Victorian Society lists Parndon Hall with hidden Elizabeth Arkwright murals among top endangered buildings

For 2026, the Victorian Society has released its annual list of the ten most endangered buildings in England and Wales, featuring Parndon Hall, a neglected mansion located on the grounds of Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex. Constructed in 1867 by Loftus Arkwright, the hall houses a remarkable collection of wall paintings created by his wife, Elizabeth Arkwright, a Victorian artist who studied under Edwin Landseer. Her artwork, depicting nymphs, mermaids, and cherubs, adorns walls, ceilings, and doors, much of it still concealed under Edwardian whitewash. Since a flood in 2024, the mansion has remained vacant and used solely for storage. The list also highlights the Tees Transporter Bridge, requiring £60 million in repairs, and several other neglected sites. James Hughes, director of the Victorian Society, emphasized the significance of Parndon Hall as a notable work by a female artist. Society president Griff Rhys Jones advocated for the repurposing of these sites, describing the disinfecting station as a compelling narrative of crisis management.