77 Main Street

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A two-storey three-bay Georgian mid terrace (former end terrace) townhouse with a rectangular plan form, over basement, with attic, built c.1735, located in the northeast end of the principal thoroughfare through the town of Moira between numbers 75, a two storey flat roof infill structure to the right hand side, and number 79 Main Street to the left.

Natural slated pitched roof with clipped verge to right hand side with clay ridge tile; two rendered chimneys unpainted with clay pots. Cast iron rainwater goods throughout with semi-circular guttering and circular down pipes, painted off-white to front elevation and green to rear elevation. Some PVC additional drainage pipes to rear. The walling is solid stone finished with a smooth ruled and lined render, painted off-white with stucco architectural detailing painted white to front elevation. White painted rendered plinth with vermiculated effect stucco quoins and detailing. The rear walling is random rubble basalt stone with 1 ½ red brick flat arch over openings and 1 ½ elliptical arch over coach entrance. The windows are generally single glazed 6/6, timber sliding box sash; no horns, painted white with large flat stone painted cills. Front elevation has stucco moulded architrave window surrounds with foliated key block over. Classical Georgian-styled front entrance dressing with stucco pilaster mouldings with foliated console and vermiculated frieze to match quoins with cornice over. 6 panelled front door with brass ironmongery; 5 equal paned fixed light over.

The principal elevation faces north and is asymmetrically arranged with the front entrance slightly offset left of centre on the ground floor with the arched coach entrance to rear yard on the left hand side and paired windows to right hand side. Three windows to the first floor are arranged uniformly across the facade.

The left gable end forms part of the wall to the carriageway which abuts number 79 Main Street.

The rear elevation faces south and is asymmetrically arranged with varying window sizes and levels; generally timber sliding box sash with two small top hung timber casement attic windows at high level.

The right gable abuts number 75 Main Street.

The site faces directly on to the principal road through Moira with direct entry off the footpath with a rear yard also accessed from the principal road via the coach entrance.

Roof Natural Slate
Walling Ruled and lined render with stucco details
Windows 6/6 single glazed timber sliding box sash
RWG Cast iron with some PVC to rear.

Historical information

Built in c.1730 during the early development of Moira, this building forms part of the two-storey Georgian terraces which line the Main Street. This development of the town from mud and clay dwellings to stone and brick buildings is credited with to Rawdon family and it is widely accepted that the completion of the village is inscribed on a date stone, located on a neighbouring building, which bears the date 1735. (Hearth)

“Harris described in 1744 as a 'well laid out and thriving village consisting of one broad street inhabited by many traders many of whom carry on linen manufacture to good advantage'” (Rudd)

The OS maps of 1833 illustrates the building as an end terrace building at the southern end of a continuous row running from the Courthouse to St. Johns Parish Church. Later maps illustrate some rear outbuildings, however these do not remain. The Annual Revisions 1866-78 identifies the dwelling as a house and yard. This is later extended to include offices (outbuildings) from 1878. The House stayed in the occupancy of the McGeown family, lessor to Thomas Brown until the valuation revision of 1933-57 records the occupier as George Reynolds, lessor to Jane Uprichard. The valuers comments at the time describe the building as being “in fair repair/ situation fair.”

The dwelling remained in use throughout the 20th century until it was vacated by John Kennedy in 1976 and remained vacant over the next decade falling into disrepair. In 1987 the Hearth Housing Association renovated the building and remains in use today as a surgery.

References – Primary sources

1. PRONI VAL/12B/21/7A - Annual Revisions 1866-78
2. PRONI VAL/12B/21/7B – Annual Revisions 1878-93
3. PRONI VAL/12B/21/7C – Annual Revisions 1894-08
4. PRONI VAL/12B/21/7D – Annual Revisions 1909-20
5. PRONI VAL/12B/21/7E – Annual Revisions 1920-29
6. PRONI VAL/12D/3/13A – Annual Revisions Map 1863-79
7. PRONI VAL/12D/3/13C– Annual Revisions Map 1895-14
8. PRONI VAL/12D/3/13E– Annual Revisions Map 1925-35
9. PRONI VAL/12E – Annual Revisions Map 1906-35
10. PRONI OS/6/3/13 - OS Map 1833
11. PRONI OS/6/3/13 - OS Map 1858
12. PRONI OS/6/3/13 - OS Map 1904
13. PRONI OS/6/3/13 - OS Map 1916
14. PRONI VAL/3D/4/12F/4 - RV Binders Val. 1933-57
15. PRONI VAL/14A/183/12 - 3RD General Revaluation Lists 1975
16. PRONI VAL/14B/256/11A - 3RD General Revaluation Lists 1976 – 1987
17. PRONI VAL/14C/248- 3RD General Revaluation Lists 1987 – 1993

References – Secondary sources

18. Canon CRJ Rudd – Moira: A Historical Handbook - Plantation Press Lisburn 674530 and Moira 619759 c.1992
19. Hearth - www.hearth-housing.org.uk

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
I. Quality and survival of Interior
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A two-storey three-bay Georgian mid terrace house, originally built c. 1735 with complementary alterations during 19th century. This formerly end of terrace Georgian townhouse displays good style and proportions and retains its original planform, sliding sash windows and an original vernacular-style dog leg stair. Despite having lost some internal finishes due to restoration and, the building, now a dental surgery, retains its residential appearance. Located in the centre of the village close to the courthouse (HB19/22/004), the building is part of a historic terrace comprising nos. 77-101 Main St. (HB19/22/005A-M) and makes a positive contribution to the heritage of Moira.

General comments

Previously recorded as HB19/22/005B