Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
National Westminster Bank
Criccieth, Gwynedd, Wales
A Grade II listed building in Criccieth, Gwynedd, designated on 12 December 1994.
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Commercial
- Date of designation
- 12 December 1994
- Community
- Criccieth
- Unitary authority
- Gwynedd
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.91962, -4.23436
- Cadw reference
- 15369
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
5 historical maps cover this location, the earliest the 1795 map "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Historical maps covering this location
- 1795 · To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most… (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales)
- 1883 · Watershed map England, Wales 3. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1896 · Sheet 7. Ordnance Survey of England and Wales. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1899 · 118 Nevin (Hills) (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1901 · Sheet 9 and 10. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
Cadw's description
Location
On the W corner with the lane that leads up past the Lion Hotel.
History
Formerly the National Provincial Bank which operated in Criccieth from its branch in Pwllheli until 1919 before establishing a sub-branch in the town. The first bank building was quickly replaced on a new site with the present building, designed in 1923 by Frederick Charles R. Palmer, surveyor to the National Provincial Bank.
Exterior
Random squared rubble, with ashlar dressings and steep splay stone roof recessed behind parapets which are stepped up at either gable to the end wall stacks. Single storeyed, with banking hall in main block and offices in rear ranges - a gabled wing to E and flat roofed W wing. Angled corner with entrance in segmentally arched doorway with mullioned leaded overlight. Asymmetrical gabled return to right of doorway with 3-tier 3-light mullioned and transomed window, and ashlar panel above it incorporating the name of the bank. Rear wing with crow-stepped gable and parapet, and 2-light mullioned and transomed window, set back beyond. Elevation to street has shallow canted 6-light mullioned and transomed bay window towards centre, with flanking single light transomed windows. Ashlar recessed panel incorporating name of bank above central window.
Interior
The banking hall is open to the roof, which has collar strut trusses carried on stone corbels. Original fittings have been retained: simple C17-style panelling to walls and counter, and corner fireplace with Delft tiles.
Reason for designation
A purpose-designed bank of exceptional quality, using the Arts and Crafts principles of local materials and expressive massing in a highly unusual and striking design, which is an important feature in the High Street.
Nearby in the register
- Bryn Hir Arms including Archway to yardCommercialunder 1 mi
- George IV HotelCommercialunder 1 mi
- Cafe CwrtDomesticunder 1 mi
- Capel MawrReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.