Peter Harris

Campaigner for Southwell & Villages Learn more

North range at The Saracen’s Head, Market Place, Southwell, on the ‘at risk’ register of listed buildings

by Peter Harris on 12 October, 2012

The unoccupied wing of the Saracens Head has just been published as still listed as ‘at risk’ by English Heritage. The Hotel is owned by Greene King.

The north side of the Saracens Head is 'at risk' - we need to challenge the neglect by Greene King.

The Hotel (including the north range) has been dated at circa 1460 with early and late C19 and C20 alterations and additions. The north range is a two storey six bay range of timber-framed close studding with brick underbuild and nogging. English Heritage say that there is ‘some decay, collapse of the lime ash floor and limited penetration by vegetation.’

The hotel is a vital part of the town, and we should encourage its new tenant to be as successful as possible. The Saracens Head deserves to success – and the buildingĀ  to be kept in a good condition by its owner, Greene King.

Some years ago, the Southwell Heritage group drew up plans to preserve the North Range, and open a museum in the block. However, plans fell through after a lease could not be agreed by Greene King. I have raised this matter before, but it is really disappointing that after this, Greens King have failed to preserve the North Range. I hope that whilst looking to improve the car park behind the Hotel they look at repairing htis important building in the centre of Southwell too.

The only other building on the ‘at risk’ register in our area is the Parish Church In Weston.

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