SAVE urges Cambridge University to preserve historic lodge
SAVE has written to Murray Edwards College in Cambridge calling for it to drop plans to demolish a 19th-century lodge with historic links to Charles Darwin.
The lodge was built in late 19th century in the grounds of the Grove, the first of three large houses to be built on the Smith Estate in Cambridge. The main house dates from 1814 and became the house of Emma Darwin after the death of her husband Charles in 1882. Her two sons, George and Horace, lived in the neighbouring houses, The Orchard (which has since been demolished) and Wychfield.
The Lodge, a well-detailed Neo-Tudor building, stands within the college grounds, beside a Grade II* listed 1960s block by Chamberlain, Powell and Bon. The college obtained permission to demolish the lodge in January this year in order to provide additional car parking - a decision was made without consultation with local residents, and in the face of strong opposition. A ‘stay of execution’ has since been granted until September.
Aside from its historical significance, the Lodge is a good reusable building in sound condition. SAVE feels that its destruction, for a car park is both wasteful and senseless. In this, the 200th-anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, surely this delightful little building should be preserved and celebrated.
The campaign to preserve the building is being led by pressure group Save Grove Lodge (www.savegrovelodge.co.uk).
