9 Lower Main Street

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Two storey, three bay terraced house detailed in the simple Georgian manner. Central block of a group of three. Painted on smooth rendered façade, natural slate roof, cast iron rainwater goods. Two brick chimneys on ridge one at each end of building. Sixteen pane sash windows flank central entrance door. Windows of ground and first floor align. Stone cills, simple sand cement architrave. Ground floor windows taller. Three pane rectangular fanlight over door. Small two pane lights to side. Doors and windows appear to be recent replacements. Flight of five steps to door rising from Eastern side. They are protected by a simple steel balustrade. Balustrade and steps also modern replacements.

To rear large two storey extension with chimney on gable covers width of building. Steel fire escape stair leads to the first floor flat.

Historical information

The building was probably rebuilt or renovated after the lease of Ogilby’s lapsed and the buildings reverted to the Skinner’s Company. Improvements to the town began after this date. Because of the town improvements the Company contributed towards the capital cost of the Limavady Dungiven railway. Towards the end of the 19th century the company began to dispose of their properties.

Building was used as Police barracks for a time, recorded in Griffiths V B 1858.

References

Primary Sources
1. Griffith V B 1858 Police Barracks lessor William Ross Val. exempt.
2. O.S. Map 1st Edition 1832 Co Londonderry sheet 24.

Secondary Sources
1. Information from adjacent owner.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A simple Georgian style small town house with elegant entrance door and approach steps and as part of a terrace makes a pleasing approach to the western end of Dungiven.