Queen Anne House – Featured in The Maidenhead Advertiser

18 May 2021

Whilst recent years may have worn away the fresh face of Queen Anne House on Broadway, it is presently a hive of activity as the building undergoes a substantial, sympathetic, refresh carried out by local company Skilled King Limited.

The full extent is yet to be revealed but work so far is evident in the distinctive refresh of the sunlight yellow facade and, if you catch a glimpse through the window, the old staircase has been revealed and looks to be receiving some sensitive care and attention, as does the grand drawing room to the front.

The full history of this elegant old building within the Conservation Area of Maidenhead town centre is somewhat sketchy and the current owners, Maidenhead Managed Offices, are appealing to any historians in the area who may help in piecing together its history. 

Although not obvious from the outside, the connected buildings together comprise the whole corner of Queen Street and Broadway, incorporating Queen Anne House to the front elevation of Broadway and The Banking Hall (41 Queen Street) to the corner of Queen Street and Broadway. A modern addition constructed in 2002/2003 now comprises a light filled atrium and further office accommodation to the rear. 

Queen Anne House is a Grade II Listed building believed to date back to the 18th century when it was originally part of a farmhouse serving St Ives Place manor estate. The interior still retains part of the original mouldings together with ornate fireplaces, period ceilings, and a beautiful stained-glass window. 

Whilst Queen Street is known to have been laid out in 1872 to connect the High Street to the new railway station, it is unclear how far back The Banking Hall’s history goes but it is believed to have been built for the Midland Bank in 1903. There is still evidence of the banking history in the vaulted cellars that connect the buildings below ground and the imposing stone entrance (Portland or Ham stone) is reminiscent of many of Midland Bank’s significant buildings of the period.

If you can help with any valid information on the history of either of these important historic buildings, please contact Angela at enquiries@maidenheadmanagedoffices.co.uk