Fortress House

The building was constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons in 1949–50. It was later occupied by the Ministry of Town and Country Planning. Next it became the headquarters of the Ministry of Health in 1951, and later the headquarters of the Civil Service Commission. Finally, in 1971 it became the headquarters of the government office that became English Heritage in 1983 (the present day Historic England agency and English Heritage Trust charity). English Heritage was paid £3m to leave in 2006, ten years before the end of its lease, and moved to the old Prudential building at Holborn Bars. In 2006, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport issued a certificate of exemption from…

The main designer was Anthony Lloyd, although his partner, who was his father-in-law William Curtis Green RA (1875–1960), may also have been involved in the design. Lloyd adopted an austere style, with some classical motifs. The building was described by Nikolaus Pevsner as "large and monumental and self-consciously Lutyens, though with occasional rococo bits". Lloyd adopted a symmetrical "H" plan, with the main rectangular block of eight stories set back from the street with courtyard in front, and wings of seven stories to either side. The design maximised light and air, but broke the building line along Savile Row. It was constructed using a reinforced concrete frame with reinforced…