A DERELICT 19th century pub should be placed on a new list designed to preserve Farnborough and Aldershot’s heritage, according to a local historian.

The Tumbledown Dick in Farnborough, built around 1811, has been empty since February 2008 when it failed a health inspection. There are no plans on the horizon to re-open it.

The building is not listed, which would protect it from being demolished without permission from central government.

Jo Gosney, a historian and author of books about the history of Farnborough, said the Tumbledown Dick was historically significant.

Rushmoor Borough Council has just begun drawing up a local list of historically and architecturally significant buildings, but this would not offer the same protection as being nationally listed.

In the 1980s, Hampshire County Council drew up something similar – a list of so-called Hampshire Treasures.

Being on this list was not enough to save the 101-year-old Cargate Water Tower in Aldershot, which was pulled down in 2008 despite protests from residents.

Mrs Gosney still felt the Tumbledown Dick should be on the local list, saying: “It was the prime meeting place for many social activities well into the mid-1900s.

“It is featured in all historical accounts of the town, at one time being the venue for manorial courts, and there was probably an inn on the site long before that.”

She added: “It is empty and falling into disrepair but in a prime position on the Farnborough Road, it is of historical importance.

“I think it must be stressed that any list that is compiled should include buildings of historical significance as well as being of architectural interest.”

Forum Heritage Services, independent consultants on historical buildings, will be doing the survey for the council from July through to the end of November.

The borough has a high proportion of listed buildings, due to the Victorian structures in Aldershot military town and buildings at Farnborough Airport that contributed to the history of aviation.

Two of them – St Michael’s Abbey and Farnborough Hill School – are Grade I-listed, the highest category that only 2% of listed buildings fall into.

Lucie Tushingham, conservation and design officer at the council, said: “Rushmoor has a unique character with many historic and architecturally important buildings and structures, thanks to its Victorian heritage and its links with the army and aviation.”

She added: “The information gathered from the survey will be used to guide the council’s future planning policies and help us to protect Rushmoor’s historic heritage for the future.”

The study will involve experts viewing buildings, usually from the roadside, to record notable features such as Victorian styling and original sash windows.

In some cases, for example if large hedges surround a property, they may need to go onto private land to view the building.

If this is required, the consultants will tell the owners that they are doing the survey and will have a letter from the council to identify themselves.

The consultant will not need to enter the building to carry out the survey, unless a resident would like photographs to be taken of the inside.

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