1876 – Proposal for New National Opera House, Thames Embankment, London

Architect: F.H. Fowler

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Never completed, lack of finance meant massive cost overruns during construction. The uncompleted Opera House was purchased after the bankrupcy of Colonel Mapleson who was the main promoter of the project, by Quilter, Morris, and Tod-Heatly shortly afterwards and the building already constructed was demolished. Construction on the site began later that year, for what is now known as the Norman Shaw North building but was originally built as the new metropolitan Police Headquarters – New Scotland Yard. However, the Theatre’s foundations, including the passageways to the Houses of Parliament were retained.

Published November 28, 2012 | Last Updated January 26, 2026

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