How are Buildings chosen for Listing?

Why buildings (and other structures) are listed

All buildings built before 1700 that survive in anything like their original condition are included, as are most buildings built between 1700 and 1840. Between 1840 and 1914 only buildings of definite quality and character are listed. Occasionally exceptional modern buildings may be listed.

Buildings are classified in grades to show their relative importance:

• Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them (94% of total)
• Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest (4% of total)
• Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest (2% of total) 

In choosing buildings for listing particular attention is paid to:

• Special value within certain types, either for architectural or planning reasons, or as illustrating social or economic history (e.g. industrial buildings, railway stations, schools, hospitals, theatres, town halls, markets, exchanges, almshouses, prisons, lock-ups and mills)
• Technological innovation or virtuosity (e.g. prefabrication, cast iron, or the early use of concrete)
• Association with well-known characters or events
• Group value as in examples of town planning (e.g. squares, terraces, or model villages)

How do I get a building listed?

Requests for a building to be spot listed can be made to the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport at any time, although priority will be given to those buildings which are under threat. 

What does Listing cover?