SPQL

The St Georges Hall in Liverpool is neo-classical and the main concert hall is roman. On the doors are swords and their hilt crossguards have the letters SPQL, a Latin reference translating to the Senate and People of Liverpool. Senate isn’t accurate in the political sense, however the building was a legal centre, with Crown Courts and cells beneath. It is also reputedly the first building credited with air conditioning, by Engineer Dr. David Boswell Reid, who also ventilated the Royal Palaces of Westminster. (More details on the schemes here)

Here is a further selection of photographs.