Dorset bus shelter becomes listed building

A Dorset bus shelter with a thatched roof has gained listed status, amid a push to celebrate more “modest” structures of community life.

The shelter, in the West Dorset village of Osmington, was built in the late 1940s by Harry and Ethel Parry-Jones, and doubles as a memorial to their son David, who was killed in the Battle of Normandy in 1944.

Historic England, the organisation that administers listed statuses, said the simple stone hut made the grade because it had “not been significantly altered since it was built”, adding: “It demonstrates that even modest and functional structures can form eloquent and valuable memorials for their local communities.”

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Explaining the specific reasons why the shelter, on the A353, has been listed as Grade II, a statement on the Historic England website says: “Historic interest: An eloquent witness to the impact of world events on this community. Architectural interest: Its use of materials, reflecting local vernacular building traditions of Purbeck stone and thatch, which complements its surroundings.”

The shelter is one of 23 “remarkable” or “unusual” buildings and sites of a total 952 given new or upgraded protection by the organisation this year, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The Guardian notes that among the more unusual choices are a 1916 cattle and horse trough in Hampstead, North London; a railway station that closed to passengers 60 years ago, Otterington, in Yorkshire; and a big metal cockerel set atop an old pub sign on Sutton High Street, in south London.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said that protected statuses was an important tool in preserving and celebrating the country’s heritage.

“We encourage people to understand and enjoy the wonderful range of historic places on their own doorsteps and by listing them we are protecting them for future generations,” he said.

Heritage Minister Michael Ellis said: “Our historic buildings and places help us to make sense of our past and to understand the world we live in today.

“Protecting our heritage ensures that future generations can enjoy, and learn about, our rich history and I am pleased to see that a large number of important places have been added to the National Heritage List in 2018.”