South Shropshire squatters cottage makes heritage list
It has stood for more than 200 years and now a humble rubble stone building in a South Shropshire village has been given listed status.
It is one of two in the region to be recognised by Historic England in their latest Heritage List.
The other was a forerunner to modern air travel – epitomising the glamour of the mid 20th century aviation.
The Art Deco Elmdon terminal at Birmingham Airport, a 1930s “Moderne style” terminal and a reminder of an era when aviation was at its most glamorous, has been listed at Grade II.
It was the original terminal building when the airport opened in 1939, housing a public bar, tea lounge and restaurant, and features concrete “wings” which provide cover to passengers below and balconies for viewing flights.
Historic England said the terminal was recognised for a “playful” design intended “to be an experience for passengers and spectators alike”.
It was last used in 1984.
Since then it has specialised in private flight for wealthy individuals, VIPs and royalty as well as being used as offices for airport staff until its full closure earlier this year.
Rare
The squatter’s cottage in Cleeton St Mary has been selected as it is an ‘increasingly rare representation’ of a very simple form of home which was once common in rural areas.
The building once housed animals and their owner under one roof.
It was likely to have been built by a smallholder who came to the area to graze livestock on moorland and quarry coal and stone.
An animal shelter was built on to the original structure so that it would have housed livestock alongside the owner.
A joint in the masonry of the main range of the building suggests it was built in two phases; the western part is presumed to be the earliest, and initially was a single-cell, two-storey cottage, onto which an animal shelter was built to the east, and another room to the west.
The associated barn had been built by 1885. The animal shelter was turned into domestic accommodation in the mid 20th century.
Expanding list
The two buildings have helped push the National Heritage List up to 400,000 entries for the first time.
The list includes historic buildings, monuments, battlefields, shipwrecks, designed landscapes and World Heritage Sites.
“The list is a treasure trove of special historic places that demonstrates the rich variety of England’s history,” said Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson.
Mr Wilson said that the listing would preserve more of the country’s valuable heritage.
He added: “Reaching 400,000 entries is a milestone – it confirms just how important our heritage is and how much deserves protecting for future generations.”
Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said listing buildings is vital to ensure that people know about the history of the country.
He said: “The National Heritage List for England tells the story of our past, and the people, places and events that shaped it. This landmark highlights the huge diversity of historic places that we have protected.”
