Construction Historian Issue 12 Summer 2023
The Construction Historian (Issue 12, Summer 2023) has an article by Nick Bill about the forgotten timber roofs of Kings Cross Station. Built between 1851 and 1852 as a London terminus for the Great Northern Railway, the station was centred on two parallel sheds, each 800 feet long and 105 feet wide, divided by a brick wall formed by piers and open arches. That structure seems to have gone largely unnoticed within engineering circles at the time. By 1868, barely 18 years after its original construction, works were underway to replace the timber ribs on the eastern shed roof of the arrival platforms with the wrought-iron-plated girders that can be seen today. The article rehearses the theories about why the original eastern roof had performed so poorly. In 1886, when a decision was taken to renew the western shed roof of the departure platforms, it was reasoned that lesser severity of decay might be attributed to the positioning of standing steam locomotives during normal operations. It is an interesting insight into operational factors determining the reasons for structural decay.
The issue also deals with one aspect of the benefits provided by the Construction History Society to research: the ability to tap into worldwide experience. One such case involves a ‘faulty’ form of historic nail which turned up in building renovations in Sunderland. This displayed a curious but pronounced longitudinal split and an arched bow out to one side, seemingly a distinctly mid-19th-century phenomenon. The author refers to different manufacturing processes and characteristics, relating to construction using nails of this kind. This may be useful in a dating context, and it shows the power of incremental knowledge provided by, among others, construction historians in Sweden, Latvia and Australia.
An article by RJ Barwick describes the relatively short life of Leighton Public Baths, completed in 1934 and demolished in 1991 (a very unprepossessing Tesco superstore now occupies the site). The baths were noteworthy for the steel-frame construction and the splendid internal spaces, exemplified by the large bath hall, diving stage and underwater lighting. During the winter months the baths were converted into an entertainment venue, famously hosting the Beatles in 1963. This building seems to have been a regrettable loss, leading to speculation about whether in a later era it might have been listed.
It is worth drawing attention to the existence of the History of Structural Engineering Group, active since 1973. It is not necessary to be a member of the institution or an engineer to join the group, which includes historians, architects and other professionals, who are encouraged to share their knowledge and experience.
This article originally appeared in the Institute of Historic Building Conservation’s (IHBC’s) Context 178, published in December 2023.
--Institute of Historic Building Conservation
Related articles on Designing Buildings
IHBC NewsBlog
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The essential sector guide includes officers' updates and a foreword by EH Chair Gerard Lemos.
Historic England opens nominations for the National Blue Plaque Scheme
The scheme is open to nominations to celebrate people from all walks of life.
Striking photos show nature reclaiming brutalist concrete
‘Brutalist Plants’ explores nature’s links to the architectural style characterised by imposing form and exposed concrete.
Purcell’s guidance on RAAC for Listed Buildings in England & Wales
The guidance specifically focuses on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in listed buildings.
IHBC Membership Journal Context - Latest Issue on 'Hadrian's Wall' Published
The issue includes takes on the wall 'end-to-end' including 'the man who saved it'.
Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit developed by City of London and Purcell
The toolkit is designed to provide clear and actionable guidance for owners, occupiers and caretakers of historic and listed buildings.
70 countries sign Declaration de Chaillot at Buildings & Climate Global Forum
The declaration is a foundational document enabling progress towards a ‘rapid, fair, and effective transition of the buildings sector’
Bookings open for IHBC Annual School 12-15 June 2024
Theme: Place and Building Care - Finance, Policy and People in Conservation Practice
Rare Sliding Canal Bridge in the UK gets a Major Update
A moveable rail bridge over the Stainforth and Keadby Canal in the Midlands in England has been completely overhauled.