The former HSBC Bank and the Stanleys Goldsmiths shop in Ramsgate town centre have been given a Grade II listing by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), on Historic England’s advice.
Historic England reassessed Ramsgate’s key buildings as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone and recommended these two be granted listed status.
A further four buildings in Harbour Street, which are already protected, will have their official entries updated on the National Heritage List for England to include a fuller description of their architectural and historic significance.
There are now 451 listed buildings and structures in Ramsgate. These range from the stone ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ steps from Military Road up to Royal Parade built in 1826, to the 18th-century glasshouse in the King George VI Memorial Park.
The former HSBC at 1-3 High Street was designed in a neoclassical style and built in 1921 for London Joint City and Midland Bank. As one of several purpose-built banks in the centre of Ramsgate in the decades either side of 1900, the building helps to convey the history of the town’s expansion.
6 Harbour Street, formerly Stanley’s Goldsmiths until the owner’s retirement at the end of last year, was probably constructed in the early-mid 19th century. It is a good example of a shop from this period and its remodelling in the 1950s illustrates the evolution of high street retail architecture.
Sarah Gibson, Listing Team Leader at Historic England, said: “The High Street Heritage Action Zone gave us the opportunity to dig deeper into Harbour Street’s past and identity, and the buildings which make it such a special place.
“Older buildings bring a sense of character to the town centre and Ramsgate is certainly not short of character..
“When a building is listed it still has the capacity to change and be reused – it isn’t a preservation order – we look forward to seeing what will come next for these two important places.”
Thanet council leader Rick Everitt said: “Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone has helped us to highlight, and protect, Ramsgate’s unique heritage. The listing of these heritage buildings safeguards the character of Ramsgate’s town centre. Their new status as listed buildings ensures that they will be protected and preserved in the future.
“Tourism is hugely important to Thanet’s economy and our heritage assets and the stories around them add to our appeal. This is great news not only for Ramsgate, but Thanet as a whole.”
The Missing Pieces Project:
Uncover hidden histories and highlight overlooked stories
No single person or organisation knows the whole story of a place. Everyone with a connection to a place has their own unique piece of the picture. Historic England is inviting people to add their story about Ramsgate’s historic buildings to the Missing Pieces Project.
It could be a new photograph, your memories of visiting, or a family connection to a place. You can add photographs, drawings, audio, film, or text.
Everything you add is an important piece of the picture.
Become part of the Missing Pieces Project.
Find out more
To find out more about Ramsgate’s rich architectural legacy, Ramsgate: the town and its seaside heritage (Historic England, 2020) is available to download or purchase.
