50-52 Hill Street

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A modern reinforced-concrete framed building faced with polished granite façade fronting west side of Hill Street.

Of interest is the plaque from the previous Post Office on this site which has been set into the street façade at top left. The plaque, which is of granite, depicts a lion and unicorn on either side of a crowned medallion; a ribbon scroll underneath reads “Dieu et mon droit”.

Historical information

Following representations from the local Chamber of Commerce, the Government authorised the construction of a Crown Post Office in Hill Street. Designed by Mr Cochrane, architect to the Board of Public Works in Ireland, and built by Alexander Wheelan of Canal St, Newry. It had an ornate classical façade of Newry granite. Opened in 5 March 1900 at a cost of £5700. A photograph of this structure shows the coat of arms to have been located between the eaves cornice and pediment.

The building was replaced by the present structure in 1961, the original coat of arms being integrated into its façade.

Secondary Sources:
1. Irish Builder, vol42, p.381 (1 June 1900).
2. Confederation of Community Groups, Newry District (1997), ‘Exploring living memory: Part 4- Newry, the Mournes and South Armagh’, pp 32-3.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A modern reinforced-concrete framed building faced with polished granite. The coat of arms is of local interest in recalling the previous Post Office on this site.