Adams Heritage Centre in Littleport, a beautifully preserved Victorian shop with deep local roots and ties to fen skating, is now Grade II listed
Adams Heritage Centre at 17 Main Street in Littleport – a remarkable example of a Victorian commercial building – has been listed as Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Built in 1893 to the designs of local architect Josiah Gunton, the building initially served as premises for local ironmongers H and J Cutlack before being purchased by John Henry Adams in 1901. It continued trading as J H Adams and Sons until 2010, when it was carefully conserved as a heritage centre.
The building features original folding wrought-iron gates dated 1892, a recessed entrance with tiled floor, etched and painted glass with original business lettering and full-height wooden shelving relocated from Lincolne’s chemist in Ely (established 1847).
The listing also recognises the building’s social significance. Adams specialised in fitting and maintaining Hagan Norwegian ice skates – popular with fen skaters – and the shop became a hub for this distinctive local sport.
Do you have a personal story to share about Adams Heritage Centre? Add it to Historic England’s Missing Pieces Project here: historicengland.org.uk/listing/missing-pieces