53 Irish Green Street

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Two storey four bay brick terraced house facing east onto Irish Green Street. Decoration of door-case is similar in style to the adjoining two buildings to the south (HB02/12/027B and 027C). However a sand cement band between the heads of the first floor windows and lack of render are features of the lower terrace to the north. The eaves are supported by a decorated brick cornice. Roof is natural slate with rooflights. A large brick chimney with eight pots is located on each end of the ridge. A passage way with flat arch at the northern end of the facade leads to the back. The door with plain rectangular fanlight adjacent is of the same height, and both are surrounded by a painted sand cement decoration. An architrave with central keystone surrounds the arch. The door is flanked by Doric pilasters with two brackets above supporting the cornice of the entablature. There are two tiled steps to the interior. Windows are two pane sliding sashes with a painted string course at first floor cill level.

To the rear is a two storey pitched return (lower than eaves) and a single storey kitchen extension both rendered. There is a long well kept garden on the rest of the site.

Historical information

'In 1884 seven excellent brick cottages were being erected in Irish Green Street. Four by W C Sherrard on the site of several low thatched cottages and three by Thomas McLaughlin’ (Rev Mullan). Ordnance Survey maps show that this plot was vacant in 1831 and occupied by a much smaller building than the neighbours to the south in 1848. The Griffiths Valuation of 1858 confirms this with a valuation of £3 5s 0d for a plot presently occupied by three houses. This largest building of the late Victorian terrace was raised to the same height and given similar details to the older pair of houses to the south. It has been in continuous occupation since as a residence. Renovations and repairs of the building were carried out in 1991.

Primary Sources:

OS Map ' Town of Limavady' (1895) PRONI:Val 2D/5/4 & 293/4/261
OS Map ' Town of Limavady' (1907) PRONI:058/120/2/3
Griffiths Valuation 1858

Secondary Sources
D Girvan, 'The Buildings of north Derry' UAHS 1975 p15

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Some late Victorian detail survives to front. Rear has been altered and modernised. Buildings interest has reduced as a result.