zip wire blocked after our legal challenge
The Mayor of Liverpool has blocked plans to build an intrusive zip wire attraction in the heart of Liverpool’s historic civic buildings. The plans, which had received planning permission at...
Joe O’Donnell appointed new Director of the The Victorian Society
The Victorian Society is very pleased to announce Joe O’Donnell as its new Director. Professor Hilary Grainger, Chair of the Society said: ‘On behalf of the trustees, it gives me...
The Victorian Society legal challenge to Liverpool Council’s zip wire decision
An application was filed on Friday to request leave for a judicial review into Liverpool City Council’s decision to allow a zip wire in the heart of Liverpool’s World Heritage...
The Victorian Society slams Liverpool Council’s approval of zip wire
The Victorian Society deplores the recent decision of Liverpool City Council to grant planning permission for a zip wire between St John’s Beacon and the Central Library building. Tom Taylor,...
VicSoc Welsh Heritage Day in Cardiff Saturday 3 September
Join the The Victorian Society at Cardiff City Hall for a plethora of talks about Welsh Victorian and Edwardian architecture from heritage experts, celebrity guests and our Vic Soc team....
The Victorian Society celebrates as plans are approved to finally restore Smithfield Market
Plans to transform the historic market into the Museum of London have been officially approved. This news has been a long time coming for The Victorian Society, who fought in...
The Victorian Society urges councils and owners to protect historic buildings from arson
Following yet another major blaze at a listed building, pressure mounts on councils to do more to protect our precious historic buildings. The Victorian Society warns councils that we face...
The Victorian Society condemns Birmingham police station’s needless destruction
A characterful Victorian police station in Birmingham imminently faces the wrecking ball. The historic structure, built by prominent architects, is deemed ‘inconvenient’ – standing in the way of a road-widening...
Partial demolition plans for St Joseph’s in Preston recommended for approval
Plans to tear down parts of the Grade II-listed gothic orphanage in Preston are set to go ahead. St Joseph’s Orphanage opened in 1872 on the site of an almshouse,...
The Victorian Society calls for public inquiry into losing a key part of Bristol’s waterside heritage
The Victorian Society requests a public inquiry into the Silverthorne Lane development in a final bid to save an irreplaceable part of Bristol’s industrial heritage. In September, The Victorian Society...
The Victorian Society calls for reuse of Bradford’s historic Fountain Hall
The Victorian Society urge Bradford Council to save the remains of a historic piece of Victorian architecture currently facing demolition. The Victorian Society has voiced its strong objection to plans...
The Victorian Society’s Birmingham & West Midlands Group commend restoration of Victorian school saved from demolition
The Victorian Society’s Birmingham and West Midland’s group announce their annual Conservation Award. The Victorian Society’s Birmingham and West Midland’s group have announced their annual Conservation Award to Wedge Group...
Birmingham & West Midlands group’s 2019 Conservation Award winner announced
The Birmingham & West Midlands group of The Victorian Society have named Sandwell Council as the winners of their 2019 Conservation Award for the restoration of Smethwick Council House. The...
Historic Exeter deserves better
An incongruously large development planned for Exeter would greatly overshadow the surrounding low-rise historic townscape The Victorian Society has objected to proposed plans to build two blocks on the site...
The Victorian Society winter lecture series
The Victorian Society launch a series of lectures exploring the imaginative conservation and reuse of historic buildings. The Victorian Society is offering the chance to hear leading architects such as...
The Victorian Society oppose unnecessary loss of Preston’s gothic Victorian orphanage
A historic Grade II-listed orphanage complex in Preston faces the wrecking ball to make way for a housing development. Proposals plan to demolish all of the former orphanage buildings retaining...
Who will protect Sheffield’s historic buildings from circling developers? The Victorian Society slams reports of proposal to slash planning department
The Victorian Society expresses its grave concern over reports that Sheffield City Council intends to cut up to 40 jobs within its planning department, stressing that the repercussions of these...
Fisons Factory fire
Suffolk’s historic Fisons Factory destroyed in a major fire. We are deeply saddened that an irreplaceable part of Suffolk’s heritage, the Fisons Factory, has burnt to the ground. Featured in...
The Victorian Society announce Top 10 Most Endangered Buildings 2019
Christopher Costelloe, Director of the The Victorian Society, said: “This year’s Top Ten Endangered Buildings is a particularly rich mix, with buildings of amazing quality throughout the country facing demolition...
Save the historic Watson’s Hotel Building
A key part of Mumbai’s heritage is under threat from demolition. On a hectic street in Mumbai stands the dilapidated Watson’s Building, India’s oldest surviving cast iron structure. Once a...
The Birmingham & West Midlands group of the The Victorian Society donates £2000 to Birmingham Cathedral restoration project
Funded by event ticket sales, the Birmingham and West Midlands group was able to donate £2000 to the Divine Beauty Appeal, a campaign to restore the stained-glass windows at Birmingham...
Save the Still and Star!
The historic Still & Star pub in Aldgate, dating back to the 1800s, faces demolition with a new bid to replace it with an office block. A new threat to...
Save the Still and Star!
The historic Still & Star pub in Aldgate, dating back to the 1800s, faces demolition with a new bid to replace it with an office block. A new threat to...
Presentation to winner of 2017 Conservation Award
A presentation ceremony has taken place for the winner of the The Victorian Society’s 2017 Birmingham & West Midlands Conservation Award, Green Lane Masjid. On Thursday 17 January 2019, officers...
The Victorian Society 2018 Top 10
All of the buildings on this year’s list are Grade II or Grade II* listed, and yet have been neglected for so long that they have now reached a critical...
Not over yet: The Victorian Society appeals against Bath Abbey judgement
The Victorian Society have applied for leave to appeal against the recent judgement in favour of removing the nave pews from Bath Abbey. Late last year the Chancellor of the...