The Big Windsor

Cadw's description

Location

On corner to W of Pilotage Building.

History

Licensed in 1855, rebuilding of 1882 by E W M Corbett, architect and alterations of 1892 by W J Grylls, architect. Known as 'Big Windsor' to distinguish hotel from smaller 'Windsor Arms' formerly existing on N side of Stuart Street. Under renovation at time of inspection (autumn 1997).

Exterior

Stuccoed 3-storey building on corner site. North front with 4 bays, parapet and modillion cornice, channelled blocking course. Second floor windows have stucco architraves and hornless sashes. First floor windows with cornice to architraves, and 2 hornless and 2 horned sashes. Ground floor channelled (some pebbledash) with windows set in 6 round-headed arches with stucco archivlots and keystones. Arches articulated by Doric pilasters. Spandrels of arches have moulded vine leaves and grapes. Stepped E front of 5 bays with central bay projecting, and with stepped parapet with Grecian detailing. Flanking bays follow N front, all second floor sashes hornless, all first floor horned. In central bay, second floor tripartite sash window with consoles over. Balconied first floor tripartite window with pilasters and entablature with medallions. Balcony flanked by lamps on brackets. Shallow Greek Doric portico with fanlight above. Ground floor windows large pane sashes. To S, asymmetrical three bay elevation following that to N, but without arched ground floor. To W, elevation altered with modern full-height brick extension. To S, length of iron railings on low wall of Radyr Stone.

Reason for designation

Elaborate public house with group value with adjacent listed structures. Group value.