A church in Lancashire designed in the form of an upturned boat, England’s earliest known ‘modern day car wash’ and a railway pub that was a prototype for an early railway station are among the buildings that have been added to the National Heritage List for England in 2023.
Some 227 historic places have been added to the list in 2023, including 16 quirky buildings such as and a rare purpose-built arts and crafts clubhouse at a golf club in Buckinghamshire.
The Church of St Nicholas in Fleetwood, Lancashire, is Grade II-listed and reflects the area’s maritime connections with its striking upturned boat design.
Built between 1960 and 1962, its bold sculptural design in the form of an upturned boat is dominated by sheer tower walls and tall copper-clad roofs with unusual triangular dormer windows representing sails.
Other locations in the region include a former bank building with clocktower on Liverpool's London Road, a Deep Pit railway pedestrian footbridge of 1887 probably designed by Augustus Topp and made by Walker Brothers in Hindley, Wigan and the Cavendish Community Primary School in Greater Manchester.
Historic England has also launched the Missing Pieces project, to uncover hidden histories and highlight overlooked stories by seeking out anecdotes about protected and historic places.
Members of the public have been asked to submit memories and stories through photos, drawings, audio, film, or text to add to the picture of what makes these places special.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “A range of remarkable historic buildings and sites are added to the list each year and 2023 is no exception.
“We’ve examined and protected some amazing sites this year, which together give us a window into our rich and varied historic environment. The festive period is a great time to find out more about the historic places all around us.
“I encourage everyone to explore the heritage on our doorsteps and to add what they discover to our Missing Pieces Project for everyone to see and enjoy.”
Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay added: “The striking range of places listed this year are a vivid demonstration of the richness and variety of our national heritage.
“The great work done by Historic England will ensure that they are protected for future generations to enjoy – and to learn about the fascinating people and stories connected with them.”
