Building

The National Monuments Service's description

During the excavations in 1997 at Nos 11 and 12 Exchange Street abuilding of probable mid-17th century date was identified. Its dimensions may have equalled the combined width of both buildings. It seems initially to have been the focus of some sort of industrial activity as foundations of a substantial kiln-type feature were uncovered. A wall drain, constructed as an integral part of this structure, was also uncovered. A large fireplace with built-in wall oven marked a change of use related to the same building. In the late 17th/early 18th century thebuilding was divided in two and two houses of Dutch Billy style were constructed. Corner fireplaces in both buildings and rear dog-legged stairwells in No. 12 (giving access to basement and ground-floor levels) are the main features of this period still extant. The centrally located dog-legged stairwell in No. 11 may also date from this time. In the later 18th, 19th and 20th centuries both buildings were extensively refurbished and the first to third floors in No. 12 were demolished. A photographic and measured survey of the individual walls in both basements was undertaken (Scally, 1998, 42-3)