The Writers Building, often shortened to just Writers, is the official but currently unused secretariat building of the state government of West Bengal in Kolkata, India. The 150-meter long building covers the entire northern stretch of the iconic Lal Dighi pond at the centre of historic B.B.D. Bagh, long considered as the administrative and business hub of the city

The Writers building of Kolkata.The british East India company was build it. Then it used as the Government office, secritariate office and Ministry and cabinet. Now its an historical landmark and iconic place for Kolkata.

Writers building, One of the most interesting and historical buildings in India built by the British. Built in 1986, the building was originally intended for junior servants. Much has changed over the decades since then. This 150 meter long building has many examples of Greek and Roman architecture. There have been many memorable events here, but Lt Col NS Simpsons murder is one of them. Three Bengalis Mr. Binoy Basu, Mr. Badal Gupta and Mr. Dinesh Gupta entered the building and shot Simpson dead. Mr. Simpson gained a reputation for unspeakable torture of Indian prisoners.😯😯😯Currently this building is vacant for renovation. This place was formerly the headquarters of the government of West Bengal. This place carries many historical and political stories of West Bengal and India. The most eventful thing I have seen is the end of the 34-year rule of the Left Front Party. After Buddhadeb Bhattacharyas last speech as the Lefts chief minister, Mamata Banerjee is sitting in that seat here and she is there till this writing in 2021. He came and talked about renovating this building and left now.👈👈👈There is a huge market next to this place. So quite crowded, car parking arrangements are very bad. However, when you come here, you will see many types of shops.🙏🙏🙏

Contrary to popular belief, I do not find this place spooky. I visited this place at 8 pm and 12 noon too. The east india company was an upright torturing company yet for us bangalis, we are sons of Netaji Subhash Bose, and we look into the eyes of fear😩🤭♥️. The building looks like Lalbazar police headquarters, the colour code is almost similar- red and yellow. This place has high traffic, however good for a late night stroll.

The Writers Building, was the secretariat building of the State Government of West Bengal ...  The 150-meter long building covers the entire northern stretch of the iconic Lal Dighi pond in the downtown area of B.B.D. Bagh....

British East India Company build it. It was used for Secretarial and minstrel office. Renovation is going on.

Good place.. Buses of different routes are available here... Administrative building...

You will want to write down how amazing the Writer’s building looks. Gov’t property

Highly confidential work doing here.This building still stands today with the heritage and glory of old Calcutta.

Vintage and Historical place in Kolkata

A nice useable hestorical place.

It was constructed by Thomas Lyon to provide cheap accommodation to the clerks of the East India Company (writers), the Writers Building of Calcutta continued to evolve, through the late 1700’s and well into the 1800’s, slowly becoming the landmark structure that it is today. It acquired it’s present Greco-Roman look between 1879 and 1906, during which time, two new blocks were added, as were a large number of statues to the newly built parapet lining the terrace.Even though the Chief Minister’s office has shifted to the new building Nabanna security at Writers’ continues to be tight, and there are policemen present there day and night.

Writers Building(Bengali:Mahakaran), often shortened to just Writers, is the secretariat building of the State Government of West Bengal in India.It is located in West Bengals capital city of Kolkata. The 150-meter long Writers Building covers the entire northern stretch of the a water body locally called Lal Dighi in the B.B.D. Bagh area.Main façade of the Writers BuildingGeneral informationLocationLal Dighi, BBD Bagh, Kolkata – 700001 West BengalConstruction started1777OwnerGovernment of West BengalDesign and constructionArchitectThomas LyonThis originally served as the office for writers of the British East India Company, hence the name. Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777, the Writers Building has gone through several extensions over the years. It housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal until 4 October 2013. Now most of the departments have moved out to another building named Nabanna in Howrah on a temporary basis for facilitating renovation.

It attracts thousands of tourists from across the world, drawn to its stunning architecture and design. However, the colonial-era building has a history that’s just as interesting. While today the Writers’ (as it’s also known) houses the State Government of West Bengal, it has served multiple functions over the past centuries.

The Writers Building Mahakaran, often shortened to just Writers, is the secretariat building of the State Government of West Bengal in India.It is located in West Bengals capital city of Kolkata. The 150-meter long Writers Building covers the entire northern stretch of a water body locally called Lal Dighi in the B.B.D. Bagharea.This originally served as the office for writers of the British East India Company, hence the name. Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777, the Writers Building has gone through several extensions over the years. It housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal until 4 October 2013. Now most of the departments have moved out to another building named Nabanna in Howrah on a temporary basis for facilitating renovation.The giant pediment at the centre is crowned with the statue of Minerva. The terrace also contains several other statues and notable among them are four clusters of statues, christened Justice, Commerce, Science and Agriculture, with the Greek gods and goddesses of these four streams lZeus, Hermes, Athena and Demeter respectively flanked by a European and an Indian practitioner of these vocations.The Writers Building was designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777 for the British East India Company. In 1821 a 128 ft-long verandah with Ionic columns, each 32 ft high, were added on the first and second floors. From 1889 to 1906 two new blocks were added, approached by iron staircases that are still in use. Writers acquired its Greco-Roman look, complete with the portico in the central bay and the red surface of exposed brick. The parapet was put in place and the statues sculpted by William Fredric Woodington in 1883, that line the terrace, were installed.1776: The site of the demolished St Annes church and the adjoining plot were granted to Thomas Lyon, after whom Lyons Range is named, to construct buildings to accommodate the junior servants of the East India Company or the writers. Lyon was acting on behalf of Richard Barwell, member of the council, when Warren Hastings was governor. Writers Building was the first three-storey building in Calcutta.1800: Fort William College, opened to train writers in Oriental languages, later moved to this building. Over the next 20 years, structural changes were made: a hostel for 32 students and an exam hall, which still exist, a lecture hall, four libraries and rooms to teach Hindiand Persian.1821: A 128 ft-long verandah with Ionic columns, each 32 ft high, were added on the first and second floors.1830: The college moved out of Writers and the building fell into the hands of private individuals who turned it into living quarters, shops and godowns. The Government College of Engineering functioned from here for some time.1871–74: George Campbell, lieutenant governor-general, felt the need for a secretariat for quick disposal of work. But the East Indian Railway Company occupied a large space at Writers and was unable to find alternative accommodation.1877–82: Ashley Eden, lieutenant-governor of Bengal, was told to relocate the principal offices, housed on Sudder Street and Chowringhee, to Writers. Because of the space crunch, initially three blocks were constructed.1879–1906: Two new blocks were added, approached by iron staircases that are still in use. Writers acquired its Greco-Roman look, complete with the portico in the central bay and the red surface of exposed brick. The parapet was put in place and statues sculpted by William Fredric Woodington in 1883 were installed lining the terrace. Minerva stands above the central portico. Pre-independence, Writers had a large courtyard with seven blocks. By 1970, all 13 blocks were constructed. The main block, including the rotunda and five main blocks, are heritage structures.

Privileged to enter the historical Building of British era. Amazed to see the interior of Writers Buildings.

The Writers’ Building in Kolkata attracts thousands of tourists from across the world, drawn to its stunning architecture and design.

Tight security maintained here.

The Writers Building was designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777 for the EIC, which wanted to consolidate its trading operations in India and centralize the tax operations the EIC undertook in Mughal Bengal. Over time, as British mercantile interest in India grew and the EIC defeated the Nawabs of Bengal, it was repurposed as the effective headquarters of the EIC and later the entire British Raj in the Indian subcontinent. For more than 200 years the building served as the centre of British power and claims, as the seat of government of the Bengal Presidency and later the province of Bengal. In the early part of the twentieth century, the building was the site of agitations, violence and assassination attempts during the Indian independence movement.[2] Since Indias independence in 1947, it has served as the state secretariat and has been the location of turbulent politics, mob violence and police brutality. It has also become a popular metonym for the government of West Bengal, and especially the unbroken 34-year long Left Front rule in the state.

The Writers Building, often shortened to just Writers, is the official but currently unused secretariat building of the state government of West Bengal in Kolkata, India. The 150-meter long building covers the entire northern stretch of the iconic Lal Dighi pond at the centre of historic B.B.D. Bagh, long considered as the administrative and business hub of the city.originally served as the principal administrative office for writers (junior clerks) of the British East India Company(EIC). Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777, the Writers Building has gone through a long series of extensions over the centuries. Since Indias independence in 1947, it housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal, cabinet ministers and other senior officials, until 4 October 2013, when a major restoration of the building was announced. The majority of government departments were subsequently moved out to a new repurposed building named Nabanna in Howrah on a temporary basis.

It is one of the oldest architectures in Kolkata and one the most important historical places.Formerly it was the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal which was later moved to Navanna by the then government.

Its is the historical place of kolkata build back in 1777 by the British East India Company. Then this is run by the British government before pre independence. Its the main headquarters of East India Company. Later the building run by the chief minister of Bengal after independence. This building not only being a state government office but also it have iconic and historical value. Recently the building are under some construction.

One of the famous place in the heart of kolkata its made by British East India company this huge building is also known by its haunted and para normal activities.Its a Visitable place. This architecture and artistry is almost vanished...

Rising star on Roman reigns fan world. Vise president Donald j trump is our supirror. Dwayne Johnson fan page winner.

The Writers constructing, changed into the secretariat building of the kingdom authorities of West Bengal ... The 150-meter long constructing covers the whole northern stretch of the long-lasting Lal Dighi pond in the downtown vicinity of B.B.D. Bagh....

Construction of this impressive structure began in 1776 . For years , the building provided rent free accommodation to East India Companys junior servants called Writers . In 1882 , the Writers Building underwent transformation , a new facade using Corinthian Order , finished in red brick style emerged . Baroque statuary were introduced at the top . Today , this complex is the West Bengal Government State Secretariat .

Still the seat of power in West Bengal

Very good place , old is gold

#WritersbuildingAfter a long time, I walked on the porch of Mahakaran again. The once center of power is now almost in ruins. What many may not know is that several important departments or parts of it still remain and work in the Writers Building.Once upon a time, the office of my father, brother-in-law and uncle was in this Writers Building. When I did not enter the government service, hearing this name on someones face, I think what a distance mixed with respect. The scepter has been in this heritage building since the English period!Or there was a great restriction for the common man to enter the Writers building . Nothing more now. Most of the gates are closed. Only gates 5 and 6 open.So much negligence, carelessness, yet the building condition is so good maybe because of that period. Even now the cement sand starts falling in the flat built by the promoter after one year! I took pictures of only a few parts which are in the best condition. The condition of the rest is not visible. If you give pictures on Facebook, people would think that maybe I have gone on a tour of a haunted house! So much rubbish, dust, dirt, piled up wooden doors and windows, weeds growing on the walls, if photographed, would really hurt the memory of many people. Reporters do not publish pictures of such crime scenes.I dont know when the repair will be completed.Yet we will not forget the Writers Building. The caste that forgets its past has no future left.He will not be born a Bengali.Even in these difficult times, the employees and many others who make a living by meeting the various needs of government employees have not lost their sincerity. When someone comes from outside, they greet very warmly.After returning home, after listening to the story of the writers, my father said that his mind was very happy and refreshed, remembering the old office.Writers have a number of food stalls, canteens, and always have their own freshly baked plate of freshly priced food. A couple of years ago, I was eating with my friend Bharati at the store opposite the Writers Medical Cell, but I couldnt even walk past the store. When I came back I said fish fry day one. Grandpa of the shop said sit down, I am bringing fresh fried food from the kitchen.The rain came as soon as I sat down. Soaking wet in the pouring rain, I returned home to take a bite of that freshly fried fishfry for 40 rupees.

It is now heritage buildings in Kolkata. Here have worked many department and it is government head office in West Bengal.

The Writers Building, often shortened to just Writers, is the secretariat building of the State Government of West Bengal in India.[1] It is located in West Bengals capital city of Kolkata. The 150-meter long building covers the entire northern stretch of the iconic Lal Dighi pond in the downtown area of B.B.D. Bagh.It originally served as the principal administrative office for writers (junior clerks) of the British East India Company. Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777, the Writers Building has gone through several extensions over the years. Since Indias independence in 1947, it housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal until 4 October 2013. The majority of government departments were subsequently moved out to another building named Nabanna in Howrah on a temporary basis for facilitating renovation.The building has been called a mini-township of sorts with a built-up area of around 550,000 square feet. Before the shifting of the state secretariat, the building housed 34 departments and other offices of the state government, with approximately 6,000 employees.As of August, 2019, the renovation of the building continues.HISTORYThe Writers Building was designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777 for the British East India Company. In 1821 a 128 ft-long verandah with Ionic columns, each 32 ft high, were added on the first and second floors. From 1889 to 1906 two new blocks were added, approached by iron staircases that are still in use. Writers acquired its Greco-Roman look, complete with the portico in the central bay and the red surface of exposed brick. The parapet was put in place and the statues sculpted by William Fredric Woodington in 1883, that line the terrace, were installed.The building was intended to be the effective headquarters of the East India Company in the Bengal province of the Mughal Empire.1776: The site of the demolished St Annes church and the adjoining plot were granted to Thomas Lyon, after whom Lyons Range is named, to construct buildings to accommodate the junior servants of the East India Company called writers. Lyon was acting on behalf of Richard Barwell, member of the council, when Warren Hastings was governor. Writers Building was the first three-storey building in Calcutta.1800: Fort William College, opened to train writers in Oriental languages, later moved to this building. Over the next 20 years, structural changes were made: a hostel for 32 students and an exam hall, which still exist, a lecture hall, four libraries and rooms to teach Hindi and Persian.1821: A 128 ft-long verandah with Ionic columns, each 32 ft high, were added on the first and second floors.

The writers building used to be the central administrative office of West Bengal. Identified as the place where the Chief minister works...I mean pretend they do. The Writers Building remains as it is and has been for years. The architecture attracts you. The red building says you tales of eras gone by. The location at the very famous BBD bag or Dalhousie crossing. The traffic is usually fast here.Note: The Writers Building is no more the working place for Chief Minister, it has been Shifted to Nabanna.This place is 15 minutes bus ride from Howrah Station. 5 mins from Eden Gardens(Reviewed already)

Designed in 1777 by British government, now a government building state govt. WB in kolkata near Central metro Station.

Running with safe and security. Full precautions and sanitization is going on every working day.

It housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal until 4 October 2013. Now most of the departments have moved out to another building named Nabanna in Howrah on a temporary basis for facilitating renovation of the WritersThe building went under renovation in late 2013, in a project costing ₹2 billion (US$31 million). Prior to this, the state Secretariat and Chief Ministers office temporarily shifted to the Howrah River Bridge Commissioners Building named Nabanna in Howrah. In February 2014, the project was stalled after conservation experts and the state Public Works Department found the plan submitted by an architect firm insufficient

Its nice place

A grim shabby place with not so clean toilets, staircases which was once the nerve centre of West Bengal administration. As the administrative set up shifted to Nabanna, Howrah, Writers Building lost its glory. With msjor portion of the building demolished, it is going through a remodelling phase which may take few more years

Writers Building is located at the centre of historic BBD Bagh in Kolkata. It originally served as the principal administrative office for writers (junior clerks) of the British East India Company. It is a beautiful iconic building. Since Indias independence in 1947, it housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal, cabinet ministers and other senior officials until 2013. Now the Building is under restoration. It is a heritage landmark and a major tourist attraction in Kolkata.

Awsome infrastructure of this building....looks amazing 👍❤

Among the historical beauties of Kolkata.

One of the most traditional building in Kolkata.

Former seat of West Bengal Goverment machinery. Now shifted to Nabanna. Historic building.Housed lower division clerk of East India Company called Writers and thus this building got its name. Now nearly empty.

This is my work place

Once upon a time it was the seat of power of the east India company and from here the east India company oversaw its territorial expansion over the Indian subcontinent. After the sepoy mutiny in 1858 when the power to administrate India changed hands, from the east India company to the British parliament, even then this remained the seat of British power in India till 1911, when Delhi became the capital of India. After that the writers building was used for controlling the province of Bengal and till 2011 it remained the seat of power in west Bengal. The present government of West Bengal due to its ignorance of historical knowledge and insight is giving a step motherly treatment to this historical writersbuilding and it is so unfortunate and demeaning that because of political ideologies or rather lack of it and to be specific, if I can take the liberty to say so, because of its colour red, this writers building has lost in shine and glory in the present day Bengal and today it bears the sad testimony of desertion and decay.

Huge red colored heritage building of Kolkata. Once this was West Bengal state ministers office, now the place is under renovation and the office has been shifted to Nabanna.

The Writers Building (Bengali: মহাকরণ, translit. Mahakaran), often shortened to just Writers, is the secretariat building of the State Government of West Bengal in India. It is located in West Bengals capital city of Kolkata. The 150-meter long Writers Building covers the entire northern stretch of the a water body locally called Lal Dighi in the B.B.D. Bagh area.This originally served as the office for writers of the British East India Company, hence the name. Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777, the Writers Building has gone through several extensions over the years. It housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal until 4 October 2013. Now most of the departments have moved out to another building named Nabanna in Howrah on a temporary basis for facilitating renovation.

House of authority and power

This building traditionally used to be the state Head quarter of Government of West Bengal. After shifting the same to Nabanna, it has lost its pride. It requires a thorough repair.

Historically significant building constructed at various phases .. good one n well maintained

This building has a historic background from British Era in India. This was the Administrative head office of West Bengal also after freedom. But few years ago office has shifted to the Nabanna for renovation work of Writers Building. It has a beautiful architecture style which is still now fantastic.

Very nice place

Headquarters of many Government offices.

Old but still looks good

Heritage building. Currently undergoing renovations.

A major structure of the colonial era that relates to the grandeur of the British India

Official building and a Heritage of Kolkata since British Territory!

Evergreen place

Landmark building having rich heritage of British era which reminds rule of East India Company over Indians for centuries and armed freedom movement of few brave Bengalis. After running secretariat from here up to 1st decade of 21st century since independence, now renovation work has been taken up.

It originally served as the principal administrative office for writers (junior clerks) of the British East India Company. Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777, the Writers Building has gone through several extensions over the years. Since Indias independence in 1947, it housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal until 4 October 2013. The majority of government departments were subsequently moved out to another building named Nabanna in Howrah on a temporary basis for facilitating renovation.

Great place in kolkata

Indias one of the heritage building and great architectures.

Condition of the office building is not upto the mark. There is no sign of maintenance.

Government administration office

Old building 🏫 great 😊

🙂

Waao such a historical and beautiful building....

Legendary building

Heritage building.

My most favourite place in Calcutta!

Classic,, historical,,very big,,and most important at very first you cant remember all the block very easily,,😉😉 this happened with me.

Historically great.Although renovation going on.

Nice building and my father is employee of this building

The Writers’ Building in Kolkataattracts thousands of tourists from across the world, drawn to its stunning architecture and design. However, the colonial-era building has a history that’s just as interesting. While today the Writers’ (as it’s also known) houses the State Government of West Bengal, it has served multiple functions over the past centuries.Built in 1777, the Writers’ Building was meant to accommodate junior servants, or ‘writers’ as they were called, of the East India Company. When it was leased to the company in 1780 for this purpose, it was described as looking like a ‘shabby hospital, or poor-house‘. After several structural changes over the next couple of decades, Fort William College set up camp there, training writers in languages such as Hindi and Persian, until around 1830. In the years that succeeded, the dwelling was used by private individuals and officials of the British Raj as living quarters and for shopping.

A historical place built in British era this building is very much famous for the great freedom fighter of bengal Binay Badal & Dinesh this area is named after these great freedom fighter B B D Bag

Heritage place of kolkata.

Hunted house

It was nice experience

Very good place

Presently this heritage building is under renovation.

A great piece of British Architecture in West Bengal

It is the secretariat building of the State Government of West Bengal in India.The Writers Building originally served as the office for writers of the British East India Company, hence the name. Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777 the Writers building has gone through several extensions over the years. In 1821 A 128 ft-long verandah with ionic style columns, each 32 ft high, were added on the first and second floors. From 1889 to 1906 two new blocks were added.

Historic buildings power centre of the British Raj

This writers building is now transform in a historical heritage. Bt once upon a time this building was most famous. and so important it was build in 1777s time of East India Company for their official work. This look like so awesome.

The writers building is a heart of this world. this is a haunted house in some times of day and every night for its hauntedfull activities in the store room of this house.

Historical Bhavan in Bengal.Govt of W B directo in here.Now shifting in the Na banna.

The Writers’ Building, located in the capital city of Kolkata, is a secretariat building of State Government of West Bengal. It is one of the many heritage buildings situated in Kolkata that brings out the essence of the British East India Company era. Stretched across Lal Dighi, a local water body in the B.B.D Bagh area of Kolkata, it has served as the office of Chief Minister of West Bengal up until 2013.One gets to witness the impressive colonial architecture standing in the heart of the city. The glistering red structure has served as numerous offices, and there are rooms full of piles of paper. The Secretariat of West Bengal Government has shifted out of Writer’s Building to a new office known as Nabanna for temporary basis as Writers’ Building is under renovation currently. The lump-sum amount for the renovation project is INR 200 crores.

THIS IS HEART OF INDIA.

Nice place

The Writers’ Building in Kolkata attracts thousands of tourists from across the world, drawn to its stunning architecture and design. While today the Writers houses the State Government of West Bengal.CenturiesAmong the many notable events that occurred during the building’s lifetime, the most memorable one perhaps was the assassination of Lt Col NS Simpson, the infamous Inspector General of Prisons. Three Bengali revolutionaries – Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta and Dinesh Gupta – disguised themselves as Westerners to get inside the Writers’ Building and shot the colonel, who was notorious for his brutal oppression of Indian prisoners. It is from the names of these freedom fighters that BBD Bagh – the central business district of Kolkata (and the location of Writers’ Building) – gets its name.

Established in the year of 1777...this place stands as an important landmark of indian freedom movement by Binoy Badal and Dinesh Bag....this place is also having one of the most interesting architecture ...this huge red building stands as the capital of west bengal. Previously ....but still now repair works are still going on...

Its a good place to visit and see all the electronics items available by near by.

The Writers’ Building is also known as Mahakaran and was constructed from the year 1777 by Thomas Lyon who was the chief designer for this building.The main purpose for the construction of such a building was to accommodate the writers of the British East India Company. The place got its name from the fact that it provided workplace and residence to the writers or other servants of the East India Company.Today the Writers’ Building is the secretariat of the state government of West Bengal and also the main office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal. It is located in the capital city of Bengal, Kolkata which used to be the capital of India for most parts of the British Raj.The giant entrance or the pediment is marked by the statue of Minerva on the top who was the virgin goddess of poetry, medicine, and wisdom. There are few notable statues on the top portion of the terrace.Most mentionable statues on the terrace of Writers’ Building are that of Zeus, Hermes, Athena, and Demeter who have the inscription of Justice, Commerce, Science, and Agriculture christened below the statues.The main facade of the building is red brick like in color and is a symbol if gothic and Roman architecture. The building is 150 meters long and is on the shore of the water body commonly called Lal Dighi in Kolkata.Nearby there’s the Reserve bank of India building and the General Post Office of Kolkata. Today various departments of the West Bengal chief ministers’ regime are housed in the Writer’s Building.Various incidences and important events of India’s struggle of Freedom took place here and the site is remembered for that purpose.

Classical place

Friendly security. Helped me lot.

Located at the centre of Kolkata on Binay Badal Dinesh Bag opposite Lalgighi, the Writers Building or Mahakaran has been used as the administrative head quarter of the Government of West Bengal for a long time since the British colonial regime. Office of a number of departments of the Government of West Bengal are situated at this heritage building. However, presently renovation works are going on at this building and administrative head quarter of the Government of West Bengal has been shifted to Nabanna in Howrah as a consequence.

It is the office of chief minister housed in a humongous British era building

The Writers’ Building was served as the office for writers of the British East India Company and housed the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal. Writers Building is one of the major land mark of city of joy and must see tourist destination

One of the most important and historical building in the history of India...

Beautiful place.

Administrative headquarter of British East India company in British era. After independence, it became the secretariat building of West Bengal Govt. History has many stories in every nooks & corners of Writers Building. Built as an office for Writers by the British that eventually evolved as the headquarter of WB govt.(now shifted to Nabanna). This famous red building in BBD Bagh is of immense historical interest.