The Sash Window Workshop has produced a handy infographic guide to the UK’s listed buildings. The guide breaks down the categories of buildings in a helpful and easy to use way, meaning it is now easier to spot listed properties around the UK.
The listed buildings project started in 1947 as a response to the loss of much historical architecture during the war. Protecting our heritage is of the utmost importance and is widely supported. Listed buildings are now protected by law and have to be maintained in a certain way by owners.
The guide gives detailed information about the nature of the listed status. For example, only 2.5 per cent of all the listed buildings are given grade 1 status. This means that they are of exceptional importance in terms of history or architecture, sometimes at a national level. In England, there are approximately 374,000 listed buildings which come under these guidelines, with more in Wales and Scotland, although those North of the border are graded slightly differently.
The guide also gives homeowners information about what to do if they think their property might be listed.
If you have existing original features from certain periods, there is a chance that you may be in possession of a listed property and need to inform the authorities so that it can be protected. Buildings with certain features from certain time periods are very important to preserve. This means that features like original mouldings, woodwork and sash windows can be protected and looked after for future generations.
The guide also makes it clear what work can and can’t be done to a listed building in terms of structure and appearance and gives information about where to go to apply for funding to help carry out essential maintenance work.