Warehouse, Langport facts for kids
The Warehouse in Great Bow Yard, located in Langport, Somerset, England, is a cool old building. It's a great example of Victorian industrial architecture, which means it was built during the time of Queen Victoria and used for things like storing goods or making products.
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The Langport Warehouse: A Historic Building
The Warehouse is a special building with a long history. It shows us how buildings were designed and used many years ago.
How the Warehouse Was Built
This historic Warehouse was constructed in the late 1700s. It was made from strong red bricks, laid in a pattern called "English bond." Later, parts were added using a "Flemish bond" brick pattern. The roof is made of clay tiles and has sloped ends, which is called a "hipped" roof.
Who Built It?
The Warehouse was built by a company called the Parrett Navigation Company. This company was involved in trade and was owned by two important people: Vincent Stuckey and Walter Bagehot. They built the Warehouse right next to the River Parrett.
Why Was It Built There?
Being next to the river was very important for the Warehouse. Rivers were like the highways of the past, used to transport goods. The Warehouse was likely used to store items that were being moved along the River Parrett.
Giving the Warehouse a New Life
Over time, the River Parrett became less used for boats. This meant the Warehouse was no longer needed for its original purpose. Eventually, it was left empty.
Saving a Historic Site
In February 2003, a group called the Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development bought the site. This group is now known as the Ecos Trust. The area was considered a "brown field site," which means it was old industrial land that needed to be cleaned up and reused.
A Team Effort for Renewal
The Ecos Trust worked with several partners to bring the Warehouse back to life. These partners included the Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust (SBPT), English Heritage, and local councils. Together, they planned to turn the Warehouse into a useful place once more.
What It Is Now
The goal was to create a center for crafts, learning about history, and small businesses. The land around the Warehouse was also developed into homes that are friendly to the environment. This project helped save an important old building and give it a new purpose for the community.
What Does "Listed Building" Mean?
The Warehouse is a "grade II listed building." This means it's officially recognized as a building that is important to history or architecture. Being listed helps protect the building, making sure it is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
