M.J.Rayner

Cadw's description

Location

Prominently sited on corner between Canon Street and High Street.

History

Opened in March 1894; builder Mr David Walters.

Exterior

The almost symmetrical main block, which is splayed across the corner, is 3-storey and 3á+á3á+á3-window with classical detail. Either side are 2-storey ranges in similar style, 3 + 2-bay to High Street and 3 + 2 + 2-bay to Canon Street. Slate roofs with tiled cresting. The whole composition is dominated by the unusual steeply pitched French chateau style roof to centre with ironwork crown; this has elaborate acanthus derived panelled band to base. Each 3-bay section is punctuated by advanced pilaster strips rising from the ground floor entablature; the ground floor itself has full pilasters with detail. Deep parapet to the main part (formerly stone balustraded with clock in pediment form); moulded architraves to the 2nd floor; lst floor has scrolled and lions head carved brackets carrying segmental cornice with bracket rising to 'detached' pediments. Central lst floor window over the entrance is tripartite and has scrolled detail below pediment; lettered panel above; this window appears to have once had a balcony. Semi-circular headed ground floor openings and similarly arched recesses with fluted keystones to the labels; impost band with studded ornament; lower parts of pilasters flanking each section are fluted and panelled pilasters flank modern panelled central doors (the original doors were further set back as seen in the right hand entrance, now partly blocked). All windows have been replaced by modern top hung casements.
The ground floor entablature continues across the first (3-window) parts of the lower side ranges. Similar windows but without pediments; round arched openings below, 3 to High Street and 2 to Canon Street, the latter of which have been altered in making 'Deckers'. The 2-bays beyond this in Canon Street have modern shop fronts; l-door and window to the equivalent High Street section. Lower hipped section to rear with chapel like tall round arches.

Reason for designation

Group value