| Abstract: |
The following resources have been consulted for the compilation of this SoS:
● National Heritage List for England (NHLE);
● Greater London Historic Environment Record (GLHER);
● Materials and records consulted in-person at the National Archives;
● One set of plans provided by Royal Russell School;
● A search of the London Borough of Croydon website for conservation areas within the
surrounding area;
● An examination of the relevant published and unpublished archaeological and historic
sources e.g., journals and historic records, and other records available online;
● The results of ongoing surveys for the Scheme and relevant documents produced by
contractors within the Scheme team; and
● Additional resources available online. The significance of Thomas More Catholic School is derived primarily from its historic and
architectural interest. Its historic interest relates to the school’s rich history, originally as a
charitable institution for the children of warehousemen, clerks, and drapers, and most recently
as a Catholic School. The school’s association with notable individuals, such as Charles
Dickens, Lord Russell, and Joseph Paxton, also contributes to its historic interest.
Architectural interest is found within the majority of the buildings on the site, excluding EFAG,
EFAH, EFAI and EFAJ. The high-quality, grand design of EFAA and the House, which have
retained many of its original decorative features, such as fireplaces, cornicing and tiles, provides substantial architectural interest. The internal and external appearances of EFAB, EFAC, EFAD and EFAF, and the swimming pool of EFAE also contribute to the school’s architectural interest.
These later additions reflect the growth in pupil numbers around the turn of the 20th century and reflect ongoing reinterpretation of the design language used in EFAA. Modern internal features, such as suspended ceilings and modern partitions, limit the ability to understand the original internal layout of these buildings.
With regard to the extent of listing, this is defined by whether a structure is attached to the
principal listed building, or whether it could be considered in its curtilage, of as of 1 July 1948.
Whilst EFAA is clearly the building that the listing pertains to, EFAB is also listed due to being
physically attached to EFAA. It is considered that the curtilage of the listed structure extends to
include other buildings on the site: EFAC, EFAD and EFAF, and EFAE. This is due to the age of these blocks, arrangement of the site and their historic relationship with EFAA in terms of how the site operated. The other buildings on the site, EFAG, EFAH, EFAI, EFAJ and all other small ancillary buildings are not considered to be curtilage listed. If this conclusion is agreed with by the LPA, then listed building consent would be required for works to EFAA, EFAB, EFAC, EFAD and EFAF, and EFAE. Listed building consent would not be required for works to EFAG, EFAH, EFAI, EFAJ. |
