Historic England's 'Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice' defines a Level 2 recording as a descriptive record that: "made in similar circumstances to Level 1 but when more information is needed. It may be made of a building which is judged not to require a more detailed record, or it may serve to gather data for a wider project. Both the exterior and interior of the building will be seen, described and photographed. The examination of the building will produce an analysis of its development and use and the record will include the conclusions reached, but it will not discuss in detail the evidence on which this analysis is based. A plan and sometimes other drawings may be made but the drawn record will normally not be comprehensive and may be tailored to the scope of a wider project." At its core is a written account of the buildings historical significance including a description of its development and use, its construction along with supporting measured plans, elevations, site location and sections as required. Any photographic records are complemented with site location plans indicating the position and orientation of any photos which form part of the report. This photographic record captures the current condition of the building as of April 2022 and is complemented by a descriptive record of the building's fabric both internal and external. Any evidence of changes to the building as well as any features of archaeological or architectural interest are clearly described. The significance of this Grade II listed building can be summarised as follows: Architecture " While its original roof (both the original 1877 and the later 1886 extension) finish has been altered in places with the replacement of an extensive row of timber skylights with that of slate to both the Water Street and former Silver Street elevations, coupled with minor areas of infill/alterations, its exterior remains an architectural considered piece, rich in terracotta and stone detailing. Its oriel windows are also of note. " Its vestibule, main entrance hall, main staircase, main stairwell and 1no. first floor office retain a high degree of original details that are rich in craftmanship. The timber remnants of the original lighting fittings are a rare survival. Historic " Its association with the Beechams brand, which is synonymous with over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, even today. " Its construction with electric lighting in place (likely to have occurred as part of the 1886 additions and alterations) is progressive for that time and it was the first in the St Helens area to do so. " Thomas Beecham was renowned for his high standards in quality and hygiene and this consideration appears to have carried through in terms of onsite worker provisions. Though little evidence of this remains on site, newspaper accounts from 1886 refer to the provision of 'billiard-rooms, large reading and dining rooms" for workers.
Hetherington et al. (Sat,) studied this question.