A 17th-century tomb in Essex, linked to The Adventures of Tintin, has been granted historic status by Historic England. The site joins a selection of remarkable heritage listings, including unique examples of post-war architecture and quirky cultural landmarks.
A 17th-century English tomb linked to the beloved Tintin comics has been granted official protection as a "remarkable" historic place by heritage chiefs.
In the quiet town of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, far from the snowy mountains of Tibet where the intrepid young reporter Tintin ventured, lies the tomb of Mary Haddock, mother of Admiral Richard Haddock.
The admiral is believed to have inspired the character of the ill-tempered Captain Haddock in Belgian author Hergé's Adventures of Tintin. Known for his colorful expletives like "blue blistering barnacles!", the comic captain was a seafarer much like Richard Haddock himself.
Mary Haddock's tomb is "notable as a single monument dedicated to a named woman in a period of gender inequality," according to Historic England, which announced its list of "17 remarkable and unusual historic buildings and places" on Wednesday.
Other quirky additions include a brutalist concrete Baptist church in Bristol, southwest England, which has a Tesco supermarket on its ground floor. Locally, it is affectionately known as the "church above the shops."
Historic England recognized this 1960s structure as a "striking example of post-war church architecture."
Additional listings this year include a former bungalow-style maternity ward and an early 20th-century fingerpost—a crossroads signal with pointing fingers at the ends of its arms—both now classified as Grade II sites.
The annual roundup highlights lesser-known and quirky heritage sites among the 211 buildings and locations added to the historic registry in 2024.
Heritage Minister Chris Bryant celebrated the recognition, calling it a testament to the "hard work to protect and preserve some truly unique buildings and places that have helped shape our cultural history."
This recognition of Mary Haddock's tomb and other unique sites reflects Historic England's dedication to preserving overlooked yet culturally significant landmarks. These listings celebrate the diverse stories, architecture, and heritage that continue to shape the identity of modern Britain.
With AFP
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