Endangered Victorian buildings capture decay of city centres

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A graffiti-strewn mausoleum on the Welsh coast and a derelict disinfecting station in Hackney have been named in the top ten most endangered Victorian buildings in England and Wales. The list has been published annually by the Victorian Society since 2007, based on recommendations by the public. It is designed to raise awareness about historic buildings in need of rescue. Several of this year’s additions capture the deterioration of city centres. They include a former working men’s club in Barrow-in-Furness, which was built during the city’s industrial heyday in 1863. It was later used as an educational and social centre but closed in 2008 after getting into financial difficulties.