Derby building labelled 'one of most important in world history' saved for future generations

One of the "most important buildings in world history" has been saved for future generations thanks to the perseverance of a group of prominent Derby figures. The former Smith's Clock Works at 27-28 Queen Street - the former home of the first Astronomer Royal John Flamsteed - has been listed Grade II at the fifth attempt by Historic England.

Led by Derby Civic Society chairman Ashley Waterhouse, the group included Cathedral Dean, Dr Peter Robinson, historian Maxwell Craven, Professor Jonathan Powers, Dr Mike Lancaster, Derbyshire District astronomer and Chris Stone, also of Derby Civic Society.

According to Historic England: "The house stands as a rare survival of a Derby town house dating from the late 17th century. Evidence shows that it was a building of some status, given the quality features now re-used within the surviving building as well as its depiction on historic mapping, which shows it to have had a principal facade facing on to Queen Street, with ancillary buildings and a large garden to the rear.

"The building which survives today is a much-reduced version of what once stood, having been altered over the course of its history but most notably in the early 20th century when the front of the building was reduced to accommodate road widening works. This work is of some interest in its own right - the building’s importance was clearly recognised at the time, given the partial reinstatement of the Palladian façade which had been installed in the late 18th century and the reuse of internal features such as panelling, a stair and part of the roof structure.

"The particular historic interest that the building now possesses is due to the various notable figures with which it is associated. As the childhood home of John Flamsteed this building has direct links with the ground-breaking astronomical observations and calculations which made such an enduring contribution to our understanding of the universe.

"In a similar vein, the building was later home to John Whitehurst, a founding member of the Lunar Society of Birmingham, who hosted notable figures at the house such as Benjamin Franklin and Erasmus Darwin. Perhaps most importantly, the building later became home to the internationally renowned artist Joseph Wright, who is widely considered a leading painter of the English Enlightenment era and his work has been celebrated as capturing the spirit of the Industrial Revolution, perhaps assisted by the proximity of his home in Derby to the pioneering mills of the Derwent Valley.

"Our understanding and appreciation of this interest has developed since the last assessment for listing in 2011, and it is clear that the building merits listing at Grade II."

If a property is listed as Grade II, it means the building has particular historic and/or architectural significance, and is subject to regulations which protect its unique character.

Mr Waterhouse said: "It’s a fantastic achievement to receive this news that 27-28 Queen Street has been granted Grade II listing. A vote of thanks should also go to the committee that I assembled on this journey. We’ve worked collectively in collaborating scientific, architectural and historic significance evidence when writing this report to give our submissions the weight and value on why this property should be listed.

"This was the third submission from Derby Civic Society, as formally Maxwell Craven had tried on two occasions to have this property listed and this was our final chance to see if we could achieve it. I feel that we’ve saved one of the most important buildings in world history. Derby should champion this success as we’ve been able to protect and preserve one of Derby‘s crowning jewels for the future."

In recent months, concerns had been growing about the future of the property after Derby City Council announced in April it was looking at buildings adjacent to the site at 27 Queen Street which could be demolished as part of regeneration of the area. Additionally, there have been worries that the property’s condition has been deteriorating.

It has been hoped for a long time that the house, which is owned by a London property developer, Joseph DeWinter, who bought it in 2001, and has been occupied by squatters for a number of years, can be preserved and saved for Derby people and the nation because of its important place in history and eventually be turned into a heritage centre.

In May, the de Winter family trust said it had reached an agreement with an unnamed "highly experienced Derby-based property company" to bring forward the site on a joint venture basis. It is understood that "positive and early" discussions have started between the property company and Derby City Council’s planning team over a development at the rear of the site.

The joint venture intentions - where two or more organisations combine their resources - are centred on refurbishing the house itself, and potentially working with the city council and other stakeholders to identify its most appropriate use.

It is understood that plans had been drawn up for the future of the property but it is unknown whether or not they will have to change as a result of the listing.

Derbyshire Live has approached the owners for a comment.