The Construction Historian Issue 13 Spring 2024

In The Construction Historian (Issue 13, Spring 2024) of greatest interest is a well-illustrated article by Nick Hill dealing with the Great Meeting Unitarian Chapel in Leicester, where a recent programme has brought to light an unusual early roof structure from 1708. Pevsner noted that the chapel was one of the earliest brick buildings of any ambition in Leicester. Although major alterations were undertaken in 1866, including a new chancel and portico, investigations have shown that the original roof structure of 1708 survives in almost complete condition. This is of an extraordinary form and possibly unique for this early date. Although the designer of the roof is unknown, its form suggests a connection to a leading architect or carpenter of the day.

An article by Chris Kolonko examines the construction of second world war pillboxes. Some typical examples are now listed, but very little is known about how they were constructed. The author notes that every pillbox (listed or otherwise) can supply a great deal of information: the expected avenue of approach; the number of soldiers who would have defended a given area; and the weapon systems used from within. But the methods used to build a pillbox can easily be overlooked. Even after 80 years, little is still known about surviving pillboxes, other than their general locations and broad types. A great deal of research is still required to fully understand and appreciate not only the structures but also the effort that went into building them. This five-page illustrated article may help in assessments for inclusion in schedules of non-designated heritage assets.

This article originally appeared in the Institute of Historic Building Conservation’s (IHBC’s) Context 180, published in June 2024. It was written by Bob Kindred MBE.

--Institute of Historic Building Conservation

Related articles on Designing Buildings Conservation.

• Conservation.
• Construction Historian Issue 12 Summer 2023.
• Construction History Vol 36, No 2, 2021.
• Construction History Vol 38, No 1, 2023.
• Construction History Vol 38, No 2, 2023.
• Heritage.
• Historic environment.
• IHBC articles.
• Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
• The Construction Historian, Issue 9, March 2022.