20 Upper Water Street

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Three storey building set between two similar properties in a terrace on west side of Abbey Way (previously known as Upper Water Street - and again known as such).

Roof is pitched with natural slates laid in diminishing courses. There are red brick chimneys to each gable. Rainwater goods are painted semicircular metal.

Wall to façade is painted lined smooth render with projecting eaves course. To ground floor left is a door serving the flat over the shop. To centre of elevation is the shop front, and to right is a coachway to the rear yard. Entire ground floor is crowned by a timber fascia (advertising occupant) with moulded timber cornice, supported by six timber panelled pilasters, which rest on irregular painted granite blocks. Flat door (to ground floor left) has four horizontal panels and a transom over. It is set between two pilasters (right one forms part of shop front). Shop front consists of two shop windows flanking a central door. Left window is smaller than other and all are separated by pilasters. To centre is a recessed, entrance lobby with glazed and panelled door into shop. Over each window and over door is modern projecting roller shutter box, each one with painted advertisements. Yard doors, (with pilasters to left and right) and wicket door, are painted t+g sheeting.

Each upper floor above has four equally spaced 1/1 sliding sash windows, all with horns and painted granite cills. Set well forward in wall with partly exposed boxes.

Historical information

Shown on 1835 OS map and described as a house rated at £36 in 1838 valuation. Described as three and a half storeys in 1863 valuation, and seemingly erected as a block with nos. 16, 18 and 22. Became licensed premises in 1905.

Primary Sources:
1.OS map 1835 edition, PRONI: OS 9/15/1/1
2. Valuation revision books, 1866-1930, PRONI - VAL 1B/389, p.50 (1838 valuation);
3. Valuation revision books, 1866-1930, PRONI - VAL 2B/3/69G, p.47 (1863 valuation);
4. Valuation revision books, 1866-1930, PRONI - VAL 12B/22/16A, p.28 (1905 valuation).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Three storey building set between two similar properties in a terrace. Good early shopfront in well proportioned façade, mostly original interior with Georgian doors and stairs to second floor in flat.

General comments

This building originally had the address 20 Abbey Way. Following various realignments etc in the area, the street name was changed to Upper Water Street, hence the change of address.