English Martyrs School (Part)

The English Martyrs School (part) is a school building dating to 1875, with extensions added between 1904 and 1905. It was originally designed by ER Robson for the London School Board. The original building is constructed of stock brick with red brick and terracotta detailing, and has a slate roof. The earliest section has an L-shaped plan, comprising a main block facing Flint Street and a second block facing Deans Buildings. The three-storey Flint Street elevation has a ten-window range on the first floor. The second floor is lit by tall, segmental-headed windows, flanked by brick pilasters and triangular pediments, set under pointed gables that rise through the parapets of both elevations to the ridge of the main roof. The central window of the second floor on the short, gabled end of the second block, which forms part of the main front to Flint Street, is similarly shaped but with smaller segmental-arched sash windows to either side. The first floor windows have original glazing, although the ground floor windows have been altered. The Deans Buildings elevation has irregularly spaced windows, most of which retain original glazing. A prominent feature is an elaborate aedicule framing a stone plaque depicting 'Truth' – a book of learning held for a pair of children – and a datestone reading 1875. The building is richly decorated with cut brickwork, including four panels featuring swags of fruit and three panels depicting vases of flowers, exhibiting an Artisan Mannerist style. Tiers of halls built to the rear between 1904 and 1905 contribute to the architectural interest of the complex. The interior was not inspected. The school's design is notably bold and decorative for a board school of this date, reflecting group value.