Two South Wiltshire 'landmarks' give listed status
There's also an upgrade for a Salisbury pub
Last updated 21st Dec 2020
Historic England have released a definitive list of all the places that have gained a Listed status during 2020, and there are three places in and around Salisbury that feature.
Listed Status means the building is deemed to have 'special architectural or historic interest considering to be of national importance and therefore worth protecting'.
Among the new additions to the list is the Landford Wood Mission Hall and the former Rubbing Shed at Salisbury Racecourse.
RUBBING SHED 'EXTREMELY RARE'
The building at Netherhampton track is thought to date back to between 1675 and 1706.
It was used back then as a place for horses to be washed, dried and rubbed down after racing or training, and were common at most racecourses.
As times and technologies have moved on, the Salisbury rubbing shed is one of the last surviving examples of its kind, so it's been named Grade II listed.
Historic England say that 'architecturally, the high-quality building is well-detailed, with the functional elements of the building still seen, such as the tall entrance which would allow the horse and rider to go through the doorway, the tethering rings and the wide doorways designed to protect horses from injury'.
Salisbury Racecourse are pleased about the status it seems:
Jeremy Martin, Clerk of the Course at Salisbury told Greatest Hits Radio:
“We were delighted when our Rubbing House was awarded Grade 2 Listed status, a bit earlier this year. It is a building once used to saddle up and wash down the horses when they raced at Salisbury. It is reckoned by racing historians to be the oldest surviving building on any racecourse in the world, dating back to at least 1706.
"This is something we are very proud of. Sometime in the future, and we could not predict when, we hope to give it some much needed investment, to improve its condition. Perhaps even give it a purpose, rather than have it empty, which it currently is now”.
'DISTINCTIVE' MISSION HALL RECOGNISED
The wooden structure on Landford's Stock Lane was commissioned by Louisa Baring, Lady Ashburton and built in 1899.
It still hosts church services and events to this day and has now been given Grade II listed status.
The Hall's been described as 'distinctive' and designed to 'support the spiritual wellbeing of the community'.
UPGRADE FOR HAUNCH OF VENISON
The Salisbury city centre pub is thought to be one of the country's oldest pub, with evidence dating back to the 1300s.
It was refurbished in 1909, and already had Grade II listed status, but it's's been moved up to Grade II* now.
That's following additional information coming in from the Campaign for Real Ale about the fabric and interior of the building.
Historic England have said 'the building retains clear evidence of its evolution from a church house in the 1400s into a public house. It has a traditional layout of divided drinking spaces, with a small ladies' snug, and still contains fittings from its 1909 refurbishment, including a rare and elaborate bank of spirit pumps'.
Heritage Minister Nigel Huddlestone said:
"I am delighted that these important sites have been listed this year. These significant additions to the list span the whole country and include something for everyone to enjoy. I am grateful that, thanks to these listings, these heritage sites will continue to enrich our communities for generations to come."
Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director at Historic England in the South West said:
"Every year, Historic England works to protect the most significant historic sites across the country. Despite the challenges that the heritage sector has faced this year, 2020 has seen many brilliant additions and revisions to the List. We want to ensure the South West's rich and varied cultural heritage is preserved so that the public can continue to cherish the heritage that makes their local places so special."