Morecambe's historic buildings - a focus on LA4

What is a Listed building?

Historic England note - when a building is listed, it means the building or site has something significant and it helps to ensure that any changes made in the future to the building or site do not result in any loss of significance.  The map below taken from historicengland.org.uk shows a selection of the listings close to the coastline.

Here is a selection of the buildings in Morecambe that you may or may not have known have listed status:

TOWN HALL

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II   List UID: 1389539

Morecambe Town Hall officially opened in June 1931. It is a magnificent building set in beautiful gardens overlooking Morecambe Promenade and the bay.

The town hall was designed in a Neo-Georgian style with red-brown bricks enhanced by Darley stone detailing. You’ll note that the building is symmetrical. The grand entrance is a key feature. This was built in a Tuscan Portico style with paired columns.  It is certainly worth stopping to see and taking a photo!

PARISH CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1207210

The Parish Church of Holy Trinity stands proud on Church Street and dates back to 1841 when it was rebuilt by the Lancaster architect Edmund Sharpe.

The church is built in Sandstone and has a green slate roof.  The design is Gothic revival architecture and cost just £1288 to build. The church hs some beautiful stained glass windows. The church tower still has a peel of 8 working bells and welcome visitors on a Friday evening to have a go themselves! The original pews are still present and used.

Inside the church, the old pipe organ is still present. Sadly it no longer used but is still a sight to see when visiting.  Whilst visiting the church, also take note that the cobble wall enclosing the church is also listed.

THE MORECAMBE PUBLIC HOUSE

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1279834

The Morecambe Public House is now known as The Morecambe Hotel and is a beautiful boutique hotel with dining rooms and a superb bar. It’s history dates back to 1828 when it was a built as a coaching house serving the visiting traders to the area.

The Hotel is rendered with sandstone dressings and a slate roof. It also features mainly sash windows.

POULTON HALL ARCHWAY

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1209004

Poulton Hall Archway dates back to the 14th century.  It stands alone,  back in its original position having been previously moved to the Morecambe Townhall back in 1932.  In 1997 it was returned.  The archway was the entrance to Poulton Hall, a large manor house, once owned by the ancestors of President George Washington. 

Queen's Hotel

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1025289

The Queens Hotel in Morecambe occupies a fabulous position in the heart of Morecambe Centre with beautiful bay views.  Sadly it is currently closed down.   The building dates back to 1840 and has been listed due to its symmetrical build style and detailing in the windows.   In the past, it has been known as Pacha’s - an LGBTQ friendly pub, best known for its drag acts.   Let's hope it re-opens soon!  

THE CLOCK TOWER

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1279837

Morecambe Clock Tower is an iconic building and has appeared on many a photo and postcard. The tower dates back to 1905 and was built by Cressey and Keighley in red brick. It was built square and on the lowest level there is bench seating set under led canopies.  In the Summer months it is a pleasant stop off for a cold drink at the neighbouring cafe.

BARCLAYS BANK

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1279833

Barclays Bank in the heart of Morecambe is a stunning building and one many people will past daily not really noticing the detailing in the stonework. The bank was built circa 1900. It stands on a corner plot and was built in a Bavarian-style. Look up at the steep red slate roof and note the two-level attic room and magnificent spire.

THE WINTER GARDENS

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II*  List UID: 1025280

The Winter Gardens in Morecambe is another iconic Grade II listed building which stands proud on Morecambe seafront. It was once one of the regions most recognised and famous buildings. In years past, acts such as Shirley Bassey, Vera Lynn and The Rolling Stones have graced its stage.

Today the building is in trust ownership and is being slowly restored to bring it back into full use. Events are still held there, although on a much smaller scale. Tours are available. It worth looking around to see the richly decorated entrance hall and all the elaborate detailing. Looking from the outside, note the symmetrical design and fabulous glass roof canopy which would have kept visitors dry as the lined up to enter.

WAR MEMORIAL

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1292855

The War Memorial on Morecambe Promenade is located close to The Midland Hotel.  It was built in 1921 and has a rectangular granite stepped base.  A bronze lion sits on top.  Around the bottom are two inscriptions to remember those who fell from World War One and Two.    

MORECAMBE RAILWAY STATION MAIN BUILDING

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1207224

The original Morecambe Railway Station is better known today as The Platform, a unique live entertainment venue.  It is also home to Morecambe’s Tourist Infomation.

The railway station was originally built for the Midland railway in 1907.  It is built in an Elizabethan style.  In 1997 it became an entertainment venue and has been sympathetically restored to it’s original Midland Railway condition.   There is no doubt it was once a working station. 

MIDLAND HOTEL

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II*

List UID: 1208988

The Midland Hotel is, without doubt, the most iconic, famous and stand-out building in Morecambe.  It stands proudly on Morecambe Promenade overlooking Morecambe Bay.  This art deco building dates back to 1933. It is also considered to be one of the most significant Art Deco buildings in the country thanks to its curved design and graceful architectural lines. 

In 2008 it re-opened as The Midland Hotel having undergone a multi-million-pound restoration by Urban Splash.  No visit to Morecambe is complete without at least visiting for a pot of English Tea. 

FORMER STATION BUILDING AND LIGHTHOUSE, STONE JETTY

Designation Type: Listing

Grade: II  List UID: 1207223

Have you ever wondered what the stone jetty cafe on Morecambe Promenade used to be? The heritage plaque on the side does highlight it’s history as a former railway terminus serving the Irish and Scottish Ferries. The stone jetty used to house a boating pool. Today the jetty is all that remains from of the former harbour that was built in 1853. If you take a walk down, look out for the pavement games that it features.

As you can see there is a real variety in the types of buildings that hold a listed status in Morecambe.  It is well worth a trip to Morecambe to visit these as well as our promenade, parks and some of the superb restaurants in the area.  Why not come and visit Morecambe this Summer.  

You can find out lots more about listed buildings by visiting historicengland.org.uk 

*data taken from Historic England website