Is this a good reason to list?

[charlieboy]

I think a building should be listed for what the building is. and not for who once lived there.
Or am I wrong?
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2015/01/01/delight-as-shropshire-war-poets-house-listed/

 

[Feltwell]

I'd support the listing if nothing else for the fact that so few vernacular buildings from that era are listed, and that one appears to be relatively original - it's certainly escaped the plague of UPVC. Wilfred Owen was a nationally significant poet and I see no reason not to seek to preserve his former home when that can be done in such a way that the building's use is fundamentally unaffected, i.e. it's still a modern functioning home for someone. They're just not allowed to ruin it now :wink:

Beside, it helps to give Shrewsbury someone else to laud other than Charles Darwin!

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Yes, I support the listing. Apart from it being the home of William Owen, it is a lovely example of the era, and will now be protected from the indignities that are often imposed on similar houses.

 

[Gareth Hughes]

I think a building should be listed for what the building is.

Correct. And in this case the building is the former home of a nationally-important poet. It therefore has special historic interest, regardless of its architectural merits, and since buildings are listed for their special architectural or historic interest the listing is entirely appropriate, if a little skewed towards populist ideas.

 

[Flyfisher]

On balance, I think it's as good a reason as any for listing. As Gareth says, properties are listed for their historic interest and this can be for reasons other than architecture.

After all, the National Trust believes the Lennon & McCartney childhood homes are of historical interest, so why not Owen.

However, it raises an interesting question. If a childhood home is worthy of listing through such association, what of the other properties they have lived in as well?

 

[Feltwell]

If a childhood home is worthy of listing through such association, what of the other properties they have lived in as well?

It's a fair point - Wilfred Owen was born I believe in Oswestry, not Shrewsbury, and his family moved around quite a lot in his childhood. I presume it's to do with where they spent the most relevant portion of their life - in Owen's case he grew up in the Shrewsbury house in his teenage years and went to war from there I believe.

 

[angrybird]

http://www.wilfredowen.org.uk/Biography
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-14326629

 

[charlieboy]

Wilfred Owen was one of hundreds (or thousands?) of poets.
Most people have lived in at least 3 or 4 houses.
Then there are authors, politicians, actors, celebrities, etc etc.
When would it end - when every house in the country was listed?

CB

 

[Keithj]

Possibly a reason for a blue plaque, but doesn't sound like a reason to list.

 

[Bayliss]

I think a building should be listed for what the building is.

Correct. And in this case the building is the former home of a nationally-important poet. It therefore has special historic interest, regardless of its architectural merits, and since buildings are listed for their special architectural or historic interest the listing is entirely appropriate, if a little skewed towards populist ideas.

Very similar situation would have been faced (or should have been perhaps) prior to the demolition of 'The Cavern Club', Liverpool. Used as the 'birth place of 'The Beatles' and many other pop stars performing during their early careers. Problem is where do we draw the line so to speak.