By Nima Suchak
Family of famed architect Joseph Goddard present historic archives to ISKCON
The archives of famed Leicestershire architect Joseph Goddard were handed over to ISKCON in a ceremony on Monday 14th November.
Tony and Joe Goddard, the great grandsons of Joseph Goddard, the architect of Leicester’s Clock Tower and the grade 2* listed former bank on Granby Street, signed over archives and their copyright to the care of ISKCON in the presence of members of Leicester City Council, representatives from The Victorian Society, historians and design students.
The archives will be placed in a newly built Heritage Room at the Centre for the benefit of schools, colleges, universities, and the general public.
Joseph Goddard designed and built the grade II* listed heritage property at the heart of Leicester City Centre in 1874 as the headquarters of the Leicestershire Banking Company. The spectacular gothic building which is now an ISKCON Centre has long been acknowledged as a landmark in Leicester’s Victorian architecture, and one of Goddard’s most important works. The building is set to contribute to regeneration, engagement and a place of a multi-variety of activities to suit the needs of all people.
On the gifting of the archives, Tony Goddard, an architect himself said:
“The Goddard family are delighted that the archive of their papers and drawings, a record of the family’s architectural endeavours over the past 160 years, are to finally find a long term home in one of Joseph Goddard’s best known buildings, the original Leicestershire Banking Company’s building on Granby Street, and now the new home to ISKCON. The archive will now be properly catalogued, and available for public access.”
This is a major milestone in the history of Iskcon. The repose of Goddard’s archives demonstrates the deep trust of the family of one of British society’s most notable figures. That trust is not given lightly; it is earned over years of responsible behavior as is required in any relationship – personal, business, or societal. The devotees in Leicestershire have much to proud of, and, of course, they have built on the reputation established by the Manor and all the other Iskcon centers. Srila Prabhuapda is certainly VERY pleased. Congratulations to the entire UK yatra, and, especially, to the leaders and congregation of Leicestershire. Sri Sri Radha Madhava are surely smiling upon them.