Hobson Memorial Pavilion

Warminster Road, Sheffield

Building

Roofed and walled permanent structures.

Asset type

Building

Age

Opened on 16 May 1928

Rarity

The building was the first pavilion for the University of Sheffield's first playing grounds.

Architectural and Artistic Interest

The building is of a symmetrical, modern institutional design with a central hall with hipped roof and stepped flat roofed wings. The steeply pitched roof, large sweeping gables, and tall chimneys is likely inspired by the work of C.F.A. Voysey, and has its roots in the Arts and Crafts Movement. The rear elevation faces Warminster Road, and is highly fenestrated in symmetrical wide windows, with a central tower flanked by gables. The principal elevation faces onto the playing fields and has projecting wings with hipped roofs bookending a long veranda and first floor terrace.

Group Value

The building is contemporary with the development of the Norton Lees suburb within which it is located, and is still attached to, and serves, playing fields to its east.

Historic Interest

The Norton Pavilion opened in 1928 at the University playing grounds, which had been established following a successful student campaign in 1910. In the year of its opening the University hosted the Inter-University Sports for the first time. Dedicated to the memory of Lieut. Leslie Faber Hobson and Major Alan Faber Hobson, who died during the First World War, and of their farther Sir Albert John Hobson. A plaque, with photographs and medals of Maj A F Hobson and Lt L F Hobson was originally located in the first floor hall, which are now situated at the University of Sheffield.

15 Aug 2022

09 Aug 2022