Liverpool library and Norfolk gothic mansion make 2019 ‘at risk’ list

Everton Library, Liverpool.

National architecture charity the Victorian Society has published its annual top ten most endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales.

Now in its twelfth year, the campaign aims to expose the plight of these buildings in the hope that increased awareness and appreciation will help to save them.

The public nominates buildings to be featured in the list, and the Victorian Society then decides the most endangered from these public nominations.

The actor Griff Rhys Jones, president of the Victorian Society, said: ‘It is both inspiring and saddening to see this list. Who would have thought that a call to arms would reveal such a wealth of distinguished and absorbing architecture? From libraries to pubs to gorgeous theatres, these are gems. We are not looking at the second rate here.’

This year’s list includes the impressive gothic country mansion Shadwell Court in Norfolk,

Shadwell Lodge (as it was originally known) was initially built in 1715, but was extended and remodelled out of all recognition in 1840 by Edward Blore and again in 1857-60 by SS Teulon. It has been empty since the mid-1990s and is owned by a member of the Dubai ruling family.  It has extensive roof problems and has long been deteriorating.

Also on the list is the Everton Library in Liverpool which opened in 1896.

It is Grade II listed on account of its architectural quality and its role in the development of Liverpool’s public library service.

Everton Library has not been in use since 1999, there have been two failed schemes to develop it, which have failed to even touch the building.

In recent years, the library has suffered severe vandalism including lead theft, resulting in extensive water damage.

Christopher Costelloe, director of the Victorian Society, said: ‘Liverpool is a city full of great district libraries, and Everton Library is probably the best. This fantastic building is a jewel, and the city can’t afford to lose it. The Florrie shows how buildings like this can be given new life.’

Read the full list here.

Photo Credit – Ian Tatlock