94 Main Street

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A two-storey single-bay end-terrace Georgian townhouse erected in the 18th century; square plan form with a single-storey abutment to the rear. Located on the north side of principal thoroughfare through the town of Moira; adjoining a similar townhouse (HB19/22/026A) which is no longer accessed directly but from the right bay of no. 92 Main St. (HB19/22/25).

Pitched natural slate with clay ridge tiles cement rendered chimney; uPVC replacement rainwater goods throughout, fixed to a projected corbel course. Ruled-and-lined rendered walling painted white with projected smooth rendered plinth painted red. The rear elevation is rubble masonry with red brick surrounds. 2/2 timber sliding box sash windows, with horizontal glazing bars and horns; stone cills. Timber replacement front door.

The principal elevation faces southeast and is asymmetrically arranged. Single ground floor window to the right; front door to the left. Single first floor window located left of centre. Non-illuminated modern signage located between ground and first floor level.

The left gable is abutted by adjoining building (HB19/22/026A).

The rear elevation is asymmetrically arranged. The ground floor is abutted by a single-storey lean-to extension; which has undergone further modern alteration to the left hand side; of little interest. Single first floor window to the left; margin-paned window with coloured glass at landing level, to the right. Both windows behind plain wrought-iron grille.

The right gable is blank; chimney located at the apex.

Setting:

The building forms part of the two-storey Georgian terraces which largely make up the lower part of the town. A rear yard which serves several neighbouring properties is largely infilled with single storey masonry outbuildings (of no significant interest); and is accessed by a modern roller shutter located to the right, between this and the neighbouring terrace.

Roofing: Natural slate
Walling: Ruled-and-lined render
Window: Timber sliding sash
RWG: Cast-iron

Historical information

The current building forms part of a terrace that may date from the early eighteenth century, the neighbouring house bearing a datestone of 1735 (HB19/22/024).

The Rawdon family is credited with developing the town from mud and clay dwellings to stone and brick buildings in the mid- eighteenth century. By the time it was visited by Harris in 1744, Moira was 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.” (Harris)

A building is shown on the site on the first edition OS map of 1833 and in 1837 Lewis’s survey of Ireland noted that linen manufacture had declined in the town. “The town, though small, is well built, and remarkably clean; it is the property of Sir R Bateson Bart., and consists of one long spacious street...Fairs take place on the first Thursday in February, May, Aug and Nov, for black cattle, pigs, agricultural produce, pedlery &c” (Lewis, p.377)

No significant changes are shown on subsequent editions of the ordnance survey and the building could not be identified in Griffith’s Valuation or the census records of the early twentieth century. It is now in use as commercial premises.

References:

Primary sources

1. PRONI OS/6/3/13 - OS Map 1833
2. PRONI OS/6/3/13 - OS Map 1858
3. PRONI OS/6/3/13 - OS Map 1904
4. PRONI OS/6/3/13 - OS Map 1916

References:

Secondary sources

1. Canon CRJ Rudd – Moira: A Historical Handbook - Plantation Press Lisburn 674530 and Moira 619759 c.1992
2. Harris, W. and Smith, C. “The Antient and Present State of the County of Down” Dublin: A. Reilly, 1744 (Reprinted Ballynahinch: Davidson, 1977)
3. Hearth - www.hearth-housing.org.uk
4. Lewis, Samuel. “A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland” London: S. Lewis & Co., 1837.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A two-storey single-bay end-terrace Georgian townhouse erected in the 18th century, now in use as a shop. Externally the building has retained some of its historic fabric and character, although the original door has been replaced. Internally the general layout is still apparent but the interior has undergone much alteration resulting in the loss of most of its original features. Although it makes a contribution to the 18th century terrace, It is not considered of special interest and to meet the criteria for listing.

General comments

The record was renumbered from HB19/22/026.