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A century ago, they would have stood as majestic signs of Britain's industrial and civic strength. 

But now, after decades of decline, a department store, an indoor market and a flour mill have been named among the top ten most at-risk Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales. 

The Victorian Society's list for 2021 reveals the tragic state of buildings which have fallen into disrepair or been abandoned to dereliction. 

The John & Higgins department store, which opened in 1867, was once part of the 'Golden Mile' of shops in Peckham, south London, which rivalled Oxford Street. Now, it sits empty and unused above a Costa Coffee outlet.

The market at Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent opened in 1897 but, after closing for the final time in 2003, is now a derelict shell which still features ghostly signs and advertisements from the Victorian era.

At its peak in 1892, Healings Flour Mill, in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, was once the largest and most advanced in the country - capable of producing 25 sacks of flour an hour. But since closing in 2006, the building complex is now derelict. 

Also featured is stately home Horncliffe House in Lancashire, which is now just a shell. 

Comedian Griff Rhys Jones, the Victorian Society president, said: 'Here we have buildings, crying out for our help, that take us straight to the real history of Victorian Society. 

'This was a new world of consumers, legislators, industry and riches and it is all here. We must save it for coming generations.' 

Joe O'Donnell, Victorian Society director, added: 'As always, our list has a wide variety of structures, many of which are recognised through their listing as being nationally important.  But they are equally important to local communities.' 

Only a handful of buildings that appeared on the threatened list in previous years have been helped in the past.  

Below is the full shortlist of ten buildings which have been deemed to be the most under threat in 2021. Are YOU familiar with any of them?  

Jones & Higgins Department Store, Peckham, south London  

Listed status: None

Architect: Henry Jarvis & Sons

Year of opening: 1894 

The Jones and Higgins Department Store opened on the corner of Rye Lane and Peckham High Street in 1867. 

Back then, it formed a key part of a 'Golden Mile' of shops that were once a rival to the more central Oxford Street. 

The clock tower was designed by Southwark architects Henry Jarvis & Sons, who also built Dulwich Hospital and the Walworth Town Hall. 

They took their inspiration for the building's façade from the Clock Tower in St. Mark's Square, Venice.

The original department store closed its doors in 1980 and part of the building has since been demolished to make room for the  

The original store closed its doors in 1980 and part of the building has since been demolished to make room for the Aylesham shopping centre. 

The Jones and Higgins Department Store opened on the corner of Rye Lane and Peckham High Street in 1867. Back then, it formed a key part of a 'Golden Mile' of shops that were once a rival to the more central Oxford Street

The clock tower was designed by Southwark architects Henry Jarvis & Sons, who also built Dulwich Hospital and the Walworth Town Hall. Above: The building in its heyday in 1912

The rest of the building was taken over by the Peckham Palais nightclub until it closed in 2012. 

Although the clock was repaired in 2015 after being out of service since 1980, the building continues to fall into ruin. 

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'There is a feeling of nostalgia for this beautiful building in the local community, many of whom still remember it as an important part of the high street. 

'The building's architectural credentials, with its clock tower and design that is an ode to Venice, make it a valuable heritage asset. 

'Its local connections with other buildings that were built by the same Southwark architects make it a vital part of a larger heritage context. 

'This impressive structure at the centre of Peckham is at risk of falling further into disrepair. 

'Surely a use can be found for this striking building in what was described by the New York Times as 'The Beating Heart of London's Most Dynamic Art Scene'?'

Adverts in old copies of the Daily Mail from 1911 (left) and 1958 (right) give a hint to the former status of Jones & Higgins

Indoor Market, Burslem, Stoke on Trent

Listed status: None

Architect: Unknown

Year of opening: 1897 

The market, with its ghost signs and faded advertisements from the Victorian era that still adorn several closed shops, is a crumbling symbol of Burslem's rise and subsequent decline.

The gothic design and ironwork is similar to the type seen at King's Cross station in London. 

It finally closed its doors in 2003 after masonry fell from the ceiling and was deemed to be a risk to shoppers. 

Now, it is in need of vital repair if it is going to be saved. Its iron and glass roof is in danger of collapse and the bill for fixing it could be as much as £1,000,000. The market is owned by the council. 

The Indoor Market, in Burslem, Stoke on Trent, with its ghost signs and faded advertisements from the Victorian era that still adorn several closed shops, is a crumbling symbol of the town's rise and subsequent decline

 Plants are now growing through the floor of the arched building, which was once a bustling centre of commercial activity

The market finally closed its doors in 2003 after masonry fell from the ceiling and was deemed to be a risk to shoppers. Above: The market in 1973

Now, it is in need of vital repair if it is going to be saved. Its iron and glass roof is in danger of collapse and the bill for fixing it could be as much as £1,000,000. The market is owned by the council. Above: one of the derelict shops, complete with an ancient frontage saying, 'We sell the sweetest things in life'

The market was once a busy part of the town but is now empty and crumbling. Above: The former 'I Do' bridal shop

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'Like many Victorian markets across the country, Burslem Indoor Market was a busy part of the town. 

'Now it stands empty and crumbling, a sad sight for those who still remember it bustling with life. Funding must be secured to repair this public building, which could create new job opportunities, and revive a community space. 

'The market covers 11,000 square metres, with shops, and market floor, that could be re-imagined as community-use-space, small business premises and much, much more. 

'Stoke on Trent Council is very keen to find a developer to assist them in bringing this building back to use. Could it be you?'  

Healings Flour Mill and Warehouses, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

Listed: Grade-II

Architect: W H James of Tewkesbury

Built: 1865-6 

When it was at its peak in 1892, Healings Flour Mill was regarded as the largest and most advanced flour mill in the country and was capable of producing 25 sacks of flour an hour.

After operations finally ceased in 2006, some of the later 20th century structures were demolished and machinery from the warehouse and mill were removed. 

The listed buildings are now unsafe and in need of structural work to make sure they do not have to be demolished.

When it was at its peak in 1892, Healings Flour Mill was regarded as the largest and most advanced flour mill in the country and was capable of producing 25 sacks of flour an hour

The mill is seen above in 1900, when it was still a hive of activity. After operations finally ceased in 2006, some of the later 20th century structures were demolished and machinery from the warehouse and mill were removed

The listed buildings are now unsafe and in need of structural work to make sure they do not have to be demolished

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'Healings Mill represents Tewkesbury and the surrounding area's agricultural and industrial past and is a source of pride for many people who live around it. 

'The mill's riverside location and attractive architecture, make it ideal for repurposing to breathe new life into the area. 

'Its grand scale gives it the potential to become a focal point for the community, with space for small businesses, homes, leisure facilities or even a museum.

'Sadly, its current state of extreme disrepair means that urgent action is needed to save this building from deteriorating further and facing total demolition. 

'We hope a developer will see the potential in repurposing this wonderful building.' 

Coal Drops, Halifax, West Yorkshire

Listed: Grade-II

Architect: Unknown

Built: 1874 

The Halifax Coal Drops were built for the nearby Ovenden and Halifax Railway Company and form an important part of the town's history.

They are made up of 15 wooden bunkers which have been built into the hillside and are supported between stone piers. 

Trains would stop over the top of the bunkers and then drop coal into them. Traders would then arrive with their horse-drawn carts in the spaces beneath to load up with coal before delivering it. 

Because much of the internal machinery is still intact, the buildings are a rare survivor of their type. 

The Halifax Coal Drops were built for the nearby Ovenden and Halifax Railway Company and form an important part of the town's history

They are made up of 15 wooden bunkers which have been built into the hillside and are supported between stone piers. Above: The Coal Drops are seen with the Halifax Minster in the background

Trains would stop over the top of the bunkers and then drop coal into them. Traders would then arrive with their horse-drawn carts in the spaces beneath to load up with coal before delivering it

They are now owned by Calderdale Council but have been fenced off for the past 15 years after a piece of masonry fell from the roof.  

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'Nowadays, we are moving away from fossil fuels, but the Halifax Coal Drops are a reminder of how long fossil fuels have been important to people's lives and communities.

'A new plan for an improved footpath and cycleway, between the town centre, and the nearby Hebble Trail, going directly past the Coal Drops is a great opportunity to restore the coal drops and preserve them as a landmark, to be enjoyed by both locals and visitors.' 

'Funding for an initial structural survey is urgently needed to understand exactly what is needed to save this unique piece of industrial heritage.' 

Donations to help with the repairs are being accepted by the Halifax Civic Trust. 

Because much of the internal machinery is still intact, the buildings are a rare survivor of their type

They are now owned by Calderdale Council but have been fenced off for the past 15 years after a piece of masonry fell from the roof

Horncliffe House, Rawtenstall, Lancashire

Listed status: Grade-II 

Architect: Unknown

Built: 1869 

The ornate exterior of Horncliffe House is almost all that still stands of what was once a grand residence. 

It was originally built as a private home for local mill owner and businessman Henry Hoyle Hardman.

Since then, it has gone through several other uses, including an old people's home and hotel. It was closed in 2007.

The following year, an application to turn it back into a single dwelling was rejected and the property was abandoned. 

A fire in 2019 devastated the inside of the house. All of its once-striking plaster mouldings and colourful wall paintings were lost. 

However, the exterior still boasts its finely-dressed stone and carved decorations and an arched and columned entrance portico. 

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The ornate exterior of Horncliffe House, in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, is almost all that still stands of what was once a grand residence. It was originally built as a private home for local mill owner and businessman Henry Hoyle Hardman. Above: The house recently compared with how it used to look 

The building now needs extensive work to save it from total collapse. 

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'Horncliffe House is a beautiful building with an unlucky history. The tragic fire that destroyed most of its interior was almost the last nail in its coffin, but the exterior still shows its grand history and potential for salvation... ... This is Horncliffe's House's last chance. 

'Extensive works need to be done to make sure it continues to survive, but its easy-access location just off the A56, and striking appearance, would make it an ideal restoration project. 

'It would be wonderful to find a business or individual willing to take up this challenge and bring this fascinating piece of Lancashire's history back to life.' 

The exterior still boasts its finely-dressed stone and carved decorations and an arched and columned entrance portico

Icknield Street School, Birmingham

Listed status: Grade-II 

Architects: J.H. Chamberlain of Martin and Chamberlain

Built: 1883

Icknield Street School is in urgent need of repair. The ground floor is still partly in use as a Hindu temple but its upper storeys are vacant. 

Water leaks from the slate roofs and gutters are now causing damage to the walls. 

The building's architects also created several of Birmingham's other Victorian buildings, many of which are now lost.

Icknield Street School, in Birmingham, is in urgent need of repair. The ground floor is still partly in use as a Hindu temple but its upper storeys are vacant

The building's architects also created several of Birmingham's other Victorian buildings, many of which are now lost. Above: The interior of the school 

A slated spire rises out of the school in three stages and the high gables and pitched roofs are typical of Chamberlain's schools in that it was designed for hygiene and fresh air

A slated spire rises out of the school in three stages and the high gables and pitched roofs are typical of Chamberlain's schools in that it was designed for hygiene and fresh air. 

The attached headmaster's house is also in urgent need of repair. 

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'Icknield Street School is a beautiful building that is at risk of being lost if essential repairs are not carried out. 

'The rain damage will only continue to get worse. This must be addressed as a priority. The school is in a convenient location and the potential for repurposing is clear, as it is currently partly occupied. 

'The council must act soon to both deal with the damage to the fabric of the building it is the custodian of and to find new occupiers to make the most of its wonderful Victorian space.' 

Minley Home Farm, Hampshire

Listed status: None

Architect: Arthur Castings

Built: 1896 

Minley Home Farm was once part of the extensive Minley Manor Estate. It was completed in around 1896 and designed by Arthur Castings, who worked with the renowned architect George Devey.  

Devey worked on other buildings on the estate. 

The model farm was designed to reflect changes in farming during the agricultural depression, when arable land was converted to be used for livestock after cheap wheat imports from America caused prices to drop dramatically. 

The farm features a dairy, bull boxes and cow and calf boxes.

Minley Home Farm was once part of the extensive Minley Manor Estate. It was completed in around 1896 and designed by Arthur Castings, who worked with the renowned architect George Devey

The model farm was designed to reflect changes in farming during the agricultural depression, when arable land was converted to be used for livestock after cheap wheat imports from America caused prices to drop dramatically

The farm is rare because, due to the depression, very few farm buildings were built during the late 19th century. 

Whilst the manor house has found new owners, the farm and thousands of acres of surrounding land have been owned by the Ministry of Defence since 1935.

In January this year, the MoD submitted plans to demolish the farm. 

A letter to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace from the Victorian Society urged him to rethink the plan due to the farm's architectural and historical significance.

The farm is rare because, due to the depression, very few farm buildings were built during the late 19th century

Whilst the manor house has found new owners, the farm and thousands of acres of surrounding land have been owned by the Ministry of Defence since 1935

Campaign group SAVE Britain's Heritage then took legal action to block the demolition under permitted development rights and also made a listed building application to try to ensure it was saved.   

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'Years of neglect have taken their toll on this model farm, but there is still hope. Gaining listed status would help protect the farm in the first instance. 

'Agricultural buildings from this part of the Victorian period are rare, and the farm's unique architecture and location with a larger heritage context mean that it needs to be preserved. 

'The owner of the nearby manor is keen to buy the farm, and with its location in stunning countryside on the edge of the MOD's land, with relatively easy public access, make redevelopment feasible – if only the MOD would sell rather than demolish.'

Oldham Equitable Cooperative Society (Hill Stores), Oldham, Greater Manchester

Listed status: Grade-II

Architect: Thomas Taylor

Built: 1900  

The building was designed to include drapery, gentleman's outfitting, furnishing, boot and shoe, butchery and grocery departments, along with offices and committee and board rooms. 

The facility also boasted an education department with newsroom, library and conversation room. 

It also boasts two ballrooms, making it unique. The largest one was built with a seated capacity for 1,000 people, whilst the smaller can fit 500. 

The building was designed to include drapery, gentleman's outfitting, furnishing, boot and shoe, butchery and grocery departments, along with offices and committee and board rooms. The facility also boasted an education department with newsroom, library and conversation room

It also boasts two ballrooms, making it unique. The largest one was built with a seated capacity for 1,000 people, whilst the smaller can fit 500

Oldham Equitable was last used in the 1980s as a dance and music venue. 

However, the size of the building with its ballrooms and multiple levels have made it tricky to find a buyer.  

Some shops do remain on the ground floor, but other rooms are in urgent need of attention.  

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'It would be a tragedy if The Oldham Equitable Cooperative Society or Hill Stores is allowed to decay further. It was a popular dance hall and entertainment venue up until recent memory and is still much-loved by many in the community.'

'Its massive scale provides many opportunities for repurposing and re-use. 

'Its existing commercial and entertainment space should give plenty of inspiration to the council, community groups and businesses to make the most of this wonderful building.'  

Church of St Helen, Biscathorpe, Lincolnshire

Listed status: Grade-II 

Architect: W. A. Nicholson

Built: 1847 

The Church of St Helen now stands nearly alone, with the village that it once served having long disappeared.

The current structure was built on the site of a previous church in 1847, in a Gothic style. More than fifty grotesque faces which are perched high on the steeple peer down at any visitors.

The church retains original features including stained glass, pulpit and cast-iron poppy-headed benches.

The windows are filled with diamond leaded panes, which are mostly made up of clear glass. The east window also carries a depiction of Rubens' Descent from the Cross. 

The Church of St Helen, in Biscathorpe, Lincolnshire, now stands nearly alone, with the village that it once served having long disappeared

The current structure was built on the site of a previous church in 1847, in a Gothic style. More than fifty grotesque faces which are perched high on the steeple peer down at any visitors

The building is now in desperate need of repair after years of neglect, with the interior now partially exposed to the elements

However, the building is now in desperate need of repair after years of neglect, with the interior now partially exposed to the elements.   

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'St Helen's is an exquisite little church nestled amongst trees in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds. It is a delicate and fascinating work of architecture and a remarkable survival. 

'The church is now closed to regular worship, but given the quality of the building, handing it over to the Churches Conservation Trust or the Friends of Friendless Churches is one obvious option to ensure it is saved…

… Whatever happens, urgent repairs are clearly now required. In the longer term, a sensitive new use for it is needed, one that preserves the lovely and largely intact interior and its original suite of furnishings.'

Whitchurch Hospital, Cardiff, Wales 

Listed status: Grade-II

Architects: Oatley and Skinner

Built: 1902-1908 

The hospital was originally opened as the 'Cardiff Lunatic Asylum'. 

It was built in the typical style of similar facilities, with a spine of central administrative blocks and then five-storey ward blocks on each side. 

When it was opened, it was among the most modern of its period. It was designed as a self-contained community and boasted a farm, powerhouse, water supply and even its own fire station.

However, the hospital has been falling into ruin ever since it closed its doors in 2016.   

Whitchurch Hospital, in Cardiff, was originally opened as the 'Cardiff Lunatic Asylum' after being built between 1902 and 1908

It was built in the typical style of similar facilities, with a spine of central administrative blocks and then five-storey ward blocks on each side. Above: A photo when the facility was known as Cardiff Mental Hospital

When it was opened, it was among the most modern of its period. It was designed as a self-contained community and boasted a farm, powerhouse, water supply and even its own fire station. However, the hospital has been falling into ruin ever since it closed its doors in 2016

Plans submitted in 1995 to turn the hospital and its grounds into residential, commercial and leisure use never came to fruition and they finally expired in 2020

Plans submitted in 1995 to turn the hospital and its grounds into residential, commercial and leisure use never came to fruition and they finally expired in 2020.

The NHS is keen to sell the site before it deteriorates further.   

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'Whitchurch hospital has so much potential for repurposing. It covers a site of five acres with a diverse range of buildings that could easily be re-opened as offices or converted into housing and commercial spaces.

'Its prime location on the edge of Cardiff must surely make it very appealing to developers with big plans and a passion for heritage. 

'We hope that a buyer can be found soon who recognises the unique potential of this once self-contained community and bring it back to its former grandeur.'  

Mr Rhys Jones said: 'Whitchurch hospital has so much potential for repurposing. It covers a site of five acres with a diverse range of buildings that could easily be re-opened as offices or converted into housing and commercial spaces'

Buildings on previous lists 

Some of the buildings that were mentioned last year - including the former Prudential offices in Oldham and the Captain Cook pub in Middlesbrough - have seen an upturn in fortunes. 

The Prudential offices are now looking for a buyer with an asking price of £900,000, whilst the council in Middlesbrough  secured £538,000 for the Captain Cook and essential works are now underway to preserve the building.   

Brighton Hippodrome, which was built in the Sussex seaside city when it was becoming extremely popular as a holiday resort, also featured on last year's list. 

It continues to sit empty and rotting but a new owner bought the site at the end of last year and maintenance works to save the building began this year.   

Abney Park Cemetery Chapel, in Stoke Newington, North London, featured in the top ten in 2014. Planning application was approved in late 2019 to carry out works on the cemetery and chapel. 

After funding was granted, restoration works have now begun.