English Martyrs School (Part)

SOUTHWARK

TQ3278 FLINT STREET 636-1/8/342 (West side) English Martyrs School (part)

II

Formerly known as: Flint Street School Board School FLINT STREET. School. 1875. By ER Robson; extended to rear 1904-5. For London School Board. Stock brick with red brick and terracotta detail; slate roof. PLAN: the earliest part of the building has an L-plan and comprises the main block facing Flint Street and a 2nd block at right angles to it facing Deans Buildings. EXTERIOR: 3 storeys. First floor of Flint Street elevation has a ten-window range. The top floor is lit by tall segmental-headed windows that are flanked by brick pilasters and triangular pediments; these are, on the long sides of the 2 blocks, set under pointed gables which rise through the parapets of both elevation to the level of the ridge of the main roof. The top storey, central window in the short gabled end of the 2nd block, which forms part of the main front to Flint Street, is of the same shape but has smaller segmental-arched sash windows to either side. On the main block flat-arched sash windows alternate with pairs of segmental-arched windows to oriels which are triangular in plan; the gable end of the 2nd block has 3 segmental-arched sash windows. All the glazing of these windows is of an authentic design save for that of the ground-floor which has been altered. Dean Street elevation: irregularly spaced fenestration, most of which with glazing of an authentic design. The dominant feature here is an elaborate aedicule framing a stone plaque with a relief depicting 'Truth' showing a book of learning to a pair of children, and a datestone reading 1875 below it. The school is lavishly decorated with cut brick work, including 4 panels with swags of fruit and 3 vases of flowers; this detailing has an Artisan Mannerist quality. The tiers of halls built to the rear in 1904-5 add to the architectural interest of the complex. INTERIOR: not inspected. The design of the original building is surprisingly bold and decorative for a board school of this date.

Listing NGR: TQ3281778587