Ever wonder how and why a building gets listed? Read up on the facts here.
Listing is the means by which the preservation organizations identify and protect historic buildings. Grading shows their relative architectural or historic interest. Listing occurs in two ways:
Spot listing: Hundreds of individual buildings are brought to the attention of the preservation organization, mainly by members of the public. Spot listing ensures that many important buildings are saved from damage or loss.
Thematic listing: Essentially listing by type - which aims to bring the categories of buildings that are eligible for listing up to date - is accompanied by in-depth research and public consultation.
How is the decision made? Following a site inspection by the building inspector from the preservation organization, a submission is made to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with which the decision to confer or reject listed status ultimately rests.
Buildings are classified into grades to show their relevant importance. These are as follows:
Grade I - Buildings of exceptional interest (around 2% of all listed buildings).
Grade II* - Particularly important of more than special interest (around 4%).
Grade II - Buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort being made to preserve them.
The Criteria Used:
Buildings that are eligible for listing are as follows:
All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition.
Most buildings of 1700 to 1840 although selection is necessary.
Between 1840 and 1914 only buildings of definite quality and character and the selection is designed to include the major works of principal architects.
Between 1914 and 1939, selected buildings of high quality or historic interest.
A few outstanding buildings erected after 1939.
In choosing buildings, particular attention is paid to:
Special value within certain types, either for architectural or planning reasons or as illustrating social and economic history (e.g. industrial buildings, railway stations, schools, hospitals, theatres, town halls, markets, exchanges, almshouses, prisons, lock-ups, mills).
Technological innovation or virtuosity (e.g. cast-iron, prefabrication, or the early use of concrete.
Association with well known characters or events.
Group value, especially as examples of town planning (e.g. squares, terraces or model villages).
