Former Market House

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A two-storey early 19thC former Market House aligned roughly N-S on the W-side of High Street.

Hipped artificial slate roof with central gable. Advanced eaves course supported on heavy block corbels. Half-round metal rainwater goods. No chimneys.

Principal elevation faces E. Walls are sandstone ashlar to ground floor over advanced basecourse; coursed limestone rubble to first floor. A stringcourse delineates each floor. Each floor has an arcade of four semi-elliptical ashlar arch recesses, each resting on an engaged pier with advanced band at spring of arch level. Each arch contains a window; apart from the second and fourth openings on ground floor, which contain a pair of modern stained and glazed timber doors with transom over. The fourth arch (from left) has been infilled with modern bricks; a plaque above door reads “NEWTOWNBUTLER/ CHURCH HALL”. Both doors are accessed by four stone steps. All windows are 6/6 sliding sashes with horns and stone cills, set within stepped sandstone reveals with lintel and keystone. In apex of central gable is a blind roundel with moulded stone surround.

Left and right gables are both abutted by lower two-storey buildings; the exposed section is blank. That to left gable is former hotel (HB12/02/021).

Rear elevation is abutted to ground floor by a modern lean-to addition; exposed section has three infilled window openings. Addition has artificial slate roof with plastic rainwater goods, cement rendered and painted walls over smooth basecourse, timber casement windows and modern timber door.

Historical information

This building is cited in the 1836 Valuation book and shown on the Valuation map of the same date. It is described in the 1860 Valuation book as "market house, stores and yard". The book goes on to note that the market place and weight house were on the ground floor, and two public meeting rooms and rent office were on the first floor. Rowan ascribes it to W.D. Butler, a Dublin architect, and places it at c.1830.

Primary sources:
1. First Valuation town map, c.1836 (PRONI VAL 1D/4/4, plot 59).
2. First Valuation book, 1836 (PRONI VAL 1B/411A, p.133).
3. Second Valuation town map, c.1860 (PRONI VAL 2D/4/8, plot 41).
4. Second Valuation book, Galloon Parish, Clones Union, 1860 (VAL 2B/4/7F, p.11).

Secondary Sources:
1. A. Rowan, North-West Ulster, p.437 (Harmondsworth, 1979).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
H-. Alterations detracting from building

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance

Evaluation

Although internally refurbished, its fine sandstone and limestone façade contributes positively to character of the village. Along with the adjoining building (HB12/02/021) it is one of a few exposed stone buildings within the village.