86 Hill Street

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Three storey corner building with attics on corner of Hill Street and Margaret Street. This building is a modern replica of the previous bank on this site.

Historical information

Ulster Bank first cited here in 1921 valuation book. Site previously occupied by Victoria Hotel, originally an 18th century coaching establishment known as the King’s Arms. A late 19th century Lawrence photograph of the hotel shows a very different structure to the subsequent bank (particularly with regard to its roof profile and fenestration), so much so that the bank can be considered to be of 20th rather than 18th century date.

The original survey card dated Nov. 1969 states that “William Charles Yelverton, later Viscount Avonmore and Marie Longworth stayed on 14th August prior to marriage at Rostrevor. Marriage (or non-marriage) led to the most sensational matrimonial case in Ireland.”

Its description reads “1806, three-storey building with attics, slated roof and rendered walls, with moulded string courses. Modillions support plain eaves, there are iron finials to main roof and half hipped dormers (with pierced bargeboards). Double hung windows with plain sashes are set in openings. Having chamfered arrisses, wrought iron guards ato ground floor stone cill. Plain pilasters rise to consoles supporting pediment over main door. Moulded architrave with keystone to side door. Main elevation five windows wide”.

Records show that the building was designed by G. W .Reside of Newry. The bank was listed, but was delisted to allow for its complete rebuilding following bomb damage.

Primary Sources:

1. Valuation revision books, 1866-1930, PRONI - VAL 1B/389, p.5 (1838 valuation);
2. Valuation revision books, 1866-1930, PRONI - VAL 12B/22/16C, p.8 (1921 valuation).
3. HMMB first survey card dated 12th November 1969.
4. Lawrence photograph WL 2149

Secondary sources:
1.Newry Regeneration Project (1994), ‘Newry town trail’

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

This is a complete modern rebuild to replicate previous building and is of little architectural and no historic interest.