Tudor-style building with statues of historic figures once a Burger King branch

Despite Tudor-style architecture, the building was created in the early 1900s

There are many historic buildings across Cambridgeshire that are used as something completely different from their original use. Many buildings that line the streets of Cambridge are now used as shops and cafes.

In Peterborough, there is one unique building that has mainly been used as food outlets. This is 8 Cathedral Square, which dates back to 1911.

The store was originally used as Boots Eastern Limited, and remained a Boots until 1965. After this, the premises changed hands several times. It was later turned into a Wimpy, then a Burger King. Today, it is a Pizza Express.

The building is thought to have been designed by Boots’ own in-house architect, Michael Vyne Treleaven. It was designed as a mock Tudor building with timber frames.

What makes it unique is the statues on it. Despite not being from the Tudor era, there is a statue of Henry VIII in the middle, alongside Athelwold, King Peada of Mercia, Prince Rupert, and the Earl of Essex. These were designed and sculpted by Gilbert Seale & Son of Camberwell, London.

The building could soon get listed status, if proposed plans submitted by Pizza Express are approved by Peterborough City Council. If plans are approved, this would protect the building.

In part of the plans, the applicant proposes some repairs to the building. The applicant said it’s important the repairs take place to “support the building’s viable and sustainable use as a restaurant” to allow it to “remain active and well-maintained within the city centre”.

The long-term conservation of the building was also described as “essential”. Being in a central location, the applicant added that the building makes a “strong contribution to the aesthetic value” of Cathedral Square.