TheIanBullock's video: Why Norwich s saddest building still makes me smile - Sovereign House HMSO

Welcome to Sovereign House - possibly the most disliked building in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. The former headquarters of HMSO (Her Majesty’s Stationery Office), the massive concrete office block has stood empty and decaying since staff moved out in 1996. Sovereign House will eventually be demolished - but not until a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the whole of Anglia Square is approved and goes ahead. Built in the late 1960s, it is an example of Brutalist architecture and is now in a sorry state of repair. In this video, I talk about the history of Sovereign House and also look at another Norwich office building: Prospect House, built by Eastern Counties Newspapers in the 1960s. I worked there as a journalist for many years. I also examine the Brutalist architecture, its rise in popularity and subsequent demise. I’d like to thank Reg Walker, a former HMSO employee, for the wonderful old archive photos of the construction process. Reg runs a website called www.hmsoldies.org.uk. Also thanks to Stuart McPherson, who runs an internet blog called www.themilecrossman.com, for information and photos. Additional information has been taken from the website www.historyofNorfolk.com. Recorded using an Apple iPhone 13 Mini in June 2022 with commentary by Ian M Bullock. Thanks for watching and please comment below with your views. What do you think of Sovereign House?