Latest news with #historicalbuilding
BBC News
02-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Emergency repairs sought for historical Peterborough building
Plans are under way to start emergency repairs on a historical building in Peterborough. Laurel Court stands next to Peterborough Cathedral, in Cambridgeshire, and parts of it are believed to date back to 1690, but its condition is cathedral's governing body, Chapter of Peterborough Cathedral, has now applied for listed building consent to commence repairs and surveys to the building."The condition of Laurel Court has been a significant concern for several decades, and remains in extremely poor condition," a planning document states on behalf of the Chapter. "It needs a major phase of complete repair, to deal with all of the external fabric and structural issues."Despite the recently installed flat roof (which is holding water so will not endure long), this work cannot be delayed indefinitely, and should be a fundraising priority, ideally to carry out repairs within five years."Some parts of the Grade I listed-building are understood to originate from the 17th Century, with early 18th Century extensions and 19th Century additions, such as the bay is now mostly vacant or used as storage, but the building was used as a school from 1870 and later a choir is hoped a new use for the building can be found once the structural concerns are rectified. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- The Independent
Tourists flee as 600-year-old Ming Dynasty tower roof collapses in China
The roof of a Ming Dynasty tower dating back more than 600 years collapsed in a huge pile of rubble in China 's Fengyang county on Monday (19 May). Eyewitness footage showed part of the historic building collapsing as tourists scrambled to flee the scene. Local officials said tiles on the east side of the roof of the Fengyang Drum Tower fell around 6:30 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) on Monday. The tower is more than 600 years old, constructed in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- The Independent
Palazzo Ripetta, Rome hotel review
Location The hotel shares its name with the street it's on, Via di Ripetta, an artery that leads off Piazza del Popolo, a dramatic Neoclassical square on what was the northern gate of the ancient city. If you're exploring on foot, many of the top attractions – the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon – can be reached in 10 to 20 minutes; Spagna and Flaminio–Piazza del Popolo are the nearest Metro stops (both Line A) and it's a 15-minute drive from the main railway station, Termini, to the hotel. Villa Borghese, Rome 's sprawling green sanctuary, is 500m north, where you'll find museums (including works by Caravaggio, Bernini and more) among the gardens. Head west to reach the subtly chic Prati neighbourhood, and continue on for Vatican City. The vibe The historic roots run deep in this 17th-century building – at first a convent, then a shelter for young women, before a meticulous 2022 restoration saw it reborn as a five-star hotel with unmistakable luxury. The classical and contemporary blend without a seam, with a restored exterior giving way to sleek, sculptural, light-filled interiors, with marble and terrazzo floors. Just beside reception is a former chapel, now softly repurposed as an intimate lounge – its frescoed ceilings and arched alcoves hinting at its past lives. The public spaces are home to an impressive collection of modern and antique art, including works by Burri and Liberatore; you can't miss the colossal brass globe as you enter, a striking centrepiece by Arnaldo Pomodoro. At the centre is the Piazzetta Ripetta, a calm courtyard where you forget the often chaotic city on the other side of the walls; stop here for an aperitivo under citrus trees, beside a 3rd-century marble sarcophagus turned into a fountain. The service Staff are attentive, from the moment you're ushered inside by the suited man on the door to a back-and-forth over wine choices with some pre-dinner nibbles. It's not intrusive, though – quick with the hot drinks at breakfast, slow to interrupt cocktails under the stars. Bed and bath Despite the grand size of the hotel, there are only 78 rooms and suites – which gives you an idea of how generously sized they are in a city that can cram visitors into small spaces (even the 'compact' rooms impress). The foundations of the interiors are muted – cream wall panelling, parquet floors – but bold colours in artwork, curtains and headboards bring it to life. Details are deft and sophisticated: chairs upholstered in vivid velvets, large chandeliers made from Murano glass, supremely comfortable beds dressed in Frette linen. Some suites open to private terraces, which overlook the inner courtyard or Rome's terracotta rooftops. Bathrooms are heavy with black and white Italian marble, most with walk-in showers and some with tubs, and feature Ortigia toiletries. Food and drink Piazzetta Ripetta is billed as a 'place to live, breathe and savour', but it translates as the hotel's casual dining spot. Spread over the courtyard, the menu offers sandwiches, salads and light bites, plus a strong dessert menu (try 'My Version of Grandma's Pie', a zingy lemon pie with crumble and toasted pine nuts. For something strong, head upwards to Etere, the rooftop bar, for wines by the glass or sparkling cocktails with a view of Rome's church domes and the soft curve of the Tiber River. San Baylon restaurant is the epicurean highlight. It's a contemporary dining room, with leather banquettes under arches and walls featuring softly lit items relating to the hotel's history, with a menu from executive chef Christian Spalvieri, who has worked in kitchens across Italy as well as in London. The risotto, made with carnaroli rice, is a green-tinted haze of Parmigiano Reggiano, crisp fennel and pine nuts, with an almost mischievous addition of liquorice. The pasta dish of 'pinched' agnolotti, stuffed with a white ragout and seaweed cream, balances richness with a salty hint of the sea. There's a wonderful core of trattoria dining within the refinement, and the value (€85 for a four-course set menu) is incredible. Guests eat breakfast, weather permitting, in the central courtyard, the trickling of the fountain a backdrop as you dine on maritozzi (brioche buns filled with whipped cream), Roman ricotta from the buffet and strong espresso. Facilities Lovely spots to eat and drink, and the courtyard to cool off in the hot Roman summers, is almost as far as facilities go here, though there is also a gym, steam room, sauna and hydropools. But the important thing is: you have the whole city on your doorstep to explore. Disability access There are a number of accessible rooms and common areas are wheelchair-friendly. Pet policy Pets are allowed; best to speak to the hotel about your specific animal. Check in/check out Check in from 3pm; check out by noon. Family-friendly? Children are welcome, and there are family suites. At a glance Perfect for: Escaping Rome's commotion to wrap yourself in art-filled luxury. Not right for: Party people or budget travellers.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Ipswich County Hall up for auction: What is it used for?
In the heart of Ipswich lies County Hall - a Grade II listed building that has acted as a prison, court and council headquarters over the in 1837 on St Helens Street, the Tudor style building once even hosted divorce proceedings of Wallis Simpson in 1936, allowing Edward VIII to marry her after he renounced his recent years, it has fallen into disrepair and been vacant since 2004 despite plans to turn the building into hall is now up for auction - but how significant is the building's history, and what could a successful sale mean? What is the history of County Hall? The main structure of the former County Hall dates back to the start of the 20th Century, although some parts date back to 1837, and one small section to originally served as a prison and a law court, it became a council building from was designed by William McIntosh Brooks, who wanted its appearance to reflect the justice administered later, the building became home to Suffolk County Council after its formation in 2003, however, the council looked to move its 1,300 workers to new following year it did and moved into Endeavour House on Russell Road. County Hall has remained vacant ever since. Wallace Simpson's divorce The building played a key part in a royal abdication incident in the Simpson was an American socialite who first married Ernest A. Simpson, an American-born Brit, in soon after she met the then-Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, and the pair fell in on marrying the royal, Mrs Simpson divorced Mr Simpson - a challenging process for women at the time - with the proceedings held at County Hall in 1936. Edward VIII had since become king and announced their plan to marry, but she was deemed an unacceptable prospective queen due to now being twice the King renounced his throne in December 1936 so they could a radio broadcast, he said: "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love."His brother Albert took the throne instead and was named George VI, with his daughter, the late Queen Elizabeth II, taking the throne after his death in 1952. What has happened since 2004? County Hall fell into a state of disrepair after the county council vacated the property. Over the years, it then attracted unsuccessful proposals to transform it in the likes of a new registry office, homes and an archive 2012, the Victorian Society, a charity which campaigns to preserve Victorian and Edwardian structures, named it an endangered described County Hall as a "haunt of vandals, thieves, drug users and squatters" and while it was "designed to instil awe" it instead "inspires pity and anger". Ipswich Borough Council said the owner, Rainbow Developments, had promised to start working on securing the building "straight away" following 2018, fresh plans were made to convert the building into 40 new flats, but urgent repairs were needed first. Two years later, these plans were a year ago, it emerged that the developers did not have planning permission after a legal agreement between them and the council had not been back up for a decision, councillors unanimously approved the plans, subject to conditions. The auction In recent weeks, it emerged County Hall would now be up for planning permission for the flats remains in place for whoever is successful in the auction, and a guide price of £895,000 has been given by Hall will be auctioned from 09:00 BST by remote bidding only through there is a successful sale, it will ultimately be down to the new owner whether or not they carry through with plans to turn the building into new they do, it would likely be some months before any work started. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
CBC
10-05-2025
- CBC
Secrets in stone: 200-year-old Bell Inn's mysterious origins remain elusive
Full history of stone inn sought for more than 100 years but remains lost in time The Bell Inn in Dorchester is one of the oldest buildings in New Brunswick. It might even date back to Acadian settlement, but the specific details are lost in time. One of the remarkable things about this "very beautiful old stone building" is that it wasn't turned into a museum but remains in use today, says Roadside History host James Upham. Upham is a historian and educator who enjoys exploring the countryside of rural New Brunswick, travelling its rivers and backroads and occasionally stumbling upon "bits of clay pots" that predate the city of Rome. Bell Inn is a small, stone building with the appearance of an old cottage, located at the corner of Cape Road and Main Street. It is owned and maintained by the Westmorland Historical Society. Upham said that even if the precise date of the Bell Inn's construction isn't known, it is "certainly one of the oldest buildings in the province" and "definitely the oldest stone building that's still in use." A History of the Bell Inn by Eugene Goodrich, accessible on the Westmorland Historical Society's website, says the inn was likely built between 1811 and 1821, based on the first record of its existence. Goodrich writes that there was once a Dorchester legend that Bell Inn predates the British conquest of Acadia. In this legend, he writes, the building's core was built in the 1690s and served as a fort, which illicitly traded with Mi'kmaq and Acadians. Yet, he also writes that "there is no documentary evidence whatsoever for a structure of this date, and considerable evidence that it was, in fact, built later." Upham, however, believes that some parts of the building may actually date to the time of Acadian settlement. But even if it doesn't, he said "for us here in New Brunswick, a 200-year-old building is really old." The Bell Inn is currently being used as an apartment building. At different times, it's had different uses, including as a bakery and even as the home base of "a literal shipping empire" run by a prominent local family. According to Goodrich's document, it has also been used as a cobbler stall, a confectionery and the privately owned home of the Hickman family. The Bell Inn is a place that has stood so long and played host to so many different uses that it has engrained itself in the history of Dorchester, according to Upham. Once the shiretown of Westmorland County, Dorchester has undergone a lot of changes over the years, shifting size a number of times throughout its history based on its significance at the time. Upham said that even "an old citizen of Dorchester, a fella by the name of Percy Palmer, who passed away in 1878," is recorded as trying to figure out who actually built the Bell Inn and where it came from. The fact that the Bell Inn, a building with such a rich history, has not been turned into a museum but is still in use is "one of the fascinating things about it," Upham said. The inn has been witness, and participant, to all of the changes that Dorchester has gone through over the years. Yet, it remains subtle, said Upham. While "the hoity-toities were hoitying their toities" and building houses to live in "made of big fancy rocks," the Bell Inn took a more subtle approach, he said. "It is a shelter. It is a place for people to go when they need to go someplace."
