Listed building facts for kids

The Forth Bridge, a famous railway bridge, is a Category A listed building.

A listed building in the United Kingdom is a special building that has been officially recognized for its important architecture, history, or culture. Think of it like a VIP list for buildings! These buildings are protected by law, which means they cannot be changed or knocked down without special permission. This helps to keep them safe for future generations to enjoy.

There are many listed buildings across the UK. In England and Wales, there are about 500,000 buildings on this special list. They can be anything from grand palaces to old churches, and even some modern buildings.

What Are the Different Grades of Listed Buildings?

In England and Wales, listed buildings are put into different groups, called "grades," based on how important they are.

Grade I: Buildings of Exceptional Importance

Grade I buildings are the most important ones. They are considered to be of "exceptional interest." This means they are very special and often have a unique history or amazing design. Only about 2.5% of all listed buildings are Grade I.

Grade II*: Very Important Buildings

Grade II* buildings are also very important, but they are not quite as rare as Grade I. They are considered to be of "more than special interest." About 5.5% of listed buildings fall into this group.

Grade II: Buildings of Special Interest

Grade II buildings make up the largest group, about 92% of all listed buildings. These buildings are of "special interest." They might be important for a specific reason, or they might show a good example of a certain style of architecture. Even though they are the most common, they are still very valuable and protected.

Images for kids

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  The Forth Bridge, designed by Sir Benjamin Baker and Sir John Fowler, which opened in 1890, and is now owned by Network Rail, is designated as a Category A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland.

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  100 King Street, Manchester, built 1935, listed Grade II* in 1974

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  The redundant Holy Trinity Church, Wensley, in North Yorkshire, is listed at Grade I. Much of the current structure was built in the 14th and 15th centuries.

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  Built in 1841, St Peter's in Stretton-on-Fosse in the Cotswolds is a Grade II listed building.

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  Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch, listed Grade I.

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  Royal Festival Hall, London, was the first postwar building to gain Grade I listed status.

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  The Grade I listed King's College London Chapel on the Strand Campus was redesigned in 1864 by Sir George Gilbert Scott.

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  The Bank Hall mansion house is a Grade II* listed building, due to the 17th-century clock tower, which features an original oak cantilevered staircase.

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  The Johnny Haynes stand at Craven Cottage is a Grade II* listed building.

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  BT Tower is a Grade II listed communications tower

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  The Grade-A-listed Mussenden Temple, County Londonderry

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  The National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh, designed by William Henry Playfair, is a Category A listed building.

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  The 18th century Garrison House in Millport, Cumbrae is Category B listed

See also

In Spanish: Monumento clasificado (Reino Unido) para niños