Adams Heritage Centre in Littleport, Cambridgeshire – a remarkable surviving example of a Victorian commercial building – has been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Historic England writes:
The former ironmongers at 17 Main Street served customers for over a century and stands as a rare time capsule of local trading history. Built in 1893 to the designs of Josiah Gunton, a Cambridgeshire-born architect, the building initially served as premises for local ironmongers H and J Cutlack before being purchased by John Henry Adams in 1901. It continued trading as J. H. Adams and Sons until 2010, when it was carefully conserved as a heritage centre. The building features original folding wrought-iron gates dated 1892, a recessed entrance with tiled floor, etched and painted glass with original business lettering, impressive full-height wooden shelving relocated from Lincolne’s chemist in Ely (established 1847) and a steel-framed structure that was technologically advanced for its time.
The listing recognises the building’s special architectural interest, as well as its social significance. Adams specialised in fitting and maintaining Hagan Norwegian ice skates – lightweight metal-bladed speed skates popular with fen skaters. The shop became a hub for this distinctive local sport, importing skates from Oslo and developing a UK distribution network.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive Historic England [said] ‘It is extremely rare to find commercial buildings from the late 19th century that retain such a high proportion of their original features. From the ornate shopfront to the historic shelving units, Adams Heritage Centre provides us with a vivid glimpse into shopping experiences of the past. This listing celebrates the importance of our everyday heritage and the value of preserving buildings that tell local stories.’
Baroness Twycross, Heritage Minister [said] ‘Adams Heritage Centre is a fascinating building that preserves over a century of local trading history. By listing this remarkable building, we’re ensuring future generations can continue to learn about and be inspired by this wonderful heritage site.’
