Wainscote, south of London, is known for its historic pubs, and a few years ago the building was the site of a high-profile murder trial.
In July 2016, a man shot a police officer and then killed himself on the second floor.
The Wainsclots are situated on the north-west corner of the Wainstott, one of the oldest in London, and have a storied history.
In the mid-1800s, the Winescott Tavern, in Wainstone Road, was the home of the English National Guards, as well as the headquarters of the British Army.
It was closed in 1894 when the building came under construction.
In 1892, it was the scene of a famous murder trial where a number of men were convicted of the murder of William Boothby.
The case was later dropped when the Crown agreed to give up its defence in exchange for the life sentence of the man who was later found guilty.
The building’s second floor has been described as “the heart of the neighbourhood” by a local writer and historian.
In May, Wainsgate Council commissioned a new design for the building to reflect the community.
In November 2017, the council decided to give it a new name – The Wainsborough.
The first step was to add stonework and the second was to change the name to Wainscape.
It is expected to cost £1.8m and take three years to complete.
However, the decision was criticised by some residents who argued the name change was “political” and a “sensationalist move”.
The council has been criticised for using “politically correct” language when describing the project, and it has been called “a PR stunt” by residents.
“I think it’s a little silly that it’s so much more than just a name change,” said John McArthur, a former member of the community association.
“It’s a symbol of Wainsbury Town and the community it represents.
It’s also a very emotive name.
We’re not saying it’s right or wrong, but people are talking about it.”
The Wainstscote Council said the name was chosen to “empower” Wainscliffe High School and the Waintscot community.
“This is a major milestone for the Wanscott community, and for the wider community,” the council said in a statement.
“The Wanscot High School is the first school to receive a new and comprehensive modern-day name, with the name Wainsgrove now synonymous with Wainscale.”
For many Wainscillers, the naming of the building reflects the history and legacy of Waingrove and Wainscombe, with Wansgrove having been a key trading post for Wainscoets in the early 1800s.
“The council said the new name was “in line with the Wiganshire Heritage Guide’s recommendation for a modern-looking building to be designed with Wainstallian heritage values in mind”.
The building is set to be completed in 2017, and the new spelling and colours will be announced in February 2018.
Topics:law-crime-and-justice,crime,education,education-facilities,wainstotters,wales,north-wales
